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Glad You Made It Artist:  Parkway Label: Essential Records (www.essentialrecords.com) URL: (www.parkwaylive.com)  Length: 13 Songs / 51:00

From the ashes of Silage, comes Parkway: neither a glorious Phoenix from the flame, nor a dreaded albatross. Silage had one surprising, superior album to their credit, 1998's Vegas Car Chasers, which has the distinction of being one of the most playful, interesting, and unique albums of that year. With former bass player Shane Black taking a less prominent role in the new band configuration, Silage's Lance Black and Damian Horne have slightly shifted their musical focus, renamed themselves, and created an album that is a quiet departure. 

The tantalizing mix of sounds and styles that made Silage of lively interest have been bleached out a bit for Parkway, but Silage's distinct sound still casts a thin shadow. Alternative nineties rock and roll and hip hop still converge, but the energy and enthusiasm is now more subdued, giving the entire album a more R&B than rowdy veneer.  Closer to Seal, and farther from Red Hot Chili Peppers and their pals. The first song, "Found Me Out," sounds like it would have almost fit on their last album. The second track, "Your Love Surrounds Me," however, sounds like a concerted effort to come up with a solid CCM ballad. As such it's a perfect fit, but far less energetic and much more commonplace than its Silage predecessors. By the third song, "Don't Do It" it's clear that a transformation from a cutting-edge to a more mainstream band is in the works. This overall sound shift is accomplished primarily by burying the aggressive waves of guitar and stripping back the extra layers of effects and vocals that prevailed on Vegas Car Chasers, in favor of a more keyboard focused and straight-forward approach with crisp, clear melodies. Therefore, the ensuing song selection shows some of the creativity fans have come to expect from these guys, even if the resulting sound and lyrical content seems less frenetic, inspired and original. Yet, this band still knows how to make a point, including the mission statement of "All You Deserve:"

    Jesus, I could say Your name
    Fifty times in this song
    Then maybe the Christians
    Would all sing along
    But we're not just here
    To preach to the choir
    Reflecting Your love
    Is our one desire.
    All the flowers have not been burned
    And the fruit can still be served
    I want to give You, give you
    All You deserve.

Damian Horne and Lance Black as Parkway still distinguish themselves as a pair of musical creators playing their pleasant pop vibes to pleasing effect. It may be harder to find something distinctive among these tracks, but clearly a level of melodic excellence and fine song-craftsmanship pervades this band's cannon. Frankly, this new musical focus will probably garner them more fans due to its accessibility, and if so, it will be well deserved. Keep a watchful eye on ...Parkway.

Steven S. Baldwin   7/29/2000