All The Bright Lights

Yes, it can be easily compared to Explosions in the Sky or even at times, that wonderful post-rock band Sigur Rós, but AllTheBrightLights is doing something different. And that something is, at times, quite difficult to put a finger on. This is perhaps what makes it so pleasant. AllTheBrightLights consists of the brilliant-brother-combo, James and Jon Duke along with […]

Luke Goddard
All the Bright Lights

9
out of 10

All the Bright Lights
AllTheBrightLights
November 2009
Unsigned

Yes, it can be easily compared to Explosions in the Sky or even at times, that wonderful post-rock band Sigur Rós, but AllTheBrightLights is doing something different. And that something is, at times, quite difficult to put a finger on. This is perhaps what makes it so pleasant. AllTheBrightLights consists of the brilliant-brother-combo, James and Jon Duke along with the special touch of Jacob Arnold. I’m not personally very familiar with Jon Duke or Jacob Arnold for that matter. But, I am familiar with James Duke, as he has this knack for making any front-man sound amazing live. You may have seen and heard James Duke accompany such acts as John Mark McMillanJason Upton, and more. When John Mark told me he was sending me a copy of AllTheBrightLight’s debut record, I was expecting big things. Why? Because I knew if James Duke had anything to do with it, the record would be nothing short of superb greatness. My expectations were exceedingly met.

AllTheBrightLights’ self-titled debut-10-track record uniquely combines this sort of moody vibe with a celestial sound that sonically spells out an underlying theme of redemption. When listening to the record, I found myself visualizing these images of creatures being redeemed of a once damned body. AllTheBrightLights masterfully exhibited their attractively creative flare as a band by painting these vivid images of a man or woman being redeemed from an otherwise filthy world. I wouldn’t go so far to label this a Christian record, although the titles of the tracks may demonstrate otherwise. I think any sort of label– Christian, spiritual, post-rock, etc– smothers its potential. We definitely hear the sound of Sigur Rós in the track, “Shadow of the King.” The most stand-out track on the album, however, is undoubtedly “The Door,” especially as the catchy melody of the anthem-like vocals come in at 1:12. The combination of the heavy-drumming, driving characteristically James Duke-ish guitar riffs, and the creatively layered vocals will surely give you chills. This music is powerful. It’s creative. It tells a story– a story of redemption. It’s addictive, but only because of the powerful divine edge that’s unashamedly holds down its foundation musically, spiritually, and creatively. Al lThe Bright Lights’ record will impact you, move you, and awaken your soul.