Lifehouse is a band with humility. Throughout their latest album, No Name Face, lead singer Jason Wade declares that he doesn’t have all the answers.
Lifehouse does, however, know the formula for success in the mainstream music scene with an attractive lead vocalist with a raspy croon, a modern bassist and a strong drummer, playing introspective, empathetic rock.
No Name Face is ascending the charts, primarily due to its first hit single, “Hanging By A Moment,” a love song that showcases the power of Wade’s smoky vocals.
The song entices listeners with catchy chord changes and a chorus that implants itself into the listener’s brain, “I’m falling even more in love with you/ letting go of all I’ve held onto.” Almost every chorus on the album is equally infectious.
The album continues with songs that are destined to become radio hits. “Sick Cycle Carousel” and “Unknown” have choruses that wind around the songs with repetition that make them stick, irresistibly if you enjoy their sound.
Lifehouse’s style is comparable to dozens of bands churning out radio hits today, including Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind and Fuel.
What makes Lifehouse different is their focus on introspection and simplicity, as well as frequently powerful lyrics.
From its genesis as a garage band in California to a current tour with Matchbox Twenty and Everclear, Lifehouse has simply wanted to play.
“Trying” is a song that Wade wrote when he was 15. His mature vocals add new depth to a song that was written about a young man’s search for a path in life.
Wade reiterates his earthly stance, “Let me be the first to say that I don’t have a clue.”
“Only One” has a cyclical feel, with a chorus looping around Wade’s sexy refrain, “you’re still the only one/ who’ll never change faces.” Its twanging guitar and moderate tempo create a modern rock ballad.
On a song reminiscent of Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper,” Wade tells a friend that he is not alone. The song is called “Simon.” It’s slow and not as catchy as “Jumper,” but it addresses an issue with which many people had experience: being an outsider. “Crawl back in your cage/ the only place where they will leave you alone.”
The remainder of the album is variations on Wade’s themes. The songs on Name No Face sound similar unless they’re given a good listen, especially with headphones.
At its best, Lifehouse is a G-rated version of The Stone Temple Pilots. At their worst, they are a repetitive and catatonic version of Fuel.Wade’s voice and accessible message give the album texture and mood. The musicianship of the other band members, bassist Sergio Andrade and drummer Rick Woolstenhulme completes the presentation.
Lifehouse does not introduce a revolutionary sound, but they do offer a worthy interpretation of sounds that are already popular. B
