Vanden Plas--Far Off Grace

Vanden Plas--Far Off Grace (1999/InsideOut) Rating--8.3

The band's third full-length release, and the biggest transition here is the now-smooth voice of Andy Kuntz. As he has matured, he's formed great clarity and presence-- and no longer sounds forced, as was occasionally the case in the early '90s.
Musically, there's an added razor-quality to the distortion in places, though the band needs to let loose more often (the Dream Theater ailment). Great songwriting, but just let it crank, fellas!
The rip-and-flow of disc opener "I Can See" is one of the band's top highlights in its entire catalog, as every strength aspect is brought forth. A chunky backbone supports "Iodic Rain," and "Inside of Your Head" is churning and good. "Fields of Hope" rips from the start, and "Into the Sun" is an adequate track.
The band gives a bonus via its cover of Dokken's "Kiss of Death". With Vanden's added keyboard and guitar-run sections, it's quite the treat!
TRACK LIST: I Can See/Far Off Grace/Into the Sun/Where Is the Man/Iodic Rain/I Don't Miss You/Inside of Your Head/Fields of Hope/I'm in You/Kiss of Death

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