Ushering in a nod and a tribute
Phoenix, AZ rockers Grey Daze originally formed in 1993 with founding members Sean Dowdell, Mace Beyers, Cristin Davis and Chester Bennington. The Phoenix is a remastering album with an honor to the band’s late friend Chester Bennington. This album is a memorizing and pulsing tribute that brings back the electrifying vocals that are heard on every Linkin Park single.
The first track of the album “Saturation (Strange Love)” is a forward track that is candid and unwavering in its dynamic. It is an offering into the likes of one’s own soul and identity, a statement that rips through assumptions and plays with speculation. This track holds a familiar Nu-Metal sound that is easily recognizable to Linkin Park listeners.
“Starting to Fly” automatically gives an impression of being touched by faith. This single is a soaring enlightenment that plays with the concept of a storyteller who has witnessed and experienced a miracle, incorporating entrancing lyrics such as “I know the answers from the words of the prophet, I’ve seen the light through the fingers, made of magic.” The magic is held in the way that Chester Bennington sings with such fierce clarity and transparency. For example in the lyrics, “I met a poet tonight behind the masses, I sang a song about my many true addictions.” The guitar and drum pieces rumble and riff, adding intensity to the message.
A worthy mention on this album is “Drag,” a waking statement used as an anchor to those struggling in a battle against substance abuse. Contrary to the subject and title, there is no meandering on this track. It is a tentative, but steady number with a direct message. Wrapping up with the lyrics “Life is much too short, to be intoxicated, life is much too short, to be a drag.” The droning guitar riffs howl out the frustration and gripping hope of climbing out of the darkness.
“Believe Me” dances around with the idea of redemption. It discusses an individual who toys with the idea of seeing things without guise and hoping for someone to guide them in seeing things without deception. It is an artful bemoaning and teetering of a cunning ruse and a free-thinking accomplice.
“Wake Me” is the final track on this album and it has a retrospective and reflective sound that screams of camaraderie. The cause and effect display throughout the song is mindful in its deliverance. Chester Bennington is brilliant with lyrics such as “what’s in me, is in you what’s got me, has got you.” This song is well thought out and selfless.
The Phoenix is a masterful pulse and resuscitation to the vocals of the late Chester Bennington. The remastering of The Phoenix over new sounds put together by the original members of Grey Daze does a wonderful job of reminding listeners of his early hand in the grunge sound while incorporating the familiar works of Nu-Metal. The Phoenix is insightful, spirited and otherworldly.
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