Full release of the Master Plan
We are pleased to release for you the first half of the album "Master Plan- Side EH" , formally titled " There'll Never Be Another Time Like This" Most will call it folk rock, but you will hear elements such as country, and vaudeville feels. Each song is unique. We hope you enjoy!
Engage has returned with their highly anticipated album Master Plan Side "EH", a genre-blending journey that solidifies their place in the indie rock and alternative scene. With their trademark eclecticism, the band navigates through a maze of sonic landscapes, pushing boundaries and embracing a fearless approach to songwriting.
Right from the opening track, it’s clear that Engage isn’t interested in fitting neatly into one category. The album unfolds like a puzzle, each piece bringing something new to the table. The sound is layered and dynamic, with rich textures, shifting rhythms, and experimental production that allows every track to stand on its own, while still contributing to the overall narrative of the album.
One of the standout features of Master Plan Side “EH” is the band’s ability to blend genres effortlessly. From rock-infused anthems to introspective ballads, the album embraces everything from alternative rock and blues to folk and electronic elements. Tracks like “So Long” and “Raven’s Song” showcase Carla Bonnell’s emotive vocals, which range from ethereal and haunting to powerful and commanding. Her voice, paired with the band’s intricate arrangements, creates a sense of vulnerability without sacrificing the boldness of their sound.
The rhythm section, driven by Greg Mansfield’s dynamic drumming and Vernon Daigle’s smooth bass lines, gives the album its grounding. The two of them weave together a foundation that supports the band’s varied sound, always shifting with the mood of the song—whether it’s the urgent, pulsing energy of “Dirty Water” or the meditative groove of “Heart’s in Drive”. The album’s production highlights the rawness of the band’s performance, allowing the emotional intensity of the songs to shine through.
Lyrically, Master Plan Side "EH" is a testament to the band's evolving storytelling. Themes of introspection, growth, and resilience are woven throughout the album, with each track offering a new chapter in the band’s journey. “Guitar Strings” is a standout example, where Bonnell reflects on the passage of time, the loss of innocence, and the constant tug-of-war between holding on and letting go. Meanwhile, “This One” delves into the complexities of relationships, capturing the tension between desire and fear with poignant lyricism that feels universally relatable.
The songwriting on this album showcases both Carla Bonnell and Rick Bartlett’s growth as lyricists. They balance the personal with the universal, creating songs that feel both intimate and expansive. There's a sense of emotional vulnerability in tracks like “So Long” and “Raven’s Song”, but the album also exudes a sense of defiance and strength, particularly in the anthemic moments that invite listeners to sing along and lose themselves in the music.
What’s particularly striking about Master Plan Side “EH” is how the band manages to stay cohesive despite the diverse styles they explore. While each track brings something unique, the album doesn’t feel disjointed or forced. Engage has developed a sound that is unmistakably their own, even when they step outside traditional genre confines. Tracks like “Dirty Water” and “Heart’s in Drive” have a gritty, bluesy feel, while “Master Plan” takes on a more experimental approach, layering electronic elements with heavy guitar riffs, further pushing the boundaries of their sound.
There are moments throughout the album where the production is daring and even adventurous. The use of atmospheric effects in tracks like “Raven’s Song” and “This One” provides an extra layer of depth to the listening experience. Engage has clearly spent time crafting these moments, paying attention to every detail in a way that rewards repeated listens.
Master Plan Side “EH” is an album that doesn’t shy away from experimentation while staying rooted in emotional authenticity. Engage has crafted a collection of songs that reflect both the personal and universal, combining raw emotion with technical proficiency. The album is a testament to the band’s growth, and it’s clear they’re only just scratching the surface of what they’re capable of.
For those who’ve followed Engage since their debut, this album is a natural evolution—more refined, more confident, and even more exciting than what came before. It’s a bold, genre-defying masterpiece that proves Engage is a band to watch in the years to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
Master Plan Side “EH” is an ambitious and captivating album that showcases the strength of Engage as both musicians and storytellers. From genre-blending tracks to deeply introspective lyrics, this album is a triumph of artistic evolution.
The debut album " The Time Has Come " from Engage features songs written by Carla Bonnell, , Rick Bartlett, Ray Dunham and Fred Meyers. and performed by Carla, Rick, Ray and Teresa Tompkins and Larry Steele. Combining the familiar sounds of various genres together to create a unique sound known as Engage.
Songs written by Rick Bartlett and Colton Craft and produced by Bill Sherwood of the band YES Physical CD includes the songs of Colton Craft and is a 10 track production
Inspirational music written by Sam Mullins, BJ McKelvie and Ted Lynch and recorded at Omni Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.