Ilia "We Were Shipwrecks" Review

Ilia has been a band since 2003, but they didn't really get noticed until 2007, when they began touring full time. Since then, they've released 2 EPs, got a new lead vocalist, and changed their sound. Originally, when Alyssa Duncan was on lead vocals, there was a lot of screaming and a heavier sound. Since she left, Brittany Mosher has stepped in and is now the lead vocalist, bringing a softer sound.

"We Were Shipwrecks" is Ilia's second EP (released in 2011), and the first with Brittany Mosher on vocals. It's quite different than Ilia's older stuff, but still very good.

"Ezekiel" kicks things off, bringing a slight rock edge, and tells the story of Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones. The lyrics not only tell the Old Testament story, but relates how we today are like the bones, and how Christ will raise us up. The title track, "We Were Shipwrecks" comes next, and has a more experimental sound. My personal favorite from the album, "We Were Shipwrecks" has some great lyrics, "We are, We are standing together with hope filled hearts, we are safe on the shore of forever, redemption today has come, cause we are the rescued ones". Brittany's voice is absolutely lovely on this as well.

"Reaching" speaks of needing God, but acknowledging we don't always accept Him. This song has an older Ilia feel to it lyrically, so fans of the first album should enjoy this. "Fall On Us" has beautiful lyrics and is a song of worship, asking for God's Spirit to fall on us. "We Will Rise" is the final studio recorded song, and is another favorite of mine. "We Will Rise" is a prayerful and passionate song that speaks of rising up to act as true Christians. "We Will Rise" is a top notch track.

The final two tracks are live versions of "We Were Shipwrecks" and "Reaching". Both are beautiful versions of the original songs, and I can't decide which I like better! Brittany has a beautiful voice, and sounds great. The recordings are slightly rough, but not too distracting.

Ilia has changed tremendously over the past few years. If you like soft rock with worshipful lyrics, "We Were Shipwrecks" is for you. With gentle melodies and prayerful lyrics, Ilia has manged to reinvent themselves a mainstream band that fans of Seventh Day Slumber (who they are going to be touring with soon), should love.  Check out Ilia's website to learn more about them, check out tour dates and more! You can buy "We Were Shipwrecks from Amazon MP3 or iTunes. For fans of harder music, stay tuned, as I'll be reviewing Ilia's first EP later this month.