Livalie Release "A Perfect Compromise"
For seven long years, local rock band Livalie (live-a-lie) has been dreaming of recording and releasing their own album. Since the composition of their first original song, the members of the band have been relentlessly pursuing this goal.
"I think it's every band's dream to record a legitimate CD," guitarist Paul Wright said, "Whether or not that becomes a reality is solely up to the band."
After many disappointing at-home recording attempts, the band decided to try professional studio recording in the summer of 2006. Only able to complete a few tracks, they received good feedback from sound engineer Jamie Hoover, who later became responsible for the mixing and engineering of the band's EP.
"It ended up being a learning experience more than anything," sophomore music major and drummer Pat Gerasia said, "We weren't completely satisfied with what direction we were going in musically."
By the time Livalie was ready to record again, nearly a year later, a very different band walked back into the studio. Their sound had changed significantly, especially with the addition of junior business administration major Kyle Sanderson on keyboards and synthesizers. After years of experimenting and exploring various types of music, Livalie had finally found what they were looking for, and established their own distinctive sound.
Livalie began laying down tracks for their much anticipated debut album in the summer of 2007. Each track took an average of 10 to 15 hours to complete, with each member of the band recording his own part separately.
"Putting all of our parts under a microscope allowed us to really clean up our sound," Gerasia said.
The entire process took about six months and was finally released on February 22, 2008, as an 8-track EP entitled "A Perfect Compromise." According to Wright, the title was chosen mostly in reference to the band finally locking into a style and sound that they are all satisfied with. Each musician brings something very different to the table, and "A Perfect Compromise" is an expert fusion of these differences into an exceptionally cohesive album.
While still reminiscent of alternative rock bands like Incubus and Sevendust, there is something exclusively unique about the music on this album. Maybe it is the piercing vocal harmonies, or perhaps their masterful blending of mellow yet elaborate piano progressions with fierce guitar riffage. Or, it may be the incredibly precise drumming paired with dynamic bass lines. Whatever it is, it is working.
The album bursts from the gates at breakneck speed, with the emotionally charged first song, "Brace for Impact." Lead singer Drew Cyphers' powerfully clear, almost pop-like vocals both contrast with and complement the heavy instrumentation.
The opening track leads seamlessly into "Makeshift," which showcases intricate keyboard/synth sequences and then "Enemy," which is arguably the most solid song on the album that includes an impressive blend of vocals and instrumental music that is uncanny for such a young band.
"Carry On" is the earliest written track included on the CD, written in 2002, during the band's early high school years. Its ballad-like quality adds to the dynamic nature of the album, and is somewhat unexpected amongst the aggressive characteristics of the other songs.
Next is "The Plunge," a song that was very important in Livalie's musical shift.
"We felt ["The Plunge"] was really the first song that really defined the sound we were looking for," Gerasia said. Almost eerie melodies weaved throughout intense chord progressions prompt comparisons to bands like Evanescence and Breaking Benjamin.
The next track, "Chasing the Color of Truth" has a similar feel to that of "The Plunge." But, Livalie brought in good friend and fellow musician Brian Doring to play cello, setting it apart from any other track on the album.
Ending with an acoustic version of "Makeshift," Livalie demonstrates their raw musicianship. While volume and intensity are trademark Livalie qualities, this song shows another facet of their musical ability. This version of the song urges the listener to pay more attention to its stirring, motivational lyrics, and the style has a more appropriate feel for the message than the original.
Needless to say, the 128 in-studio hours plus two months of mastering was time well spent for this small-town band. Livalie's undeniably impressive debut EP is already grabbing the attention of listeners both locally and nationally. Record companies are taking an interest as well, as Livalie is currently in talks with a few independent labels and management companies.
A national summer tour is currently in the works, but the dates have not been finalized as of yet. In the meantime, the band is playing as many shows as their schedules allow, mostly around North and South Carolina. Locally, you can catch Livalie playing at The Money on March 28, along with Sent by Ravens and Restless Oblivion.
To hear the finished product and keep tabs on tour dates, visit Livalie's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/livalierocks. A few of their tunes are also now being featured during 106.5 The End's "90 Minutes" segment on Sunday nights. Hard copies of "A Perfect Compromise" are available online at Livalie's MySpace page, or through any band member; just look for Pat or Kyle around campus. The album is also accessible electronically via iTunes, Rhapsody, AmazonMP3, eMusic and GroupieTunes.