One Day Remains: Alter Bridge Debuts with Meaningful Music

Alter Bridge, former Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti's new endeavor, could be poised to change popular music, much the way Creed did with its radio debut "My Own Prison" in 1997.

Creed is not an easy band to compete with. Love 'em or hate 'em, no one will be forgetting front man Scott Stapp's unique charisma and signature poses, or the fresh sounds Tremonti produced in his unmistakable style. With twenty four million records sold from their three album catalog (not to mention a greatest hits record to hit shelves soon), Creed remains quite an act to follow.

To Alter Bridge's credit, there is no sense of competition with Creed or Scott Stapp, which is commendable considering the band is made up entirely of former Creed members, except for the new lead vocalist. Alter Bridge's sound, while of course sharing some similarities with the older band (especially on the single, "Open Your Eyes") has a original and different quality.

Scott Phillips is back as a fine (though not groundbreaking) rock & roll drummer. His rhythm and style remain sensitive and appropriate as he lays the foundation for both ballad and rock anthem. Original Creed bassist Brian Marshall is also present, lending his steady and skilled support. The musicians that truly stand out, though, are guitarist/songwriter Tremonti and singer Myles Kennedy. As in Creed, it's obviously the combination of vocalist and guitarist that cements and propels this band.

To the discerning listener, it will be obvious that Tremonti has been brushing up on his classic rock roots and metal background. Not to worry, though...his signature style of playing with both amazing grace and technical prowess remains very much intact. As principal song writer of not only the instrumental music, but the the lyrics as well, Tremonti does not disappoint. Subtle spiritual leanings are evident in the first track, "Find the Real," as it closes with these words: "I will kill what hurts with something pure/I will be redeemed so I can breathe again." Tremonti remains honest, yet positive in his writing, and while he is no Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins) in terms of poetic skill, his work has an edgy character that, coupled with Myles Kennedy's outstanding vocal melodies, will penetrate and connect with anyone listening.

Former singer Scott Stapp's more aggressive sound doesn't hold a candle to the expressiveness of Kennedy's vocal style, an unconventional mix of classic and modern rock effectively merged with some soul licks. Kennedy makes good use of his expansive range (frequently bursting into Bono-esque falsetto) without sounding showy. In the moving "In Loving Memory" he demonstrates remarkable taste and musicianship as he builds from a soft, lower range tune to a soaring and triumphant ending in his upper register. He possesses an elegance reminiscent of Eddy Vedder's melodic line that is not common in today's sea of angry Chad Kroager growls and straining emo whines.

As an album, One Day Remains is solid. The order of songs was well chosen, as each one seems to naturally lead to the next. The record's total of eleven tracks create a satisfying experience in just under an hour of music.

This new musical entity known as Alter Bridge sounds more unified, purposeful, guided, dedicated, and beautiful than any other popular band its members have been a part of. It comes highly recommended in hopes that music listeners everywhere will, like me, find an uplifting "Bridge" of meaningful, good music over a wasteland of popular shallowness and hopeless unoriginal music. Happy Listening...

For Fans Of: Classic Metallica, Early Creed (My Own Prison Era), Pearl Jam...and anyone needing a musical breath of fresh air...