1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring, remarkable, funny & profound piano rock album, April 26, 2009
This review is from: Toxic Charm (Audio CD)
The album "Toxic Charm" is remarkable, not only because it shows deep feeling and musical complexity, but because every note was written and arranged with the use of only one finger over the course of a year.
Ace No Face, the composer of "Toxic Charm," fills the album with brooding, soul-searching, sometimes shattering songs, like the opening song, "Regret," "Concept," "Bright and Shiny," "Mercy," and "Gotta" about how to deal with the hardest issue any person can face: one's own mortality. Ace is a young man suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressively disabling and ultimately terminal illness, and wrote the entire album using only one finger, his computer, and a hired singer. Ace's talent shines beyond his unimaginable situation.
Ace is uniquely qualified to speak about many spiritual issues--and also a highly talented writer who covers topics like serial bicycle thieves, manic episodes, and annoying girlfriends.
His songs are deceptively simple in arrangement, using only piano, bass, vocals and percussion, but the interplay of the instruments is often ingenious. The chord progressions are original, using complex jazz chords and expressing emotions ranging from anger and sadness to a charming sense of humor. The singer chosen for the album is expressive, and the interplay of bass, piano, and vocals is often playful and thought-provoking.
Ace's funny and tender side is shown in "Snakes," a humorous take on relationships between sensitive people--and the difference between real people and superheroes. "Siren Song" is another love song, but of the unrequited variety. The music, more jarring and unsettling, fits this mood.
Some of the most profound songs on the album are those that confront spiritual questions, like "Mercy," in which he wonders where God's mercy is; or "Concept," in which he debunks many misconceptions of God. These songs culminate with another wrenchingly sad song, "Gotta," about persistence in the face of impossible circumstances. The album ends with a humorous song of outrage at people who think far more narrowly, "YSAP" (I won't say what it stands for--you'll have to hear it).
Listening to "Toxic Charm" is a glimpse into a profound soul you won't soon forget. It will reset your view of life and spirituality, and is a testament to both human spirit and persistence in the face of impossible circumstances. You'll never look at one of your fingers the same way again.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
