Mark Schuster Losing Faith
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Losing Faith is the latest release from guitar master and multi-instrumentalist Mark B. Schuster. Schuster is a complete package – he sings, play every instrument on the album (with the exception of 3 guitar solos), writes all his music and lyrics, and even engineers and mixes. Another Renaissance man…
Starting his musical career as a drummer and moving on to the guitar, Schuster quickly became a complete musician and dabbled in almost every genre from classical to metal, finally setting his sights on good old fashioned hard rock. Mark released a solo instrumental CD called Monster Me in 2005, and now adds vocals to his arsenal on 2010’s Losing Faith.
There is no doubt that Mark is a talented artist. As a guitarist he is excellent, particularly as a rhythm player. Losing Faith is filled with great big hooks and chugging rhythm lines running the gamut from soft and melodic acoustic riffs to ultra heavy super distorted power chords. His solos and fills are nicely done as well, and the three lead breaks contributed by Jim Reindel blend in seamlessly with Schuster’s work. Sometimes calm and sometime aggressive, Schuster has a deft touch and allows his music to perfectly match the tone of his lyrics. As a bassist, he is also skilled. Big booming and aggressive bass riffs play nicely off the rhythm lines and drive the music forward without dominating. Schuster is also a very capable drummer, doing everything from simple cymbal fills to rapid fire bass. He also throws in a few keyboard notes here and there, but keeps such esoterica to a bare minimum.
If there is a weakness to Schuster’s abilities, it is as a vocalist. Do not misinterpret – he is a decent singer – not bad in any sense, but his vocal talents pale in comparison to his instrumental abilities. Mark’s voice is a bit rough and dry at times, and his range is somewhat limited – but he seems to be aware of these limits and stays nicely in his comfort zone. He manages to make the most of his vocal abilities and for the most part does a fine job. He is almost always clear and understandable, and only on rare occasions does the listener really need to focus to make out exactly what he is saying. Whatever his vocal shortcomings, his enthusiasm and blatant desire to express himself make it easy to overlook any shortfalls.
Schuster also did a nice job with his own engineering. All the instruments are balanced and clear, and there are only a few rough spots which add some warmth and realism to the album. He did a good job mixing his vocals – making plenty of overdubs and allowing some self-harmonizing, without overdoing it.
Oddly, the opening and title track “Losing Faith” is the weakest song on the album with some inconsistent and strained sounding vocals, although it features a great guitar solo. “Did What I Did” has a great acoustic opening and settles into a grinding bass-driven blues tinged groove – reminiscent of some old Gilby Clarke or GNR. “Until I See Your Eyes” carries the same groove and displays Schuster’s ability to write very hooky music. “Bitter Man” is literally a bitter commentary on modern life and broken relationships with lots of layered vocal tricks and a much heavier groove. “Nothing Without You“ opens with a smooth acoustic passage and heavy bass and then becomes a big booming blues-tinged rocker with a great guitar solo.
“The Monster Inside”is quite probably the strongest track on the album, as well as the heaviest. It features a dark and moody tone, great lyrics, a big booming bass and drum line and a blistering guitar solo courtesy of Jim Reindel. Schuster switches gears and puts out a much lower key but lyrically biting track called “Believing In You.” “Static” has a distinct orchestral metal feel to it and really allows Schuster’s fine bass and guitar sense to shine. “Lies” wraps the CD with a deep jazz-funk-rock groove that would make Alice In Chains proud.
If you want to listen to a complete and enthusiastic musician, pick up Losing Faith. Mark Schuster definitely lives and breathes his music, and that fire and desire permeates the entire album. He decided to explore that darker sides of life on this album, and honestly a track or two with a lighter or more upbeat tone or subject matter would make the album more commercially acceptable and a better listen. However any hard rock fan will enjoy this release. Definitely recommended.
Genre: Hard Rock
Band:
Mark B. Schuster (all vocals, all instruments)
Jim Reindel (guitar solos on tracks 1, 3 and 6)
Track Listing:
1. Losing Faith
2. Did What I Did
3. Until I See Your Eyes
4. Bitter Man
5. Nothing Without You
6. The Monster Inside
7. Believing In You
8. Static
9. Lies
Label: Indie
Website: http://www.markbschuster.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10