Search - His Name Is Alive :: Mouth By Mouth

An Underground Classic

Frederick C. Gier | Paso Robles, CA USA | 05/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"His Name Is Alive reached a peak with this album, fulfilling the promise of their two previous albums, and setting the stage for what was to follow.



This album is recommended for people who enjoy a variety of underground rock styles, as it ranges wide. It has shoegazer guitar squalls, gentle folk-like songs, a rockabilly-styled instrumental, a song backed by cellos, and a cover of Big Star's "Blue Moon" which is almost Enya-esque, all supporting haunting, ethereal female vocals. In spite of the adventurous musical approaches, the songs are always melodic, and there is a continuity in spite of the shifting styles.



While it might be hyperbole to claim this is an unheralded "Sgt. Pepper's" of underground rock, in my opinion that's not far off the mark."

Refined ethereal pop

J. Holmes | yokohama, japan | 10/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"previous albums by HNIA were faint and bleary-eyed musical sketches that revealed a haunting dream world full of mystery and gorgeously ethereal soundscapes. there was enough ghostly and beautiful sounds on those albums that i had to actually wonder what kind of amazing place Michigan must be! haha

on Mouth By Mouth, His Name Is Alive throw a little bit of a curveball and present an album of real honest-to-goodness songs. sure, there had been plenty of pop moments on their other albums, but nothing like this display of songwriting. Mouth By Mouth sounds like a real band effort and the results are nothing short of stunning. the songs still capture that ethereal and haunting essence that makes this band so unique and special. but most of the dark overtones are tossed in favour of a brighter sonic palette. this album remained in my cd player for years and received almost non-stop play resulting in Mouth By Mouth being one of the few cd's in my collection that is so worn down that i need to purchase it once again. that says something for the timeless and beautiful music contained within."

Now We're Getting Somewhere!

J. C. Sanders | San Francisco | 01/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This maybe my favorite album by HNIA.

Defever has taken the ethereal soundscapes and folk interludes from "HIIYH" and gathers them together into actual, danceable, dreampop-ish songs!

I feel that he has stayed true to his original vision, but organized in a way that is more accessible than before. (and more listenable).

plus, great album cover by V23...



HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR BEGINNERS

along with

"Stars on ESP"

and

"Ft. Lake""