Northeast In Tune Publication by Daevina
Review 1 | 09/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With a voice as heartfelt as Michael Stipe's and a soul in the vein of Johnny Cash New York's Ninth House tears away the conventions of what gothic music is expected to be on their latest release "The Eye that Refuses to Blink." A blend of gothic rock and undertones of country are what greets listeners on this powerful and delightful record from the catchy "The Company You'll Keep" to the classic Goth sounding "Death Song." It's easy to say that Ninth House will become a mainstay in New York 's scene... that is if they have not all ready.
A personal favorite, "The Ghost in You," is a radio worthy track that borders upon a pop sensibility that is so achingly good that it's become a personally irritating fact of musical life that Ninth House hasn't gained lasting, mainstream notoriety for their skill as song writers. Again, vocalist Mark Sinnis' tonality threatens a Michael Stipe comparison, especially when we come up upon the chorus. It is hard, as a journalist, to get away with writing a review without throwing in comparisons to established artists so hopefully this comparison will be forgiven when the band reads this. It is meant with the most sincere praise that can be offered.
Country music influences come into play on the second favorite track, "Follow the Line," which is where the Johnny Cash comparison enters. Perhaps it is ignorance on my own part at Cash's own style but that is who comes to mind in the refrain. Regardless this song sticks in one's head for hours on end and refuses to go until "Once in an Ordinary Life" takes over. This song is a complete hit and should be the third stop on a first listen pass through. Again, there are undertones of a country feel to the track but it is absolutely perfect. It wouldn't sound right any other way.
I could go on and on about how great this album is but I will allow you to decide for yourself. Purists may be interested in checking out the track "Forsaken Psalm" which features the underground legend Voltaire from NYC. There is also a little bonus in the form of "Send Me an Angel" which was originally performed by the Australian group Real Life and it is definitely a noteworthy version.
Conclusion: Ninth House and their record "The Eye that Refuses to Blink" are a hit. Enough said.
"
Why isn't this band huge????
Jennivia | Chicago,Illinois | 10/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I stumbled upon NINTH HOUSE on My Space I had to buy their albums because my favorite singer Voltaire was on their new CD.When I listened to the album I was totally blown away.I asked myself why isn't this band huge????Sure I like Voltaire,but these guys are the real thing.The singer Mark Sinnis has got an incredible vocal presence I haven't heard since people like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison all wrapped up in one.And the instrumentation is excellent.I get sick to my stomach when I listen to the radio and watch MTV and see the junk that Corporate Rock labels are churnning out,and then you have a class act like NINTH HOUSE who are the real thing and are relativly "UNKNOWN"!!!!! If there is a musical GOD in heaven he will look down upon NINTH HOUSE and rise them to the level of world dominance that they deserve in the floundering scene we call Popular Rock music.Too bad the Major record labels are missing the boat on a really great band."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1