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The latest on the Tooth and Nail roster, Tulsa-based Capital Lights (formerly knowns as After Eight) is definitely producing an outrage of
excitement with their debut album, This Is An Outrage. With their power pop-rock and electronica sound, at first listen,
you might find yourself confusing these guys with some band you've heard on MTV or VH1. Their sound is one that is seemingly common
and popular in the mainstream market right now. Hence, the similarities you can find between the boys of Capital Lights and those of
Metro Station, Relient K, and Fall Out Boy.
This Is an Outrage starts off strong with the bouncy and upbeat opener, "Outrage," which perfectly sets the tone for the
rest of the album. The fun continues with "Worth As Much As A Counterfeit Dollar" and "Out of Control," the two other singles which
are sure to become fan favorites. "Mile Away" possesses a more polished, slower tempo that gives us a good dose of synthesizers and
keyboards. This beautiful song switches between melodic chorus and spoken verse, which is a risky transition sometimes, yet is
flawlessly executed. Other favorites to be found throughout This Is An Outrage are "Return," the most spiritually-centered
song to be found on the record, and the vocally dominating "Let the Little Lady Talk."
The lyrics that make up the album are fun, upbeat, and really easy to sing along with. They are also quite demanding of the
listener, which I'd imagine would certainly add to experiencing their live performance. However, people looking for spiritual depth
should not tread these waters dominated by Capital Lights. This album is purely made for fun, lighthearted listening. Though there
are scattered hints of spirituality ("Return," mostly), it definitely isn't enough to satisfy those yearning for some real depth and
spiritual truth. Overall, these songs are definitely relatable.
This is, without a doubt, a teen and young adult's soundtrack. And, might I add, a perfect summer release. You can expect these songs
will be sung on the beaches, and throughout car stereos for the remainder of the summer months. It is too fitting as a whole.
Overall, it is an extremely powerful debut and is consistently fun, energetic, and extremely pleasing to the ears. Capital Lights
has made a name for themselves with This Is An Outrage, no doubt.
- Review date: 7/6/08, written by Lindsay Wiseman of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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Capital Lights has that kind of spark and simplicity that draws the listener in and will make some
say to themselves, "Have I heard this before?" This is an Outrage! brings sounds from the past such as
Asia, Styx, Loverboy, Bryan Adams, The Cars, Simple Minds, Howard Jones, and Bon Jovi's debut album.
One example is "Miracle Man" which displays some riffs found in Bryan Adam's "Summer of '69." It's always nice to play
an album with a lot of energy. Being that this is such an incredible album with highlights like "Outrage,"
"Worth as Much as a Counterfeit Dollar," "Out of Control," and "Frank Morris," it should be no surprise that Aaron
Sprinkle produced it. This year has brought some us some standout new artists from Tooth & Nail Records (Secret & Whisper,
Search The City), and now this is the next band to make a decent debut in 2008.
- Wayne Myatt of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
