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Mar 09, 2010 Web Exclusive By Hays Davis

One of the most thankless jobs in music involves those trying earnestly to put a truly personal stamp on separate bands, especially when both are existing units. Such is the case with Alan Sparhawk, who has been a part of the fabric of Low since the early ‘90s. With the release of its second album, Sparhawk’s new-ish band, Retribution Gospel Choir, is at least past the tabula rasa stage, but the singer/guitarist still has plenty of work ahead beyond his day job.

It helps that these bands are utterly distinct entities. After years trafficking in the subtleties explored by Low, Sparhawk seems to be enjoying himself in what can unequivocally be called a rock band. Rounded out by Low bassist Steve Garrington and drummer Eric Pollard, the band stays the course of its 2008 self-titled debut album, moving the trio closer to firmly establishing an identity, though not far enough to fulfill the promise that flashes occasionally on 2.

The massive chords of “Your Bird” and the anthemic “Hide It Away” feature RGC at their resonating best and will keep listeners coming back to the album, though there’s a troubling lack of substance in much of the rest of the disc. The meat-and-potatoes rock of “Working Hard” and “White Wolf” sounds like the work of perpetual arena band openers, and the odd “Something’s Gonna Break” buries the sound of the band bashing way behind a crooning Sparhawk until the very end, where we’re frustratingly provided with 30 seconds of what sounds like a great song.

Sparhawk and Garrington are probably getting a charge out of employing a little extra volume with Retribution Gospel Choir. Hopefully, with time, more of it will be wrapped around material that matched the wattage. (www.retributiongospelchoir.com)

Author rating: 5/10