Sea of Faces (CD - 2004)

Kutless: John Michah, Kyle Mithcell, Ryan Shrout, James Mead, Kyle Zeigler.

Recorded at Compound Recording, Seattle, Washington.

Personnel: Ryan Clark (vocals).

Audio Mixer: J.R. McNeely.

Recording information: Compound Studios, Seattle, WA.

Photographer: Kris McCaddon.

Coming off the heels of a stellar debut release, Kutless releases its sophomore disc Sea of Faces. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle, Sea of Faces is the type of disc to make a band's career. The discs rockers, like "Not What You See" and "Treason," are studio spit-shined. Sprinkles production touches throughout give the opus the legs to stride to the next level. While the bandmembers seem completely at ease with the heavier cuts, they really shine on the mid-tempo and slow tunes. The title track utilizes piano and acoustic guitars to deliver a poignant cut with lyrics to match. "Perspectives" again finds the band cutting back during the verse while the chorus pinnacles into a rock nugget. When the band utilizes both electric and acoustic guitars, the songs really seem to come to life. Check out the sincerity on "All the Words" or the introspection on "It's Like Me." Sea of Faces is a rock masterpiece. Kutless has completely delivered the goods while retaining the charm possessed on its debut disc. This opus is well-written, well-presented, and musically rich throughout. ~ Steven Douglas Losey

With its self-titled 2002 debut, Kutless came out of nowhere to dominate both Christian rock sales and radio charts. In addition, the band toured relentlessly, playing over 200 shows all over the United States. It comes as no surprise, then, that the group's sophomore effort, SEA OF FACES, sounds like the work of a band both completely relaxed and eager to expand its boundaries.

The record explores everything from ultra-heavy, down-tuned angst-rock in the Incubus and Staind vein ("Not What You See," "Let You In") to Toad the Wet Sprocket-esque melancholy power-pop ("Perspectives," "All The Words"). Though much more introspective in tone, the group's exuberant sound at times also recalls 1980s AOR acts like Journey and .38 Special. A catchy, well-played and polished follow-up, SEA OF FACES finds Kutless performing with equal parts passion and professionalism. minimize