Beauty for Ashes
My Secret Sin

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Reviewed by Asher X

Indie Records, July 2005
Genre: Dark Indie Rock
Official Site: www.beautyforashes.com

Beauty For Ashes is: 
Ed Avila: Bass
Joseph E. Cuozzo: Vocals, Keyboards
John Hummel: Percussion
John Citarelli: Guitar
Beauty For Ashes resides in the Metropolitan area, about 20 minutes outside of New York City. The band draws inspiration from a variety of influence, such as The Cure (Disintegration era), mid-late 70s Bowie, Pink Floyd, and early/mid-80s new-wave and alternative. They have often been likened to a dark version of U2. With the completion of their self-titled debut album, and their second album on the way, Beauty For Ashes is continuing to build a passionate and devoted fan base in the tri-state area, and even overseas, with the hope of bringing their music to a much larger audience.
Upon first listen to this project my first reaction was that I did not like it. There was something about it that clashed very much within myself, so, I decided to listen to it more. After probably about the 10th time through it started to grow on me. After the 14th time through it has now become one of my main staples. In a scene over saturated with electronics and harsh vocals Beauty For Ashes has breathed new life into the whole dark scene, at least for me. Recipe: add the appearance of the Beatles, the music of the Cure, and the stage presence of Bono into a blender, throw in a couple of bats and maybe a few cobwebs. Mix at low speed. Let sit for a few hours, and voila … Beauty For Ashes.

Musically
The album begins with a track entitled Dark Days, which shows from the beginning that this band is strong not only in their faith but in their witness as well. Slow and entrancing it sets the tone for most of the set. Blue Sky, the album’s second track switches gears to a mellow rock song straight from the 80’s. It is also one of the two faster songs on this otherwise pretty mellow and laid back cd. In my own opinion there are only two really outstanding tracks on this release. One of which is Dark Days and the other is Savior. Bold and honest, yet not preachy it reveals hope that is often left abandoned in the drone of modern music. Melodic guitars repetitively strum in the background Cuozzo’s voice lulls the listener into a sense of safety.

Vocally/Lyrically
I had a real hard time vocally with album because after about the 4th track it seems to sound the same. Lyrically, however, this album is simply impressive. Spoken as someone who has not only been there, but who has made several trips back and forth, Cuozzo exposes that he has the same questions everyone else has and yet shows that there is comfort to be found in God. This would be an excellent cd to sit back and relax or meditate to not just because of the repetitiveness of it but also to let the message in the lyrics soak in.

I leave this feeling a mixture of emotions but the strongest is a sense of elation. To see a group of Christians standing up for what they believe in to a culture that is notoriously anti-religious definitely earns some points. Overall this is one of those things where I would suggest that you check out their website and hear some clips to see if you like it before you buy it.

"Dark Days"
These are dark, dark days
I can't get away
Faithful afflictions for the choices I've made
And I know these are dark, dark days
These are dark, dark days
These are dark, dark days
But I don't feel betrayed
Made the bed, now that's where I lay
And I know these are dark, dark days
These are dark, dark days
These are dark, dark days
I bow my head and pray
Lord come down, tell me that you'll stay
Because you know these are dark, dark days
These are dark, dark days
These are dark, dark days
I see the light of God
I feel the love of God
I hear the Lamb of God
Let go of the dark

"Saviour"
Daddy can I come home again
I swear that I won't play pretend
Are your arms still open wide
They way they were the day you died
Father do you still remember me
And how I looked when I was clean
Is there room inside for more
I'll make a place here on the floor
Amen, Amen
Daddy can I have some food to eat
I'm hungry and I'm feeling weak
I haven't laughed in quite a while
Tell me a joke so I can smile
Father did I call you up too late
And was that you that shut the gate
You've always said you dealt in pain
Don't leave me blowing in the wind
Amen, Amen
Father can you show me how love works
To hold on when you always hurt
To have but never feel you've gained
To lose it all and start again
Amen, Amen
Be my savior, Jesus