Bring the Love...

Coming as a fairly large surprise to me this year is Ian Love's self-titled solo album. Upon first listen I didn't really look to much into it and I admittedly almost wrote it off as another solid release, but something I wouldn't find myself coming back to. However, the thing is, I have found myself coming back to it and each time it gets better. I can't really pinpoint exactly what keeps dragging me back, but it might be some catchy songwriting that is to blame. Knowing of Love's past in hardcore bands like Burn and Die 116, and then future stints in Rival Schools and Cardia, I truly didn't see an album like this coming. However, apparently inspired by past life events and the recent birth of his daughter, the album is a powerful solo debut for Love and features some very strong songwriting.

A mostly acoustic affair, Love plays the majority of the instruments on the album. Backing himself with keyboards and light percussion to go along with his soft and at times high pitched vocals. It's a nice mellow album that hopefully will appeal to his previous audiences and grab the ears of fans of the singer songwriter niche. Regardless, if you're either a fan of Love's work in past bands or are looking for something mellow and catchy, then head on over to Limekiln Records and purchase it. A very nice 2006 surprise for me.

Ian Love - The Only Night [MP3]
Ian Love - Old Enough [MP3]