Spoken Album Review for 'Illusion'

Finally the wait is over! Hard rock band Spoken is back, and they are bringing the noise with their newest release, Illusion.

Prior to Illusion, which will be released on February 12th, Spoken hadn't released an album since their self-titled in 2007. However, that time gap hasn't been all idol time, the band has been working on the album since 2010.

"We've always been a band that tours nonstop, and we live in three different states. Writing music is sometimes difficult with that equation. There's been a little time between records, but we've never slowed down as far as being a band. You can expect better songwriting on the new record. We approached this record differently than we have the other records. We did the new record with Jasen Rauch, (Brian HEAD Welch, Disciple, RED, and more)," said singer Matt Baird in a previous interview on here.

'Illusion' Cover

Spoken has always been a band that has varied in styles musically. Their first couple of albums were rap/metal reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine, while their next few were more post hardcore before naturally maturing to a refined metal sound. Illusion takes the best of their previous formulas and infuses it with poppier hooks and catchier choruses.

Illusion kicks off with powerful guitars on "Stand Alone." The verses are yelled as Baird is forcing them through a controlled and synchronized scream to go with the music. The chorus then switches to more of a melodic section before he flips it back to screaming.

"Beneath the Surface" starts off very much like the first track; with dual guitars blazing and screaming vocals. Following the same formula as "Stand Alone," the chorus features sung vocals. There's a cool little underwater effect placed throughout the song that adds just the right amount of filter 'beneath the surface.'

The next track in "Don't Go." Heavy guitars open up, but the verses are more of an aggressive singing. The chorus is layered with strong melodies, "Close your eyes and remember me the way I was before...Just stay with me and we can weather the storm," powerful lyrics.

"Through it All All" is the first song on the album that switches gears and also their first single. It's a bit mid-tempo and has a nice blend of guitar work and what sounds like subtle piano or guitar. It positive with a message with the hook proclaiming, "Though our hearts have been broken, we've been burned by the flame/We will rise from the ashes again!"

"More Than You Know" showcases a poppier side of Spoken. The vocals are a bit whispery at times, and again are layered with fantastic harmonies. Overall it's just a solid song touching upon the subjects of self worth and self admittance.



Flowing perfectly from the last track, "Remember the Day" has a soft tone but a big feel. The recording itself has a grand quality, heavy guitars and booming vocals. Spoken does a superb job in capturing a "rock ballad" with this one.

Bang, que the noise, "Shadow Over Me" adds the jolt back into the album after the two-track lull. Adversely, this song is the first time where Baird screams over the chorus and sings the verse. The bridge into the drop out/outro is nicely done as well.

To sum up the song "Accuser" simply... it's heavy. Everything about the song is gut punchingly heavy and it's awesome, especially the metal breakdown part towards the end!

"Take Everything"is a track that could probably be another single because it has a very commercial sound, and a clear relatable focus. "My heart is yours for the taking," could be about a girl or in the case of Spoken's Christian roots, a reference to the forgiveness of God.

"Tonight" slows it back up and is about feeling alive and making a declaration of change and using one moment, 'Tonight,' to transform and "leave it all behind." A great message of encouragement in an easy package.

Next up is the softest track on the album, "Calm the Storm." Again, another powerful song with an inspirational chorus. "Be the hope when the world is crashing down/Come wrap your arms around me/Calm the storm inside me." The song is a cry out to God for his comforting touch to get through any situation.

The title track, "Illusion," finishes up the album with a burst of energy just like in the beginning. Back is the screaming, back is the harmonic melodies, and on come the gritty guitars. "Illusion" matches "Stand Alone" musically as it follows similar guitar patterns, and even starts the same with the faded in sound. The song ends with Baird's chanting as guitar feedback overcomes it.

Through and through, this album is a great welcome back for Spoken. The production is great, the vocals are on point, and the heaviness is brutal with some solid standard rock tracks sprinkled in. Illusion takes the listener through ups and downs as far as sonically, with bouts of heaviness, ballads, and midtempo coming in clusters. Spoken has certainly evolved through the years and with this latest transformation, they are going the right way.

Interview with Tooth and Nail Records' Director of A and R Conor Farley

Give us a brief description of what your background is and why you feel qualified to do this job?
I have been working in music now for about 10 years at the label level and also as a music publisher.  I feel like I have had the opportunity to gain a variety of experience that I hope helps me do this job effectively. I for sure do not think that I have the magic ear or anything, but through my experience have gained a perspective on how business intersects with ministry in this unique industry we are in.


How do you distinguish which artist will be a hit, and which artist to let be?
I wish I knew the exact answer I really try to listen to the music as a fan first. Does it move me emotionally?  Does it make me ask new questions about my faith? Does the live show inspire me?  I then will go through a broad mental checklist of the commercial viability of the artist, the market conditions, songwriting capability of the artist, what our current roster looks like, the time required to invest, as well as the work ethic of the band. This process gets more and more involved the further down the road we may walk with a band.


When approached by Tooth&Nail what was your initial reaction and what did this opportunity mean to you?
I was so excited and flattered.  I have been a fan of the brand for a long time and have been greatly impacted by a lot of the records from their past and current artist roster.


What artist's are you most looking forward to working with?
Well I work with a the majority of our roster, so that is a tough question, I would not want to leave any one out  As a fan I have loved everything Aaron Sprinkle has been a part of. Underoath's, They're Only Chasing Safety impacted me a ton so I am loving working with Aaron Gillespie on The Almost stuff.  I also get to work with one of the most influential core CCM acts in Jeremy Camp which is a total honor.  Those two statements sum up to me what I love the most about my job. There is a great breadth and diversity of incredible artists that I get to serve. Also, super excited about some of our newer bands like Icon For Hire and The Museum.


Are there any artist's you wish to try and bring back?
Poor Old Lu and Mae


Can we get a sneak peak as to who is up and coming or developing?
We will have a bunch of great new music this year–can't say too much at this point, but most of our biggest acts on on the BEC and Tooth and Nail side will be releasing or working on new projects.


Where do you hope to take Tooth&Nail while you're there?
I just hope I can be a good steward with the time I have here. I recognize the great responsibility we have as believers to make excellent music that is honoring of the God who saves us. I do not take that lightly and my expectations for our artists is to steward their incredible gifts as well. I think we will be successful if we do that.


Who's your favorite band or group of all time and why?
Impossible question...but the shortlist would probably include Wilco, The Beach Boys, U2, Nirvana, and Daft Punk. These were all so impact-ful to me in that they crafted songs with incredible melody that had broad appeal.  Also their songs connected me with emotionally at different stages of my development and faith.


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