Search - Aaron Sprinkle :: Bareface

Greg W. (autobodycad) from MOWEAQUA, IL
Reviewed on 11/27/2010...

Already being an owner of Lackluster, which includes most of the best tracks from this album, I didn't necessarily have a strong reason to acquire this disc, too. But one standout track new to me, "No Reason to Pretend", almost took my breath away. It's all of 2:25 long, but sticks in your head for days later, its simple, beautiful melody putting a smile on your face as you ponder the lyrics.

"We come around, A circle meets, At last I feel I'm closer to beginning.
A gentle word, A quiet heart, A soul that stirs another one to start.

You'll never know dear how much you breathe
Strength and courage into me
And as the day comes closer to an end
I find no reason to pretend."

"The Patron", "Running in My Head" and "Gravel" are the other tracks to be found solely here. In my opinion, they fall a bit short of the rest, especially "Gravel", but on balance the great outweigh the merely okay, and the gem of "No Reason to Pretend" is almost worth the price alone.

Aaron Sprinkle is a master of melody, and keeping the semi-acoustic arrangements simple is key to his successful formula. If you're a fan of indie rock and alternative singer/songwriters, and especially if you like any of Sprinkle's work as a solo artist, or with his bands Fair, Rose Blossom Punch or Poor Old Lu - you will enjoy this album.

Completely unexpected

08/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I shy away from Christian rock (so earnest!) and I'm not a huge fan of POL -- the brilliant musicianship on their CDs too often gives way to predictable high-volume tediousness. But this CD is really diferent -- simple production, brilliant lyrics, great playing, strong melodies, the feel of complete honesty. Older listeners may sometimes find some of the comfortable conventions of the '60s here. For example, a few of the tracks ("Sweeter than Me", for example) have an occasionally folksy quality -- like Paul Simon on brain steroids. And Kevin Suggs has that Sneaky Pete Kleinow thing down cold. But in fact, this is new music of the best kind. But trust me and buy this CD. Two months ago, I didn't know who Aaron Sprinkle was. Now I can't wait to hear more of him. What a smart guy. If this is what they mean when they talk about "Christian rock", then, by God, I'm saved."

Breaking the Mold

d.brown | Redmond, WA United States | 01/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From Poor Old Lu, to Rose Blossom Punch, and now to his solo projects, Aaron's work has been truly inspired. He has amazing talent, and is like a breath of fresh air in this world where music has become a mere formula. Aaron breaks the mold and produces over and over again music with depth, fullness, and character. Each of his solo albums is marked by different, equally pleasing styles. His latest, "Bareface", is a raw, passionate record that I would recommend to anyone. Musically, it seems like a blend of the edgier "Kindest Days" and the more acoustic "Moontraveller", but I almost hesitate to say this because it implies that they are somewhat close in likeness, and they are not. There are three traits of Aaron's music that ring true in every album. The first are his lyrics- in a shallow world such as the one we live in, they leave you speechless. They resound with emotion. But it's not just the lyrics, its the way he arranges them and the unmatched style in which he delivers them. This is the second trait. Aaron's vocals are perhaps the best I've ever heard. They are intriguing and piercing and strengthen the emotional depth of his lyrics. The last trait is quite simple - unmatched, unrivaled, completely original music. The music industry is often, sadly, separated into Christian and secular music, and for a long time Christian music has fallen short of secular music from a quality perspective. With Aaron Sprinkle and the bands he has started or played in (Poor Old Lu, Rose Blossom Punch, The World Inside), and even produced, the bar is being raised for the originality and quality of Christian music, and Aaron has been a big part of making music just that - music, without the Christian or secular label. The musician still has faith, but the music can be about the music. I honestly believe there is no other musician to rival Aaron Sprinkle in his style and songwriting."