Listen to the new single by AOH Music!
Listen to the new single by AOH Music!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

The Gray Havens

The Gray Havens
Ghost of a King Live

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: October 6, 2017
Style: Live / Acoustic / Folk



Last year, I was able to see The Gray Havens live shortly before the release of Ghost of a King. I have greatly enjoyed David and Licia Radford's clever lyrics and catchy music, and seeing some of their catalogue performed live was very special. Now everyone can get a taste of that experience with Ghost of a King Live, containing live renditions of the entire album plus three songs from previous works at the end. The studio recordings of these songs have been critiqued elsewhere so I'll focus on the live aspects here.

The Gray Havens are not a rock band by any stretch, so there's no wild screaming in the background. However, there is a sense of energy pulsing through the recording. Though reserved, the listener can tell the audience is invested in the band. That says something about the love this group has cultivated. The performers themselves add to the energy by neatly playing each tune. There are no extended solos or extra fills, but the band does a great job backing David's vocals and guitar work. There is some interaction between Dave and the crowd where he gives background to certain songs or teaches them a part to sing along with. These moments add to the flavor of the live recording and my only complaint is that I wish there was more of it.

On the innovation side of things, the songs are played nearly identical to their studio counterparts. The three final tracks, "Silver," "Far Kingdom" and "Train Station," feature some divergences, and those differences are welcome. A little bit of this creativity on other songs would have been nice, such as with "Diamonds and Gold," which is more synth-based on the record but could be tinkered here. However, the songs as they are work well in a live setting with some tunes like "Take This Slowly" and "Go" ringing truer to me with these renditions.

The listener may not get the same thrill listening to this live album compared to a Needtobreathe offering, but it works well in its own right. For fans of The Gray Havens, this will be another great addition to their collection. For those who are curious about this group, Ghost of a King Live can properly introduce them to the band's flavor. This is a formidable live album that nicely showcases The Gray Havens' creativity and energy.

- Review date: 10/5/17, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out the new single from Katie Lighty!

 

JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: Artist Garden Entertainment
. Album length: 14 tracks: 53 minutes, 18 seconds
. Street Date: October 6, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes
. Download It: AmazonMP3

  1. Ghost in the Valley (Live) (1:23)
  2. Shadows of the Dawn (Live) (3:56)
  3. Ghost of a King (Live) (4:56)
  4. Band of Gold (Live) (3:36)
  5. Take This Slowly (Live) (5:17)
  6. Diamonds and Gold (Live) (3:24)
  7. This My Soul (Live) (3:50)
  8. A Living Hope (Live) (2:15)
  9. At Last, the King (Live) (4:21)
  10. Go (Live) (6:26)
  11. Sea Shanty (Live) (1:13)
  12. Silver (Live) (3:09)
  13. Far Kingdom (Live) (4:17)
  14. Train Station (Live) (5:15)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

              
Check out the new single from Katie Lighty!

Search JFH




This Thursday, March 30, 2023
SINGLES
Disciple Bad Words - Single [Tooth & Nail]


This Friday, March 31, 2023
ALBUMS
The Classic Crime GRIM AGE (independent)
Coby James Good News - EP [Centricity]
JJ Hairston Believe Again, Vol. II [Tribl]
Hillsong UNITED Of Dirt And Grace: Live From The Land (Expanded Edition) [Capitol CMG]
The Ongoing Concept Again [Solid State]

SINGLES
Nico Battaglia Hope Of Glory - Single [Integrity]
Tina Boonstra Why Do Good Times Fly? - Single [7Core]
Donald Lawrence, Twinkie Clark, Yolanda Adams In Him There Is No Sorrow - Single [Provident]
Dwan Hill Mansion - Single [Integrity]
Elevation Rhythm You Will Be Saved - Single [Elevation]
Hulvey Altar - Single [Reach]
Newsboys He Lives (ft. Adam Agee) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Britt Nicole Gold (Acoustic) - Single (independent)
Earnest Pugh Keeper Of Our Souls - Single [Shanachie]
Red Rocks Worship Good Plans - Single [Provident]
Shout Praise Kids Great Are You Lord - Single [Integrity]
Stillman You'll Be In My Heart - Single (independent)
The Talleys Death Was Arrested / He's Alive (Live) - Single [Horizon]


Next Friday, April 7, 2023
ALBUMS
The Kingdom Heirs Something Good, Vol. 3 [Sonlite]
LaTocha The Invitation: A Conversation With God [Capitol CMG]
NF HOPE [Virgin]
Petra PETRA - FIFTY (Anniversary Collection) DELUXE EDITION (3-Discs) [Girder]

SINGLES
Housefires I Thank God - Single [Capitol CMG/Tribl]
Stars Go Dim Authority (In The Name of Jesus) [feat. Lloyd Nicks] - Single [Curb/Word]

VINYL
The Union of Sinners and Saints One More Shot [Girder]


For all release dates, click here!
 



Listen to the New Album by Glory's Gate!




Listen to the New Album By Erin Corrado!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images