Birds of Pray

CD > POPULAR MUSIC > ROCK

Live was originally labeled the poor man's U2, thanks to their anthemic choruses and earnest spirituality. Unlike the Irish superstars, however, the Pennsylvania quartet have found what they're looking for on their sixth album. Singer and principal songwriter Ed Kowalczyk proclaims in "Heaven" that he not only has gotten his faith back, but also has seen God in his infant daughter and a sunset. Gooey sentiments, perhaps, but Kowalczyk delivers them with a sweet sincerity that delivers a solid psychic punch. The band seemed to have lost its way around the turn of the century by embroidering their trademark guitar-heavy sound with an abundance of frivolous loops, gadgetry, and gratuitous fretwork. This time out, they thankfully reverted back to basics, throwing out the trashy keyboards and again pounding out their rhythmically charged rock. Kowalczyk is also writing less ponderous lyrics. The singer has found his salvation in love, which has softened his stern demeanor and given his stream-of-consciousness songs a playful spin not heard before on a Live record. --Jaan Uhelszki