Suite No.2: World Keeps Spinning
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to World Keeps Spinning
A duo comprised of David Gungor and John Arndt, as The Brilliance the pair have been making well received albums in the area of Christian music, and with this 4th album they bring much in the way of classical sounds to the expansive equation.
“Release Me” starts the album with help from the Biola University Orchestra, as graceful strings meet a dense beat in the classical vs rock formula, and this sophistication continues to the initially reserved then lively dance rock of the glitchy “How Do We Know”.
In the middle, “Facebook” offers a mysterious moment that invokes the creativity of Radiohead with a modern punch that even hints at the blues, while “I Shall Not Fear”, again with the Biola University Orchestra, recruits a vocally strong effort with minimal music as soaring voices guide the harmonies in a choir like delivery.
Near the end, “Just Be” is a light moment of piano beauty alongside emotive, falsetto vocals in a dreamy setting, and the busy title track ends the affair with a gospel influence as it builds into a pop rock explosion of precise melody.
A listen replete with balladry, chamber sounds, plenty of orchestal nods and a whole lot of creativity, The Brilliance delve into deep lyrical matter, and their cohesive and accomplished musicianship follows suit with comparisons to both Bach and The Beatles.
Travels well with: The Liturgists- On Light; Casting Crowns- Thrive