James Labrie – Static Impulse

Releasedate: 27-09-2010; Label: InsideOut
By: Sabine van Gameren

Though, mostly known as being Dream Theater’s singer, James Labrie has also his solo project going on. “Static Impulse” is technically his fourth, but second one on the name of Labrie.

His previous album dates back to 2005 and in between Dream Theater was the main thing. A slight reflection come to that when the first song starts, “Elements of Persuasion” is to be remembered, but be prepared for some grunts to set some more aggressive tone. Peter Wildoer (Darkane) is responsible for that. It mixes well in the music, but James only uses it sporadically. It remains still the solo project around his own ego. Where the previous album had the catchy “Crucify” on it to make people remember the whole project easily, this album does not seem to have such a song until you come to the last one perhaps. Closing it off with the sweet ballad “Coming Home” Shows the sensible side, the drama and the side that didn’t come into the music before. Wondering how much different this music actually is, from what Dream Theater makes you come back coldly. Yes, there is some reference. It is far from an album that brings something totally new and original but yet it keeps you listening. The familiar voice and the way James uses in different ways makes the album still one that you keep playing. After waiting five years for this album, the fan of James specifically will still be satisfied. Dream Theater fans will walk away with it either, them realizing this is an album from James and not another Dream Theater and still feel totally comfortable with that.

Line Up:
James LaBrie – Lead Vocals
Matt Guillory – Keyboards, Background Vocals
Marco Sfogli – Guitars
Ray Riendeau – Bass
Peter Wildoer – Drums, Screams

Tracklist: 01. One More Time 02. Jekyll Or Hyde 03. Mislead 04. Euphoric 05. Over The Edge 06. I Need You 07. Who You Think I Am 08. I Tried 09. Just Watch Me 10. This Is War 11. Superstar 12. Coming Home

Links:
James Labrie Official