Where is Love? Definitely in Orange County, directed at the pop/rock group, Adam’s Attic. Though far from their Louisiana origin, this band seems to have no trouble making their name known throughout Southern California.
Their fourth album, titled Where is Love, was tracked in Santa Ana’s Sound Asylum and is expected to release this March. Anticipation for these tracks has been building since their previous album Skylines and City Lights in 2009, which included the fan-favorite song “Waiting.”
This album’s songs are collaborated by centralizing on the merit for human perseverance. Set out to inspire hope amongst their listeners, the lyrics draw attention to global matters. Contrary to the band’s prior albums, Where is Love was created specifically to address the hardships that we see ourselves overwhelmed with today. Joe Henry, lead singer and chief songwriter, produces lyrics intended to instill optimism amongst their fans.
With each artist mastering a different element of music, their diversity syncs together flawlessly, and their composition allows them to “continually [produce] positive and inspirational music for fans.” Derek Henry serves as Joe Henry’s backing vocalist as well as the band’s bass guitarist. Frank DeSalvo plays lead guitar aided by the rhythm of Keith Frey, and Scott Boaz propels the tempo on drums.
Their individual contributions can be distinguished in “Sing Me Anything,” an unreleased track from Where is Love. Opening with light guitar chords coupled by soft singing, the sudden change of cadence initiated by drummer Boaz catches me off guard. Joe avoids the agonizing yelling technique that many resort to in a desperate reach for emotion. His vocal capabilities amaze me as he ranges from a soothing lull to a powerful cry that “the world’s an empty canvas.”
When the song reaches its chorus, the energy of every member is manifested as they climax together. Along with an intense chorus, the verses are varied by impressive guitar solos.
Passion is a vital element in any form of music composition, and while I do not regularly listen to pop/rock, I found Adam’s Attic’s level of emotion to be captivating. Unlike bands of similar classification, Adam’s Attic distinguishes itself by producing music with genuine emotion. Joe Henry doesn’t simply sing the lyrics; he infuses them with the sincerity that their own experiences have granted them.
Adam’s Attic’s ability to display their own emotions as well as draw upon their audience’s is a key quality. Having personally experienced life-changing hardships originating with 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, this five-man group is united by gratitude and a passion for music.
The members of Adam’s Attic take it upon themselves to uplift the spirits of their listeners during this dynamic period. With recent events, particularly the Gulf oil spill, affecting them on a personal level, these men respond in song. Rather than ignoring adversity, they address it with music themed to encourage awareness and motivate optimism.
While most of their photographs appear to feature a serious group of musicians, in actuality their personalities are far from this. Homemade videos can be found on the band’s Myspace and YouTube pages that prove they aren’t always pensive – unless there’s some overlooked meaning behind filming a shaved beard for nearly two minutes.
Fortunately, their intended messages saturate their music. As many turn to to songs for refuge, Adam’s Attic supplies the love that is lacking today.
