Soul Asylum

Description

Soul Asylum is the sophomore album by the American hard rock band Ransom, released on Intense Records in 1992, an imprint of the Frontline Music Group, releasing FMG’s industrial/metal output. The album was recorded by Mike Mierau at both Mixing Lab A and B in Garden Grove, California; and was produced by Lanny Cordola with Mierau co-producing. Mixed at Front Page Recording in Glendale, California.

Sometimes the best thing for a new band is a good producer. Ransom has found that in Lanny Cordola. With a heavy hand in songwriting, Cordola has allowed this talented California band to create some credible hard rock.

«Soul Hymn» kicks off the alum with a tight, driving rhythm that can be felt, not just heard. Guest drummer Joseph Galletta (ex-Shout) and the rhythm section, made up of guitarist Tony Ortiz and bassist Michael Preciado, put in strong performances throughout the whole record. The chorus here is a throwback to Sgt. Pepper-era Beatles, with a very layered and full background vocal sound. This attention to big choruses also works well in the ballad «Windows of My Heart», but hinders a darker tune like «The Lies».

The two strongest tunes are «Prayer Asylum» and «Higher Ground», which both features outstanding guitar work by Ortiz, including some lovely acoustic picking, bluesy power chords, and soaring, melodic solos. Also highlighted in these two songs are the vocals of Lisa Faxon. Besides being a role model for hundreds of females, this woman’s got a voice!

In addition to her singing talents, she can pen a good lyric too. «Exit» presents a creative expression of the euthanasia issue. Another tune showing emotion is «Watching Over Me», which assures the listener to remember God’s faithful care: “You’re there to walk me through every step of the pain.” A children’s choir was chosen for the choruses, reinforcing our need for child-like faith that he is indeed there.

The album’s closer, «Sister Blue», belongs in the “now for something completely different” department. It’s an acoustic ditty with Stryper‘s Oz Fox pickin’ and grinnin’ with Preciado and Ortiz, along with Cordola on slide guitar. While last year’s debut album showed promise, this effort features songs with more staying power. Lovers of fun commercial Rock (a la Van Halen), and early Margaret Becker should enjoy it. [Doug Van Pelt, CCM, April 1992]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/soul-asylum-remastered/389466704)

CD tracklist:

01. Soul Hymn
02. Exit (Euthanasia)
03. Windows Of My Heart
04. The Lies
05. Prayer Asylum
06. Only The Just Let Go
07. Not That Kind Of Girl
08. Watching Over Me
09. Higher Ground
10. Sister Blue

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

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