Description
Holes in the Floor of Heaven is the solo debut album by Ric Alba of Altar Boys fame, released on Glasshouse Records in September 1991, manufactured and distributed by Word. The album was recorded by David Hackbarth at Neverland Studios in Los Alamitos, California; and was produced by Steve Hindalong of The Choir with Hackbarth co-producing. Additional production and engineering by Derri Daugherty of The Choir (who also was the executive producer of the album – Glasshouse actually was a short-lived indie label formed and run by The Choir). Mixed by Hackbarth at Neverland Studios and at Fingerprint Recorders in Montrose, California. All songs written by Ric Alba.
Ric Alba, known for his tenure as the crunchy guitarist for the Altar Boys, has created sparse, guitar-ridden alternative sound with the textured percussive work of producer Steve Hindalong. Reminiscent of early Simple Minds, and Michael Knott/L.S.U.‘s stark delivery, Alba stakes out his experiences in symbolism and metaphors. With poignant looks back at the past, Alba wistfully remembers the innocence of childhood with the eyes of a world weary adult – longing to return to what can no longer be touched.
«Hold My Hand» has Alba painting a picture of a self-sufficient little boy who grows into a less confident, but more receiving adult. “So just don’t shake my hand/ It shakes enough all on its own/ Don’t say you know how I feel/ Then leave me there to cry alone/ Don’t pat me on the back/ And ask if it’s all better now/ When I’m torn in two/ I don’t mend so easily.”
Again in «Laughter», Alba seeks the security found tucked in the warm bed of childhood. “Mom/ Can I sleep with the light on tonight?/ Mommy please tell me its alright/ I think there’s something scratching at my window…./ So tell me/ Have the rules changed or is it me?/ I’m grown as a man ought to be/ Don’t make me sleep in the dark/ Don’t shut teddy in the drawer.”
And finally in the cathartic «Lock & Key», Alba pulls his observations inward for just him and God; “So/ I’ve heard your ocean roar/ What is it yelling for?/ The spray just burns my eyes/ I think it’s time to realize/ My heart remains/ Under lock and key.”
Like Rick Elias, Alba uses his music as would an exorcist – casting out the past. Alba has a poet’s heart to think of calling stars “holes in the floor of heaven,” and while his voice is not as powerful as Elias’ or emotive as (The Choir‘s) Derri Daugherty‘s, the music is very listenable but predictably uncommercial. Alba’s hooks don’t hit very hard and the music is unfortunately not as demanding as the lyrics. However, the operative word here is potential – Ric Alba’s potential for a future filled with songs from the heart, head and soul. [Kathleen A. Ervin, CCM, January 1992]
CD tracklist:
01. Heaven (Prelude) – 1:18
02. Edge Of A Hurricane – 4:10
03. Hold My Hand – 3:40
04. Laughter – 3:53
05. Truly Helpless – 4:34
06. Under Lock And Chain – 4:52
07. Rain In Amsterdam – 3:00
08. Pretty Blue Things – 3:48
09. See You In Person – 4:04
10. The Secret World – 3:32
11. Holes In The Floor Of Heaven – 4:46
12. In The Heart Of God – 3:32
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Glasshouse Records.
“Pretty Blue Things” (VIDEO)
CREDITS. Produced by Steve Hindalong with co-producer David Hackbarth. Recorded at Neverland by David Hackbarth. Additional production and engineering by Derri Daugherty. Mixed at Neverland and Fingerprint Recorders by David Hackbarth. Mastered at Future Disc by Steve Hall. All songs written by Ric Alba. Photography by Everard Williams. Executive Producer: Derri Daugherty.
Musicians: Ric Alba (Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass), Rob Watson (Keyboards – tracks: 6,5,9,12,11), Greg Flesch (Electric Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar on track 6), Derri Daugherty (Acoustic Guitar on track 4, Dulcimer on track 8), Steve Hindalong (Drums, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar on track 6).
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