Album Notes

This disc is re-released on Spirit Creek's new 2008 album "A Culture of Unaccountability"

US AGAINST THE WORLD REVIEW

If passion and belief in the music were all it took to sell albums, Spirit Creek would be multi-platinum. As it is, the band will have to rely on their passionate songwriting and intense melodic power-rock to get the word out about "Us Against The World".

Occasionally, you come across an independent band that you really want to get behind, that you want to believe in. Spirit Creek is such a band. Their music inspires, not because it is larger than life, but more because it is everyday life. The songs are filled with insecurities and uncertainties, expressing unknowns anyone except the most plastic of people can relate to.

Case in point are tracks like 'What's Wrong With Me '. At one time or another, most will be able to share in screaming along with the chorus "I want to feel my life again, I want to know what's wrong with me!". As Doug Shea, singer and songwriter for the band, expresses in his on-line journal: "My thoughts on my life and what I really wanted to do at this point were...uncertain. To be completely honest, my opinion changed from one end of the spectrum to the other, from the moment I walked on that stage to the moment I walked off." Yep, been there, done that.

With lyrics that seem to be an expression of Shea's character, the album comes from a position of the romantic and the underdog. The melancholy title track bares its soul, expressing feelings that, leave one open for total adoration or shear rejection. Similar adoration is expressed in 'A Million Miles Away', a portrayal of longing through separation.

From the catchy 'Cardinal Lie' to the ballad-esk 'Only Human', each track supports the band's aversion to album fillers. Says Shea, "Each one has it's own flavor of life to me. We have never believed in "album filler" songs, so each and every song has been worked on with a lot of passion. There have been many songs that have been written and thrown away because they were not good enough." The only minor drawback is some minor issues with the final quality, revealing Spirit Creek's status as an independent band.

Insight into the album and the meanings behind many of the tracks are supported by Shea's on-line journal, a must-read to fully appreciate the music. From Mission Impossible-style dealings with fast food chains, to the impact of death-defying experiences, to sharing the stage with fellow rockers like Creed, Three Doors Down, and Nickelback, it all helps paint a picture of a band that is deeply dedicated yet surprisingly accessible.

"Us Against The World" conveys a message of hope and longing, creating an open window into the feelings and emotions of Spirit Creek. With music that is accessible enough to garner broad appeal, the window is one that most can apply to themselves.

-- Chad
-- The Edge On-Line