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Relationships have the ability to bring joy to one's life as much as they have the ability to bring sorrow, pain, and lifelong scars.  Human Drama has brought a story of relationship to its fan base in this mail-order-only release.  Through the eyes and voice of Johnny Indovina we experience the reality of broken relationships in the midst of our desperate need for relationship. 

Cause and Effect takes you through an honest evaluation of emotions experienced in relationships.  Indovina has the ability to pull us into his story with stirring music, because we can relate to every word he sings.  We've been there, are there, and will continue to live there because we all desire and desperately need to be in a relationship. 

The disc begins with "I Am Not Here," echoing an appeal to leave a relationship that has already ended. "Look At Me Now" has a defiant upbeat effect as he rummages through the scars left from a broken commitment.  "Quiet Desperation," with a blues nightclub quality feel, speaks of our longing for relationship. 

In "Imitation Of" Indovina shares more anger in exposing the reality of all relationships. "Goodnight Sweetheart" allows us to open, and read, a personal letter discovering the emotional pain suffered in relationships.  But in "Lonely" we are brought back to the reality that we need relationships no matter how much pain is involved.  This song expresses that need perfectly with just piano and voice. 

"Madame Hate's Mad Search For Love" is a quest for relationship put to rock, which is more upbeat that the earlier songs despite the painful reality of the lyrics. "Bang The Drum Slowly" is a remake of Emmylou Harris' song, but doesn't have the country feel even though it keeps in line with the busted relationship theme.  "The Mystery" and "Cynthia's Journal"  reflect on not sitting in one's bitterness, but choosing to move on.  It is now that we realize Indovina is taking us through a process instead of wallowing in pain.   

In "The Battle" scars are reopened when new relationships are contemplated and this is brought across with razor-edged guitar.  You can pick up a 60's psychedelic influence in "About Michele," which fits as this song explores the complications in every human heart.  Human Drama winds up their message with "Dance Me To The End Of Love," a remake of Leonard Cohen's hit.  This song has almost a lullaby effect while still imparting the reality of heartache and need found in relationships with others.   

Human Drama is Johnny Indovina (vocals/guitar), Mark Balderas (keyboeards/vocals), Michael Ciravolo (guitar), Edward Donato (drums/percussion) and Steve Fuxan (base). 

Copyright 2003 Leslie Bogar
Submitted 5/11/03