Between the Fence & the Universe

Description

Between the Fence & the Universe is a six-track CD-EP by the American singer and songwriter Kevin Max of dc Talk fame, initially released independently on Blind Thief Recordings in 2004. Re-issued by Northern Records in March the following year featuring a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. It is a compilation of songs that Max initially recorded for his second album for Nashville-based ForeFront Records, following his critically-acclaimed debut album Stereotype Be. Featuring Kevin Max on vocals and keyboards, Cary Barlowe on guitar, Erick Cole on guitar and programming, and “Tone the Bone” Lucido on bass, as well as Jason Garner providing programming.

This is a seven track CD (some versions only have six tracks and don’t include the cover of Leonard Cohen’s «Hallelujah»). The KMax sound kicks straight in with «Seek», based on Matthew 7: 7-8 whereas «21st Century Darlings» has a harder edge with strong guitar input. «Irish Hymn» is radio friendly with lyrics most listeners would identify with and has a catchy chorus. «Golden» and «To The Dearly Departed» both reflect on the regrets of failed relationships. «Stranded 72.5» is a strong number touching on the rapture and end times. Kevin Max is an artist with a pen who paints images in your head when you listen to his songs and his distinctive voice full of emotion draws you into his world; but there were times on this album when I couldn’t hear the vocals too clearly. The lyrics are not included which is a pity so you have to search (and I mean search) his new website to find the words for this album – worth it though and his songs are always more enjoyable when you can read the words, because they can be a bit cryptic – but hey that’s why we like him. [Ruth Saint, Cross Rhythms, December 2005]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/between-the-fence-and-the-universe/425813872)

CD-EP tracklist:

01. Seek – 3:39
02. 21st Century Darlings – 2:34
03. Irish Hymn (For The Masses) – 3:46
04. Stranded 72.5 – 3:45
05. Golden – 5:60
06. To The Dearly Departed – 4:00

Note: Released in two different versions, the pre-issue version featuring 6 tracks and the official version featuring “Hallelujah” as an extra track.