Tracklist
1. Stars
2. Achey Arms
3. The Life You Know
4. Hearthealty
5. The Venom
6. Dollar Signs
7. Less Is More
8. Goodside
9. Smoke and Mirrors

 

 

Smoke and Mirrors is the newest full-length album release from Overlook.  I’ve known of Overlook for several years now having seen them play live plenty of times.  So, with most new album from bands I enjoy hearing live – I often wonder… how will the band’s live sound translate over into a recorded album?  Well, when it comes to Overlook’s Smoke and Mirrors I have to say – job well done.

Smoke and Mirrors is an alternative rock album filled with themes of sad subject matter always coupled with hope and optimism.  It’s in that delicate balance that lies some of the album’s true beauty.  “Stars” is a very high-energy, guitar driven, “in your face” opening track.  “The Life You Know” combines subtleness, glimmers of glockenspiel, intense drumming, and great songwriting… “It’s time to learn from theses bridges we keep burning.  Fear controls us all while our heads keep on spinning.” I love how “The Venom” has such an angry, demanding tone to it and questions “when you had enough will you self destruct?” The album wraps up with the title track, “Smoke and Mirrors”, which is an unbelievably beautiful beacon of hope… “some say that help is on the way.” In many ways after listening to Smoke and Mirrors I feel as though it’s a soundtrack to some great sci-fi/action film.  The album just has that great feel from start to finish and is definitely worth a listen.

Here’s a sample track: Overlook – “The Life You Know” from Smoke and Mirrors

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Tags: Overlook, reviews, Smoke and Mirrors, The Life You Know