Shawn
Lentz
"Convergence" CD
WhaddyaLentz?
Music
Genres: singer / songwriter, acoustic rock
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artist
Dec 9 - 15 2002 |
Shawn
Lentz is an independent rock musician who self-released this
album, Convergence, in 2001. Previously playing in local metal
group Reignstorm, there is a definite hard rock influence
presence on this disc (case in point: the metal solos on "Grace
of Light (Darkness Descends)"). And while it is clear he has put
a lot of his heart into this disc, the music itself leaves a lot to be
desired.
Lentz's songwriting here is one problem. Though he certainly
knows his way around a pop hook, and his intentions are very evident
in these songs, Shawn has problems with his compositions. They
are often plagued with unprofessional transitions between ideas (in
between the verse and chorus parts, for example, his guitarwork tends
to miss a beat, disrupting his style). However, on parts of this disc,
this problem is somehow evaded, and one can see what Shawn is truly
capable of; "Remembering," for example, is a dark piece that
successfully combines elements of both metal and acoustic rock.
Another problem is the album's recording constraints. With only a
bassist helping out on a few of the tracks, this album is almost
solely reliant on Lentz's guitars and vocals, and the fact that
the recording equipment isn't the best in the world only serves to
make things worse. However, Shawn often manages to use this to
make his music more personal - nice damage control.
Though Convergence can only be recommended to those who
enjoy amateur acoustic material, it definitely shows potential for Lentz's
future. We all have to start somewhere, after all.
70%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
8 tracks; distributed by CD
Baby;
released 2001] |