Brian Vander Ark: Angel, Put Your Face On
Rating: 
(Independent, 2006) When you have had an album sell one and half million copies, your life should be set, right? Everything should fall into place for a lengthy and wealthy career. Ten years ago, these were the prospects facing Brian Vander Ark. His band, the Verve Pipe, was in the process of selling over a million copies of their major label debut Villains. Fresh off of the success of that album, the band waited three years before the release of their self-titled second album for RCA. When sales fell way short of expectations, the noose was being tied. Following the release of their final album, Underneath, the band was dropped mid-tour from RCA.
So these are the prospects through which BVA has lived. He has regrouped and released a well received solo album, Resurrection on Brash Music in 2003. Since that time he has married, had a daughter, recorded a live album, and toured incessantly across the country. Looking back, and after hearing the new album, Resurrection seems like an introduction.
Angel, Put Your Face On is a step forward, both lyrically and musically. The production of Ken Coomer (Wilco) and Charlie Brocco is a perfect match for these 10 songs. Their are even a few electronic flourishes, and a new sense of musical adventurism. Unlike Resurrection, this album is a almost wholly positive affair, with songs of new love, hope, and peace.
Angel… kicks off with “I Don’t Wanna Be A Bother,” a stinging attack on those far right wingers, who apparently really bug Brian. The song is a bit wordy, but the rollicking guitars (acoustic and electric) drive this song to a fitting end. Also, the lyric “..and join the class of ‘96/where MTV’s an empty fix/for all the other weekly flavors” provides a dig at himself, and his old record label. “Too Good for this World” has a tremendous outro, with a George Harrison line in the coda. “Belong” has “hit record” written all over it. If this Daniel Powter guy can have a hit with that boring “Bad Day”, then this song should be a #1. It contains a great hook, and perfect instrumentation. The lyric speaks of hope, coming from despair. Perfect. “Nothing but Time” is a song of love, and warning. “Survival” lightens the mood, with a bouncy guitar attack, and a cheery chorus. “Another Good Man” treads similar ground to “When I’m Gone” on Resurrection. A smart lyric, and a simple guitar. “History” could be a Wilco track from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but instead BVA uses the different sonics to frame a song of wonder. “God only knows” he repeats, and we share the sentiment. With “A Trip to Omaha,” BVA comes up with a Boss-like story song framed around two seperate trips. “Based Upon the Way” is an uptempo track of love to his wife. “The Heart that Keeps You” finishes off the record with an inspirational lyric, and a plea to work together.
The album is tied together by some of the most consistent songwriting of Brian’s career, with the Verve Pipe or otherwise. The flourishes in the production point to what could be a more exploratory vision for his music. His voice remains a powerful instrument, and transmits his words perfectly.
The album does have a few missteps, mainly in the running time. At 37 minutes, the disc flies by, making you want more. The sequence of songs is also lacking. The first four songs establish the album, then the middle kind of drags.
To put it bluntly, this is the best album he has. He will have a tough time topping this, but I believe he might have it in him. If the first album was an introduction, then this is his resurrection.
Buy album– Jeff Crowder