It’s a rare occurrence to pick up a new release out of general curiosity, and have it become an instant favorite. “There Came a Lion”, the debut album by Tooth and Nail’s latest signing Ivoryline, remains an exception to this rule. Bursting from the shadows straight onto the scene, Ivoryline is an outlier in an industry flooded with myspace and purevolume bands.

In the case of all artists whose work can often be compared to that of another’s, Ivoryline fuses the musical intensity of Underoath with the passionate haunting vocals of Anberlin while still retaining a sound that is all their own. Kicking off with “Days End,” a fast paced rocker depicting the pseudo-tragic state of the church, the stage is set for the oncoming musical experience. Its lyrics beg listeners to wake up, realize the profound impact of serving a merciful yet powerful God, and live in a way that challenges conformity. Following is the semi-ambiguous “We Both Know,” an alt-rocker, its lyrics seemingly directed toward a young women, warning her of the world, its false prophets, and empty promises, assuring her “There are liars outside your window… signing syncopated rhythms, charming in your ear”. Next up, “Parade” a paradoxical sort of tune, is stylistically upbeat yet sympathetic lyrically, with a catchy chorus and verse arrangement.

Progressing through the record, listeners are presented with the current single “Be Still and Breath.” The song has a unique quality, remaining listener friendly, with catchy verses and an extremely memorable chorus, while remaining innovative, and original. Some are bound to be critical, discrediting Ivoryline, citing numerous “sound alike” bands. To answer this, one must realize that while the genre itself may be overflowing with acts, Ivoryline pulls off the alternative sound in a way that is refreshing. Just as Linkin Park did nothing in pioneering the rap-rock genre, their implementation of turntables, mixing of screams with soaring melodic choruses, and refusal to back down in the wake of bands such as Limp Biskit, created a sound that was all their own. In this respect, Ivoryline has their own voice in the alternative realm.

Although the CD is generally praiseworthy, it is not without its flaws. While highlights such as “Be Still and Breath,” “Days End,” Parade,” and the progressive rock ballad “Hearts and Minds” account for a good portion of the project, a few songs do seem to be fillers. “Left Us Falling,” seems to do little to nothing for the overall quality of the album, and “And The Truth Will End This” seems poorly structured, feeling more like a throw in, than a solid track. Despite its minor shortcomings, “There Came a Lion” is shaping up to be one of the better albums released this year. For those who have yet to check out Ivoryline the time is now.

4 out of 5
Release Date: February 5th 2008
Tooth and Nail Records

Track Listing:
1.) Days End
2.) We Both Know
3.) Parade
4.) All You Ever Hear
5.) Be Still and Breath
6.) Remind Me I’m Alive
7.) Left Us Falling
8.) And The Truth Will End This
9.) Bravery
10.) Hearts and Minds
11.) The Last Words

Camaren is also a columnist for The Christian Manifesto an online Christian magazine reflecting on Christian thought, media, and news, you can check out this review and more here.