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It’s easy to be enthusiastic about Plumb’s newest release. She’s drifted further and further off of the radar over the past few years, and after distribution troubles regarding Chaotic Resolve, a record that has been complete for quite some time, the new release is only now seeing the light of day. And it’s been even longer since Plumb truly rocked out—nearly a decade has passed since Plumb’s grungy, alternative-electronica debut, an exciting start that the artist disappointingly backed away from for her following two more radio-friendly releases. But the good news is this—Plumb is back, and she’s rocking again. Yes!

The first single, “I Can’t Do This,” hit the airwaves some time ago, and though it showcased a promising return to Plumb’s heavier style, there was a feeling that Plumb’s new record may be drawing too much influence from Evanescence and other similar artists, merely aping a popular sound rather than exploring her own musical direction. Any qualms can be put to rest.  Though Plumb’s influences for Chaotic Resolve may be obvious, her hook-filled songwriting and the excellent, purposefully messy production provide for an exciting listen that sets itself just far enough from her contemporaries to make her stand out.

Chaotic Resolve is a bit of a mix of the styles found on her three previous recordings. While this may help tie together Plumb’s splintered fan base, for many who may have felt dejected by the more generic pop of the artist’s last recordings, Chaotic Resolve should especially be welcome. With the exception of a few brighter, feel-good songs in the record’s first half, Chaotic Resolve is all about the rock. After the aforementioned first single and two more poppy tracks reminiscent of the material from Beautiful Lumps of Coal, the record really takes off on track four and remains consistently urgent and exciting till its end. Little surprises are tucked away in various spots on the record, including the No Doubt-influenced “Good Behavior” and even bits of shoegaze guitar-fuzz and atmospheric rock in other songs. It’s nothing that really expands Plumb beyond her previous styles, but it does offer enough to keep the record interesting over multiple spins.

Some over-reliance on orchestral backup and lyrics that aren’t as poised as some of her previous material is what ultimately holds the record down, but otherwise Chaotic Resolve is a very welcome return from one of the Christian industry’s most loved and acclaimed female artists. While many classic '90’s Christian artists seem to be helplessly fading from the spotlight, Plumb has managed to make a comeback deserving of some recognition from fans and the industry.
 

Jonathan Avants 3/12/06

Chaotic Resolve
Artist; Plumb  
Label: Curb Records

TAG:  "On her fourth disc, Plumb weaves the disparate threads of an erratic career into her most cohesive and solid effort to date."

On her fourth disc, Plumb weaves the disparate threads of an erratic career into her most cohesive and solid effort to date.  Highlighted by a trio of sexy hard groove rockers, Chaotic Resolve draws from Plumb's previous albums as well as Garbage, Evanesence, No  Doubt, and even the Smashing Pumpkins ("Sleep").  The final package is a strong alternative rock record that more than holds its own against any mainstream, female-fronted rock release.

The trio of "Good Behavior," "Motion," and "I Have Nothing" all roar with sass & swagger, driving distorted guitars and stomping percussion.  Dance, rock out or drive 120 --- it's all good, baby.   "Real-Life Fairy Tale" and "Sleep" mine the pop-rock of Plumb's third album (_Beautiful Lumps of Coal_) for a smashing pair of radio- friendly songs.

As a lyricist, Ms. Lee is solid and occasionally spectacular.  As a  communicator, she is gifted.  Her themes are universal (faith, self- esteem, recognizing bad relationships), but it is her distinctly feminine perspective that gives tracks like "Cut", the aforementioned "Motion" and "Better" serious weight and impact.  It would be insulting to compartmentalize such a great record by saying that _Chaotic Resolve_ is "for" teenage girls and young women (its scope is greater than that), but nonetheless Plumb comes across as  the antithesis of the mainstream female musician:  assured, secure,  spiritual, honest, attractive yet modest.  It's a refreshing change. Welcome back, Ms. Lee.

Ryan Ro/CNXmusic.com