Customer Reviews

Chaotic Resolve

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For fans of her previous albums, you'll find this album to be yet another major stepping stone in the emerging career of a great artist. This is the 4th album from Plumb and she just keeps on managing to top herself with each release. If you are not already a fan of her works, you have most likely already heard her music on movie soundtracks for films such as Bruce Almighty, Brokedown Palace and Drive Me Crazy. Chaotic Resolve is a great album with positive lyrics that manage to avoid the typical pitfalls of other Christian artists. Great production along with a diverse array of sounds make this album a very mature work from Plumb. There are orchestral elements as well as electronic sounds that meld perfectly with the core rock sound that allow this album to breathe in a very organic way and not stray too far into one realm or the other.

1. Blush (Only You) - A very radio-friendly track, this song manages to have smart pop sensibilities without getting cheesy. Dont be surprised to see this song appear on the soundtrack of a movie or TV show in the very near future.

2. I Can't Do This - This is the first track on the album that shows the new harder rock edge that Plumb is showcasing on this album. This track has a rock core, but uses a lot of drum loops to give it a driving force, which perfectly compliments the rock sound.

3. Real Life Fairytale - My personal favorite on the album, this track also has a very smart pop sound, with lots of build ups and a piano melody accented with subtle synth elements. This song is so powerful, and the lyrics are especially positive.

4. Better - This track is a definite "roller-coaster" type track, with quiet verses that explode into a rocking chorus. Up and Down. Again great build-ups on this track, and the lyrics are especially pertinent to anyone who has been going through a hard time.

5. Manic - This track is very electronica in its sound. It is arranged like a pop dance track, with tons of synth sweeps and other electronic elements, yet its not a realy pop type track, just arranged that way. For those that know her, its kind of similar to Damaged from CCWD, but so much more mature in its sound. It's good to see Plumb take a chance on a track like this, as she manages to create a slightly different sound for herself without getting to far away from her core sound.

6. Cut - The first slow song on the album. This track is very, very sad. Just a piano melody with either a sitar or a 12-string to back up the main melody. There are no drums in this track, which I think gives the song an even more emotional feel.

7. Bittersweet - This track also has a very electronic feel to it. Lots of electronic elements blend with what sounds like a huge string section from an orchestra and clean guitars. The strings in this track almost act like a lead guitar, with little solos here and there by a lead violin. Very, very cool.

8. Good Behavior - This track brings back the distorted guitars, and the rock feel. This track and the next one are the two real "jump up and down" type tracks that really rock on this album. So much energy on this track, with lots of power riffs from the guitars. Very organic and not electronic in the least.

9. Motion - In keeping with the "rock" theme started by the previous track, this is the biggest absolute rocker on the album. This is just a real energetic track that I think will be a real hit when performed live. This is the type of track that just gets a crowd going at a concert, which is ironic, because its made to sound like its being performed live with sampled crowd noise in the beginning.

10. I Have Nothing - Mostly organic with just straight guitars, but it adds a few subtle electronic elements to bring things out of the complete rock theme started by the previous two tracks.

11. Jekyll & Hyde - The second slow track on the album, although this one isnt nearly as sad as Cut. Lots of clean guitars, strings, a little flute melody and odd electronic sounds. The track comes off as very subtle, but if you listen closely you can hear a lot going on with the synths in the background, it is just washed out in order to not overwhelm the feel of the track.

12. Sleep - My second favorite track on this album. This is just a well written song. I think this track more than any of the others shows just how far Plumb has come since her first album. A perfect combination of pianos, strings, and subtle electronic elements. If I had to show someone one track from this album to represent her new direction, this would be the song.

13. Damaged (Redemption Extended Version) - This is a new version of a track from Candycoated Water Drops (her 2nd album), a song which was featured in the movie "Brokedown Palace". It sounds like this track was completely rewritten. Although it keeps true to its original sound by keeping the same lyrics and general feel of the song, its been modernized by adding a new longer intro and an entirely new verse/outro bridge at the end, which really brings out the newer feel of the track. I think she re-recorded the vocals for this track, as she changed up the notes on a few of the parts she sings. If you have heard the original song, you'll recognize the same parts, but you'll also notice how updated the parts of the song sound. All in all its a much better version than the original.

14. Pray For Me - This track is at about 160 BPM (Beats Per Minute). At its core it is a jungle track as those in the electronic dance music realm will recognize. I like the attempt she was making to produce an almost entirely electronic track, one that could easily be a dance single, but the song comes off a bit odd. I think it could have been a lot better if she tried the same thing but just used a straight up "4 on the floor" beat and dropped the tempo to around 125-130, but its a good effort none the less.


All in all this album is really good. If you are a fan of Plumb from her previous works, i highly recommend picking this one up as you'll appreciate the maturity of her sound and how she is really coming into her own as an artist. Personally, I can't wait for album number 5!

--Eric J
http://www.downgrooves.com

I saw Plumb on their first major tour, when they opened for Jars of Clay. Since that time, Plumb has paired down to the soul and passion of Tiffany Arbuckle. Maybe she's been the heartbeat all along. With each album, she seems to have come nearer to the surface--and yet deeper in the lyrics.

"Chaotic Resolve" is a beautiful amalgam of music and themes. While some artists try different styles and fail to make them seem cohesive, Plumb manages to bring unity to the mix. The work of Matt Bronleewe shines through in this regard, keeping the heavy guitar riffs, while blending electronica and breathy vocals. Throughout, the sounds add to the texture of the lyrics, rather than detracting from them.

This may be Plumb's best, most complete album yet. If you've ever enjoyed Tiffany's music, don't let this one pass you by. If you haven't tried her stuff, it's time to do it.

Plumb's ever-evolving sound (and line up) makes each release fresh. Chaotic Resolve is no different. Tiffany takes the direction she started with Beautiful Lumps of Coal and expands on it. Each song is a showcase for her vocals. My personal favorite is "Cut". It's a little more laid back than the rocking numbers she's known for, but it's powerful. Impossible to predict, Plumb is easy to enjoy. Different from CandyCoatedWaterDrops, but still good.

Hey the first 3 CD's I had of Plumb I liked but couldn't stand to listen to. Then in a counseling session for sexual abuse, my counselor played "Damaged" the Revised edition. I started bawling because then I realized what the message was on the CD. I realized why I didn't like her songs to much: they made me realize my pain. I used to listen to Rob Zombie, and Marylin Manson, then I became a Christian. I realized I had a problem and didn't know why. This song helped me realized that you can find true love. (I have a WONDERFUL GOD GIVEN HUSBAND!)Also that just because of what happened to you in the past doesn't mean God has left you. He loves you and will help if you want Him too. I was abused at 5, almost raped at 14, and raped at 17. All these men claimed to be "Christians", obviously they weren't. This song helped me so much. "God will never leave you alone."

Plumb is amazing, and has been for many years now. But this latest album will just blow you away. It will keep you pushing repeat all day long! Whether you're in the mood to listen to songs that completely rock your soul, music with a touch of enticing pop, soothing melodies with a pure vocal tinge or empowering lyrics... this album has it all. It is worth every penny spent!

I first knew of Plumb via their song 'stranded' which featured on the tv show roswell. after hearing other tracks i became an instant fan. chaotic resolve doesnt disappoint. i love most of the tracks but in particular : real life fairytale, better, i cant do this and the two fantastic ballads: cut & jekyll/hyde. cut in particular, which is a haunting epic ballad about 'cutting' lifts the album tremendously ..while blush & sleep are the more obvious choices for commercial release i think that the darker, moodier tracks are the best and cannot recommend this album enough! Gotta love Plumb.

Plumb "Chaotic Resolve" (02/28/06)

Plumb releases another outstanding album filled with her signature thought-provoking lyrics that cover the subjects of life and love, and not just the pretty parts. The music is cutting edge as Tiffany Arbuckle delivers powerful lush vocals over melodies and styles that lead the listener on a tour through a museum of moods and emotions. This CD is the most genre experimental album of the Plumb catalogue and encompasses many different modern rock, pop sounds that capture the ear and hold it. There are numerous radio friendly tracks showcased here and this may just be the CD that moves Plumb from the background to the forefront as one of music's most talented Christian artists.

From the official Plumb website:

"The title "Chaotic Resolve" comes from the resolve in much of the discord in my life...To me, resolve does not always mean fix. It may mean that I've resolved to accept a somewhat chaotic situation as it is, or I have resolved to change my expectations of a person....My objective was to communicate the message of chaos and resolve together."

"I Can't Do This" is the first single from the album and has been receiving considerable airplay on Christian radio for the past couple of months. It has a busy industrial rock sound that creates a "panicked" feel with lyrics that spur tension with lines that include ideas like waking up late, failure, crazy, agitated, but then resolve into a peaceful place when Plumb announces "I can't do this, oh God, I need your help" and submits to Him. The music softens and the vocals become breathy and calmer as she sings "press into me, breathe in me, bask in me, you'll be free to do anything." When I first heard this track months ago it didn't really appeal to me because initially, I found it repetitive. Now I see that the repetitiveness gives it more meaning because Christians often struggle to let go of things in our harried lives, and when we finally do "give it to God", it is so easy to take our burdens right back from him. It is a vicious cycle and Plumb is right, "I can't do this!"

One of the most significant songs on the album would have to be "Cut". This is an intimate song that speaks to the issue of a form of self-abuse referred to as "cutting". Plumb's passionate voice captures the desperation of a hurting soul as she cries

"I may seem crazy,
or painfully shy,
and these scars wouldn't be so hidden,
if you would just look me in the eye.

I feel alone here, and cold here,
I don't wanna die
But the only anesthetic
that makes me feel anything
kills inside."</i<

The emotion in her voice as she sings these verses is chilling. The listener can not not be moved by this song. (See the video for "Cut" on Plumb's MySpace, and you'll see what I mean.) The simple solo piano lines and the subtle accompanying rhythm of the synthesizer, which sounds like a distant harpsichord, enhance Tiffany Arbuckle's emotionally charged, concerned and desperate voice that penetrate the soul and demands an emotional response from the listener. When she sings with an exhausted and frightened hesitation between each word "I'm ... tired ... of feeling so numb, relief exists I find it when ... ", it creates a certain tension and she resolves it by singing the short phrase "I am cut". The abrupt ending on the word "cut" immediately resolves that tension the prior verse created and musically portrays the thoughts of a "cutter" desiring to feel something, anything. This is a very powerful song and is the definitive highlight of the album.

The lead off single really sets the music tone of the album with its poppy upbeat, encouraging sound. "Blush (Only You)" is a song that is about wanting to be in love with your spouse, or with God, in a way that always seems new. She sings of a pure love and a focused love that creates an emotional surge, a blush perhaps, whenever that love comes to mind.

Many of the songs of this album are solid pop-rock tunes that hook the listener with catchy choruses and singable melodic verses. "Real Life Fairy Tale", "Better" (which is being used by ESPN in a commercial), "Manic", "Good Behavior", and even the danceable, club music sound of "Motion", and "I Have Nothing" are all good rock/pop songs that talk about the chaos of the lives we all live and offer glimpses of the peace we all desire. Plumb continues along the idea that we are all beautiful lumps of coal and has a way of relating to the listener through her lyrics, yet always offering the hope that the "ick" is not all that there is. There is something beautiful in all of us.

Masterfully balancing this excellent pop rock album are some tunes that somewhat quiet the heart of the listener to focus on subjects to be taken very seriously. As a bonus track we are treated to a wonderfully orchestrated remix of "Damaged" originally off of "Candycoatedwaterdrops" that tackles the subject of abuse and it ends praising "alleluia to His name" and offers hope, "we are his children, how much He loves you, and He will never leave you alone."

"Bittersweet", "Jekyll & Hyde", "Sleep" challenge release from bitterness and resentment through forgiveness, and encourages casting ones cares upon Him when we are so exhausted we feel we can no longer go on. "Sleep" has somewhat of a dreamy texture in the orchestration with strings that carry the listener off to another place when "you have some of those days, when you just need to be, when you just need to shut your mouth, close your eyes, breathe in and out and drift away..."

"Chaotic Resolve" is a title that all serious music lovers should add to their collection. It encompasses creative lyric writing at its finest and is an exhibition of different musical genres from industrial rock edge, to soft, quiet solo ballads for voice, from a pop, club dance mix to modern alternative rock. The only misstep on this CD would be the other "bonus" track "Pray for Me", a Michael W. Smith/Wayne Kirkpatrick tune from the late 80's that is given a techno-dance mix makeover and, well, leaves me wondering "why?". Despite that final "bonus" track, this offering from Plumb will raise the standard in Christian music, both lyrically and musically, as it challenges, inspires, stirs emotion, and is plainly enjoyable to listen to.

This is an album you can listen through from start to finishing without skipping a beat. This is by far the best Plumb album ever. "Cut" is a genius song with outstanding lyrics and vocals. "Motion" is the coolest song I've heard in a while. Some of the beats remind of tunes I've enjoyed from the past. If I could compare Plum to anyone, it would be The Cranberries. They both have incredible vocals with awesome rock beats. This album fits right in with the new year (2006) and everyone who heard the song "Better" said it was the best song they heard all year. This album is 100% enjoyable. The bonus track classic "Damaged" is an awesome treat by itself. This is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys good rockish music. I really liked this album and I think you will too.

Alright, so I have no sort of history with Plumb at all. I learned of them recently from the trance remake of their song, "Damaged". I checked out the original, and while it was good, it wasn't really in my style.

Then I saw this album coming out. I figured, "WHY NOT?" So I picked it up, and I can genuinely say I was floored. Tiffany's vocals are superb, the emotion is raw and the focus is strong. The music ranges from pop to heavy rock to even electronica. I am not much of a Christian Music listener, and I was pleased to find that the majority of the lyrics weren't so religiously focused that I, being agnostic, would have a hard time connecting to the music. I found I loved just about every song.

That being said, I will address the comparisons to Evanescence. Firstly, this album is no where near as tense or angsty as "Fallen". "Damaged" is perhaps the closest song to that feeling, and it is about 7 years old now. For the most part, they seem to have their shtuff together, forming an album that can and will easily speak to anyone, in any situation. Even the last song, the techno-ballad "Pray For Me", which is apparently a cover, is ready for those who will benefit from its' wise words.

I cannot find a wrong word to say about this album. I just bought it today and I'm already raving about it, without even really listening to the lyrics a whole lot yet. That should SAY something!

Oh just buy it already.

This is the first Plumb CD that I have purchased. I suspect it won't be the last.

The vocals and overall musical quality is appealing and quite catchy. The lead singer's voice is really very good. Lyrically, it is good. Most of the songs are not very clearly Christian. One exception is their remake of Michael W. Smith's 'Pray For Me', which is great. Others have lyrics that occasionally allude to Christian topics such as, 'I Can't Do This'. There is one line that says, 'I can't do this. I can't do this by myself. Oh God, I need your help.' In spite of the overall lack of Christian oriented lyrics, which I prefer, there is nothing objectionable about the wording in these songs.

I will likely check out another one of their CDs. This one is very good and seems better each time I listen to it.