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“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.