ORPHAN FOUND

3.5 stars. Shane Lankford is the inspiration behind the ORPHAN PROJECT. Shane was an orphan himself and was fortunate enough to be adopted into a loving home.Yet he still questioned his identity, that is until he found God. The first person he thanks in the liner notes is "His father, who art in heaven". This album is really a look at Shane's life from birth to eternity. I have to say that this album is inspiring, moving, melodic, heavy and very well done. His vocals remind me of Marco from SYLVAN. Oh I wanted to mention as well that another band i'm a fan of VISUAL CLIFF, which originally was an instrumental Jazz / Fusion band has enlisted Shane on vocals for their last two albums.

"Coming Into View I : Discovering New Surroundings" is a top three tune that opens with sounds that build into a melody. Nice guitar when it comes in and turns heavy. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes as it settles. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. Aggressive guitar before 5 minutes then it settles with piano then kicks back in with vocals. More great guitar to end it. "Chosen" pictures Shane at the orphanage seeing his friends being chosen and hoping that one day his turn will come. It opens with the sound of a music box and door being opened before acoustic and electric guitars and drums come in. Vocals follow. Some violin and organ in this one as well. It ends as it began with the music box. "Full But Lonely" kicks in quickly and hard. Vocals before a minute. A good heavy tune. "Leaving My Seat At The Table" is another top three for me. Piano and strings to start before drums and guitar join in. A nice heavy sound before a minute as he cries out "Mother !... Father !...". Violins after 4 1/2 minutes. "Trickle Down" opens with synths. Vocals a minute in. It kicks in as contrasts continue between the mellow and powerful. "Coming Into View II : Encircling Arms Of The Father" features some outstanding guitar and synths early. Vocals after a minute. Great sound on the chorus. The guitar lights it up before 4 minutes.

"See What He Sees" is the other top three tune. Piano to open as strings join in then reserved vocals. All I can say is "gulp". So beautiful and moving. These lyrics are inspired. "Orphan Found" is heavy duty then the vocals come in as it settles. Great sound when it kicks back in. Contrasts continue. Strings in this one too. Ripping guitar 4 minutes in. "Parts As One" has this bright and happy intro. Vocals and a fuller sound follow. This is incredible ! "Paupers Unfulfilled" continues with the piano,strings and vocals and contrasts. Great tune. "Coming Into View III : Gazing Down On Golden Streets" opens with the sound of synths and waves both washing in. Reserved vocals before a minute. Check out the lyrics here. This has to be a top three track too. Words about seeing God for the first time, hearing him for the first time, touching him for the first time. I like to dream about that too. "Outro : Wondrous Love" ends as it should with no words, just vocal melodies from a choir and piano. No words as it ends with the sound of those waves washing in.