Search - Innocence Mission :: Umbrella

A Band That Lives Up To It's Name

Gordon Hackman | Buffalo Grove, IL | 01/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Innocence Mission is one of my favorite bands, and, though it's hard to choose, Umbrella is probably my favorite album by them. In an age that seems to prize the vulgar, ugly, stupid, crass, noisy, overhyped and famous, they make music that is graceful, beautiful, thoughtful, reflective, and that celebrates the goodness of faith and of normal, everyday life. The sound is comprized primarily of Don Peris's sometimes swirling and lush, sometimes sparse and delicate guitars, and the lilting, almost elfin voice of wife Karen. These combine with a solid rythm section of drums and bass to create songs that are sometimes explosive burst of joy ("And Hiding Away"), sometimes driving and anthemic ("Now In This Hush"), and sometimes hushed and quiet ("Someday Coming" and "Revolving Man"). Some songs also feature a piano as the primary instrumental accompaniment, ("My Waltzing Days Are Over" and the title track). The lyrics tend towards reflections and affirmations on the joys, trials, worries and goodness of everyday life in songs like "Sorry and Glad Together", "Evensong", and "Revolving Man", or religious reflections in songs like "Every Hour Here" and "Now in this Hush". Karen also write about her own inner struggles and personal fears in songs like "Someday Coming" and the title track. There are times when the music seems to perfectly capture the essence of what the lyrics are saying. One song where this is especially the case is "Revolving Man", where a simple repetitively picked guitar part actually gives the feeling of revolving. I have often described the band as living up to it's name because their music seems to capture a quality of innocence and purity of spirit that is hard to find in the cynical and overly sophisticated world of popular culture. This album is great place to first encounter this wonderful band."

Truly an awesome album, not my favorite of theirs, tho'.

D. Lahue | Charlottesville, VA USA | 06/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD when I couldn't find their first one, "Innocence Mission" in the store. I had to own Karen's awesome voice. Yes, this is a great album but if you are buying your first one get THEIR first one. I have it on tape and will buy it today before the tape breaks and I go through withdrawl!"

It just blows me away!

Schoonman@aol.com | New Jersey, USA | 01/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just saw Innocence Mission in NYC. It was my second time seeing them. A few conclusions from the show: they are amazing! they sound perfect in concert! "Every Hour Here" is the greatest song they have written! Just look at these lyrics: "You are like the ticket-half I find inside the pocket of my old leaf-raking coat"-- Karen ParisIt's lyrics like this that make all the music we hear on the radio seem worthless. If you are looking for inspiring music that moves you, give the Innocence Mission a listen."