Bleach

Description

The self-titled, third album by the American modern rock band Bleach was released on ForeFront Records in 1999, distributed in the US by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was recorded by F. Reid Shippen, Dan Shike, Shawn McLean, and Pete Stewart of Grammatrain fame at Pete’s Basement and The Bennet House in Franklin, Tennessee; and was produced by Stewart for Breaking Productions, with the band. (“This album was recorded on an Ensoniq PARIS system and a Studer 2″ tape machine.“) Mixed by F. Reid Shippen at The Castle Recording Studios in Franklin, Tennessee. Digital editing by Damon Riley. All songs written by the band.

Bleach is Dave Baysinger on vocals, Sam Barnhart on guitars and background vocals, Russ Fox on bass and guitars, and Matt Gingerich on drums, percussion, and background vocals. The album also features guest musicians Brad Ford on guitar and piano, Bob Mason on cello, and Steve Stemac and Drew Montgomerey on background vocals, as well as producer Pete Stewart providing keyboards, mellotron, wurlitzer, guitar and background vocals.

I’ve been living with this album for a couple of days, you know the scene with a new album? Repeat play, let the songs sink in, connect and then conclude. Bleach’s first album lost out with me in a straight fight with Skillet’s debut. Their second had a couple of songs that grabbed my attention but I still wasn’t sure! So I’ve been giving this one a fair hearing, and it’s fab! Edgy rock’n’roll with strong pop sensibilities («Straight Shooter», «Reasons», «Race») is enhanced by some enigmatic production work from ex-Grammatrain main man Pete Stewart. Aside from those catchy rockers like the hard and heavy «Sun Stands Still» that edge their way under your skin, my fave has to be «You» with its two-chord intro. Lyrically there seems to be a new passion and focus, and sometimes its on the slower songs that this album really connects. «All To You» is a magnificent poetic worship song but it’s the closing ballad «What Will Your Anthem Be», with it’s lyrics that focus on what is eternal against the passing of this world’s vanities, that sends goosebumps down my spine. Modern rock with a heart, Bleach get everything right on their third album. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, April 2000]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/bleach/723503502)

CD tracklist:

01. Heartbeat
02. Straight Shooter
03. Once Again Here We Are
04. Race
05. You
06. All That’s Sweet
07. Reasons
08. Breathe
09. All To You
10. Good
11. Sun Stands Still
12. What Will Your Anthem Be

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by ForeFront Records.

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