“Two Angels and A Dream” is the debut album from Geffen
recording artists and California natives Depswa. Destined for stores in late
April, the band has already been touring for months in preparation for the
release, hitting the road with bands like Mudvayne, Taproot, and most recently
the Trust Company/Blindside tour. Although the bands unique sound defies easy
description, I think it could vaguely be described as melodic hard rock although
it encompasses much more than just one sound or genre. Similarities could
possibly be made to System of A Down or Stone Sour with their free lyrical
structure that is jagged yet flowing. It has a soul baring quality, infused with
a gut wrenching intensity. It gives way to powerful imagery and a heavy
percussive feel.
Opening track “Let It Go” is a perfect example of a song that is
lyrically driven and tells a story, something you find evident in every single
track off this CD. Next up is the hook laden “This Time” which is slated to
be the band’s first single followed by the anguish ridden “Not Responsible”
which is a mixture of poetic rhythm and frenetic energy. Overall the sound is
raw, heavy, and emotion driven. Highly memorable, it creates positive energy, a
venting of frustration and a healing all at once. A good example of this energy
presents itself in the fourth track, with “Sleeping Pills” and later with
the haunting “Silhouette.”
There are so many favorites off this offering that I found it really hard to
pick just one. If I was forced I would have to say “From the Inside” which
showcases the tremendous talent and primal energy of drummer Gordon Heckamen. I
also became addicted to “Prom Song” where vocals from front man Jeremy
Penick create such a vibrant sound that you can hear the gossamer hues of
melody, serpentine strands that float and then drop heavily to become an
achingly poignant memory. Guitar work by Dan Noonan and James Mills blend into
complex rhythms turned addicting by the addition of a heavy bass sound provided
by Ryan Burchfield.
Brooding melodies abound in moments such as “Tragedy” a melodic rocker
that weaves a poetic spell of sound around you. Another of my favorites was the
striking “Needles” an anthem to the soul stealing evils of drug use. Other
highlights include the title track “Two Angels and A Dream” a song that
tells the story of Penick’s decision to follow his musical journey.
The Production, sound, and delivery of this album are excellent. Produced in
Los Angeles by Howard Benson, (POD, Blindside) Engineer Mike Plotnikoff (Kiss,
POD) and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, it showcases the unique dynamics of Depswa’s
music. A perfect mixture combining elements of melodic, modern hard rock with
eloquent songwriting and powerful lyrical and musical delivery. With repeated
listening, “Two Angels and A Dream” will leave you with its addicting
melodies permanently embedded in your memory, and a feeling that is both
comforting and disturbing at the same time. To find out more about the band,
where they are at on tour, and the latest updates on the release of this album
visit their official website at www.depswa.com.
