Transmission 1
Artist: The Listening
Label: L-Town Music Group
URL: http://www.thelistening.com

After nearly four years of silence, The Listening have resurfaced with a four-song EP entitled Transmission 1. “The End” ironically opens the album, a more aggressive, guitar-driven take on their signature ethereal, synth-laden sound developed on the previous LP. “When” turns a corner into upbeat alternative rock utilizing chiming guitars and delay, reminiscent of Common Children or The Choir. Singer Gabriel Wilson’s signature vocals sound great, resonant and halcyon. I swear the poppy dance/synth track “Prayer in the Dark” is a better version of Newsboys’ “Something Beautiful” – you know, with good lyrics and depth. It’s NOT a cover or alternate version – I just believe the comparison is appropriate. The final track, “Fight With You,” pleads over a delay and synth-soaked sonic landscape, gently, with insistent passion, “I’m gonna fight with you / I’m gonna bleed with you / I’m gonna cry with you / until this world / until this wall crumbles.”

Transmission 1 finds The Listening into new territory without abandoning the path set out on The Listening LP. While “Prayer in the Dark” falters slightly, the other songs are wonderful. Hopefully it is not years before the group delivers their next album!

Ryan Ro [www.RNSrobot.com | www.twitter.com/RNSrobot]