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Spoken, a band known to have a powerful driving force on all their releases, introduces A Moment of Imperfect Clarity which isn't quite like their previous works, which were rapcore induced.  Instead, A Moment of Imperfect Clarity is a brilliant mix of melodic hardcore and hybrid  hard rock, combining Chevelle, 12 Stones, Finch, and The Used.  Although a lot of their die-hard fans may not  like this, Spoken has created a brutal melody. But Spoken’s Tooth and Nail debut is not a modern convenience to sellout and make big bucks. Yes, the project is more melodic and the rap-rock is pretty much forgotten, but they haven't lost their identity. Instead, Spoken has molded a balance between a brutal edge and a strong driving melody.  The quality lyrics have relevant themes such as strength levels in God, missing and loving loved ones, understanding people, and remembering others, all with a strong dose of Christian values. 

Before people start to shun Spoken, taking some time to check out the new sound and reading some of the lyrics will allow the listener to make the best educated decision possible. Here are a few snippets of lyrics from AMOIC: to begin inform the reader.  "Promise" states, "...things will get better this I promise you, and I know that you won't feel this way forever . . . ."  "A Breath in the Fog says, "...I'll keep my eyes on you, my dreams may not come true, I may fall on my face, still my hope is in you, all I need is the strength to make it through..." and "In Dreams" muses, "...heaven opened wide and I could see the glory of God shining through my clouds of doubt...".

Len Nash 10/8/2003

Several years ago, in the wake of the success of Rage Against the Machine, Christian labels were scrambling to find rapcore bands to capitalize on the trend. Enter Spoken, whose first two albums showcased lead vocalist Matt Baird's ferocious rhythm skills. After the success of ...what remains, however, the  band decided to take a more melodic tack. 

The latest album from the Arkansas-based group completes the transformation begun on the groundbreaking Echoes of the Spirit Still Dwell.  Those wanting rap will have to go elsewhere; while Baird's voice goes from a whisper to a scream, occasionally in the same song, he's firmly on the singing end of the spectrum this time around.

Lyrically, the band is in the same place as always, and that's a good thing; they're crying out to God and lending comfort to His children. "Sleep Well Tonight" addresses the band's loved ones, left alone as the band tours the country: "I wanted to say I love you, and I miss you. I pray that you sleep well  tonight." 

Like modern-rock Keith Greens, the band focuses on our distance from God, in songs such as "In Dreams" and "Falling Further."  

In my dreams I sometimes see 
You watching over me, protecting me. 
My own will gets in the way 
Of stepping from this hell that I've made.
   -- "In Dreams (Sometimes I See You)"

I'm sorry I didn’t believe you 
When you said that you had to go, 
I even felt the holes in your hands. 
I'm sorry, for what I have become.  
   -- "Falling Further"

Love is falling down all around me, 
Holding me to your heart, holding me to the sky. 
I know you are here. 
I feel you on the air.
   --"How Long"

While this CD may not be quite as musically groundbreaking as Echoes, it's definitely a fine album, full of well-crafted melodic modern rock and beautiful lyrics.

Josh Marihugh  2/12/2004