Pieces of a Real Heart
by
Sanctus Real Since releasing Say It Loud on Sparrow records Sanctus Real has been a consistent voice is CCM. Hits like "Things Like You (Everyone's Everything)," "I'm Not Alright," and "We Need Each Other" have...
Breaking The Silence EP
by
The Letter Black Known as Breaking The Silence, The Letter Black or a Flyleaf/Fireflight re-make, one Tooth and Nail’s newest artists have now provided fans with their first project, Breaking The Silence EP. The band is...
Forget And Not Slow Down
by
Relient K Forget And Not Slow Down sis not a Relient K album. Yes, on the side of an album is says ‘Relient K’, but comparing this release to Relient K’s career is difficult. This Relient K uses five new weapons...
Aspects of Cut and Move are | Posted July-05-2008
A dove award is one of the accomplishments for the band Day of Fire after their first album, Day of Fire. Even with a few solid radio singles Day of Fire still managed to sound too much like their peers, with their newest album, Cut and Move, they are out to establish their identity and show fans the constant need of God.
While “cornerstone” and “rain song” were popular and solid medium rock songs, on their self titled debut, Day of Fire’s music was nothing new. Thus they took up a new sound, which blends Lifehouse, Creed and Kutless Esq. rock music. The result is a gritty and edgy rock which sometimes sounds good, and sometimes doesn’t sound good. The first two songs “love” and “run” are hard songs, that don’t have great flows. “Love” sounds like a lighter Demon Hunter, with a disjointed tune, and rough vocals, while “run” is very repetitive and the rock is not flattering at all. The fast paced rock song “frustrated” may leave fans just that because while the hard rock is decent it isn’t anything new, and the finale “reborn” lacks a defining chorus.
However the solid rock that Day of Fire throws out on “hole in my hand” and “regret” are reminiscent of Creed, and are incredibly solid songs. The lightest song “when the light” lacks a decent verse but the heavier chorus has emotion and a good beat. The title track “cut and move” and “far and gone” are firm hard rock songs that are the meat of the album. “Far and gone” sounds of when it hits the refrain but its stays true enough, and “cut and move”, while it sounds gritty, is a fast paced rock song that is solid.
The lyrics have taken an interesting turn from their debut album, moving from more clear spiritual references to becoming a little vaguer when it comes to their faith. “Far and gone” possibly discusses asking God to stay with the singer where ever he goes. But the execution is poor if that’s the case (‘I’ll be holding on to your song till I find my way back home’). God’s name is never specified on “run” but it’s more than implied, with songs like “when the light” backing it up (‘A parable is told of seed that fell beside the road… A savior smile in my head’). While more spiritual references appear on “cut and move” and “reborn”, depression without much light show up on “love” and “wake me”.
About his bands accomplishments lead singer Joshua Brown says: "I want to show people the love of God in action, loving people for who they are.". his songs focus on pain depression and other of life’s problems, however the light does shine through. In fact with writing songs that more people can relate to while showing Gods love is a great combination that not too many artist pull off. Day of Fire’s music is in need of some refinement, because the skill is there, but there are just a few songs that sounds more edgy than cutting edge.
Manafest is reaching for the "Top of the World" | Posted June-30-2008
In a world where Christian rap is mainly run by KJ-52, tobyMac, Grits, and John Reuben it’s easy to pass by Chris Greenwood (Manafest). While his debut was pretty much under the radar he earned some recognition for his sophomore effort Glory. Now trying to get a larger a fan base, Manafest is out with his third studio release Citizens Activ.
Employing rap with a mix of rock and hip hop, the result isn’t always top notch but it moves enough to keep the listener interested. Citizens Activ rocks the hardest on “kick it” which features Trevor McNevan of Thousand foot Krutch, FM Static, and pretty much a guest star on every other rock album. But his presence helps the formula as the song is a tremendous rock/rap tune. Some of the latter tracks sounds too similar with “lean on me” being the absolute worst in terms of simplicity and plain boring. “Top of the world” has a smooth up beat rap thing going in the verse, the chorus, however, is more hip hop and reggae. The opening to the hit “so beautiful” sounds like KJ-52, but the chorus sounds like John Ruben; the song itself is more rock with a rap influence than the other way around.
“Steppin' Out” isn’t very impressive, as the sound is a little annoying, and with the exception of a girl singer, “good day” is simple and fades into the worse half. “Free” works well because of the way Manafest worked in the “frees” into the chorus and the rock into the bridge and “break up”, which uses a more upbeat tune like Rueben, stands out some. There are some songs that Rappers can pull off that, people who don’t even like Rap can really appreciate like “live on”. The music shines, as “live on” seems to be the most complex song where Manafest has everything working for him.
Most Christian rap, like mainstream rap, is lobbied toward those closer to the streets; that’s the reason for all the modern phrases and expressions. Manafest uses a similar style to try to relate better to his fans. “1234” seems like an utterly useless party song, but make no mistake about where his heart is because “So beautiful” could have been a worship song without the rap beat (‘When I try to climb, feel like I'm losing my mind /You I can always find, your beautiful’). Manafest wants people to know that they can rely on him in tough spots on “lean on me”, and even though he is Canadian Manafest recognizes God’s influence on America (‘Shouting out to God for a nation through was founded’) on the thoughtful song “turn it up”. While “top of the world” makes a humanistic statement for the chorus ‘Show you the way, every day is a mission to be/On Top of the world’, it puts an emphases on Christ (‘I wanna live forever, while storing up some treasures/I wanna go to heaven and never be abandoned’).
Even people who are not fans of the rap genre may find themselves hopping on Manafest’s band wagon -- at least for Citizens Activ. His tunes are just diverse enough to move past basic rap, and the rock he sprinkles in is also helpful. Add his meaningful lyrics and you have got a solid album despite the repetitive beats.
Nothing on On the Blue looks too much like a “Miracle” | Posted June-30-2008
When you hear the style of music ‘Adult Contemporary’ what do you think of? A intelligent guy who writes artistic songs on his guitar (or piano) that makes everyone slow down and take a listen? Well If so than Joel Auge certainly fits some of that description, as his music is mainly powered by a acoustic guitar. But that is where most of the comparisons end, as many of his songs are on his debut album, On the Blue really praise and worship.
One of the problems with his music is the radio friendly tunes are the songs that are there one day and gone the next, plus most of his music is just boring. While Joel Auge’s vocals reveal his emotion at least on “where you go I go”, the music is light and unimpressive. That can also be said for “so deep in love” which is a little more impressive, but the music is nothing new. “Every heart” is more complex music than most modern worship songs, but “even the rocks” sounds like a upbeat Brandon Heath song, which doesn’t help the originality of the music.
The album changes pace with “miracle love” which is a light adult contemporary song that lacks the emotion to inspire frequent play. From then on, with the exceptions of “glory glory” and “singing hallelujah” (which are more upbeat worship songs) is more slow, almost boring songs like “miracle love”, “stolen it away”, and “here I am to praise you” (all of which sound unfortunately like each other). The title track is a more complex acoustic, guitar fueled, song than the songs that were last mentioned, although the volume of the song changes strangely. The album ends with “I know my place” which is yet another acoustic song.
It’s nice to know that Joel Auge’s lyrics are more interesting than his music. His style of writing brings Jared Anderson to mind and his crystal clear (bordering on boring) and occasionally on strange lyrics. “So deep in love” is a repetitive love song that doesn’t specify whether it’s a girl or God, but the consistent theme of God in the album strongly suggest that it’s God. Talent shows on “where you go I go” as the singer desires to fallow Jesus’ example about obedience (‘So how can I expect to walk without You/When every move that Jesus made was in surrender’). “Every heart” is a little odd when it says “every heart will sing” but “even the rocks” displays lyrical insipidly (‘I want to worship You, ooo ooo/What can I do, Oh Oh/What can I do but worship You, Oh Oh Oh’).
Auge’s theology gets a little strange on “miracle love” when he makes the statement ‘In earnest we’ve come /We’ve brought everyone /To show you /How much we think of /Your miracle love’ because it seems somewhat unbiblical and prideful. Not sure what ‘Sweet smelling incense/Heavenly romance’ is, on “Glory glory” but far be it for anyone to dispute his lyrics. ”On the Blue” takes the place of Peter (‘Even as my brain tells me that I should drown /I still so believe that you would never let me down’) in one of the albums highlights. “Stolen Away” is just odd (‘Stealing ones breath isn’t criminal /All the attention, /goes the direction, /of the one whose breath you stole’) and “Singing Hallelujah” is repetitive worship song.
Musically stale, as the melodies lack, and save a few songs lyrically dry and repetitive. Adult contemporary doesn’t have to be a earth shattering style of music, but the effort Brandon Heath, Mat Keanry, and even Chasen inspire more of a listen than On the Blue. Although Joel Auge sometimes might sound like Phil Keagy he still has a few areas that could be improved.
Discover The Trees Again may not get much “contact” | Posted July-28-2008
Falling Up seems to be going with the flow. With only three albums plus one remix project under their belts, they (or perhaps the label?) figured it's high time they come out with Discover The Trees Again: The Best Of Falling Up, a fifteen track compilation of the band's best alternative and hard rock tunes.
One nice thing about "Best of" albums is they give fans a chance to look over the work of the band and what changes have been made over time. A couple things spring to mind: first is that Joe Kisselburgh, who was on board for the first two albums, is gone, and secondly that comparing the music from their first album, Crashings, to their latest record, Captiva, proves they don't sound too much alike. Leading off a compilation that doesn't appear to be in any particular order is "Broken Heart," an outstanding rock track that is arguably the best song on their debut album. Jumping from 2004 to 2007 is "Hotel Aquarium," an alternative rock song bearing a more organic and melodic sound that songs on Crashings lacked.
"Moonlit" definitely lacked the refinement of future efforts, but the alternative rock song is solid with a great pre-chorus. The "Exit Calypsan (Into The Ice Cave)" remix was unfortunately not the version this writer would have picked because of the original's much more solid composition as opposed to the strange beats and riffs that make up the remix. Their first big hit, "Escalates," perhaps was not the greatest Falling Up feat, but this fast-paced hard tune was a great start. The mainly-piano based medium rock track, "Contact," from Dawn Escapes, allowed frontman Jessy Ribordy's vocals to shine. The spin on the "Searchlights (Indoor Soccer)" remix may not have been as spectacular as the original, but the techno twist on this amazing rock song was still a strong take. The soft alternative hit "Good Morning Planetarium" is not exactly outstanding, however it takes no falls, while "Maps," a rock song with a rough flow to it - while it stands on its own - is surrounded by much better songs on Captiva.
The fan favorite "Bittersweet" combines a good intro, hard rock with a fast moving beat, and an awesome chorus all together. The almost spooky sound of "Islander" is a song which sounds so natural, it's arguably the band's greatest work as Falling Up, blending every instrument together beautifully. Unfortunately, "Symmetry" doesn't have the balance needed to call this a great rock song as it's more edgy and not as smooth as others. On the album Dawn Escapes, while many songs are great standing on their own, many of the rock songs sound too much like the one before it; this is the case with "Flights." The light rock tune "Falling in Love" is perhaps the only worship song that the band has ever done, and while it sounds nice, it isn't really cutting edge with its repetitive chorus. The upbeat "Goodnight Gravity," with a hint of punk to it, reveals Falling Up's ability to extend their musical abilities.
Falling Up never made things easy when it came to their lyrics. Even with a more clear first album, it wasn't always clear what they were singing about. Looking at their cryptic lyrics reveals some good decipherable messages in Discover The Trees Again: The Best Of Falling Up. The singer asks God to help him with his heartache on "Broken Heart" ("Jesus, Garden my broken heart is so in need"). Falling Up acknowledges God on "Hotel Aquarium" ("And as I finally breathe the air /You open up my eyes and now I'm alive"). The message of "Falling In Love" is clear, but even more clear than most songs with good lyrics which are often too vague ("Searchlights," "Maps," and "Escalates"). And what message can we get out of "Islander" ("The creaking of the gate/The spies they hide and wait/ You think I'm deaf to hear/ My cameras everywhere")? It's no secret that Ribordy and Falling Up like secrecy when it comes to their lyrics, as they offer just enough spiritual reference to stay Christian and not too odd. But then again, the bizarre song writing can be a strength in some fans' eyes.
With no new songs, no remixes of old ones, and just fifteen tracks that dedicated fans already have, there is little incentive to get Discover The Trees Again: The Best Of Falling Up, unless of course you are a new fan with an incomplete collection.
The Myriad doesn't lack poise | Posted June-27-2008
At a glance at the cover of this CD three things are apparent: the cover art is strange, the band name is strange, and the album name is strange. The Myriads sophomore album, With Arrows, With Poise, is about being a little bit odd whether it’s their alternative rock music, or their mysterious lyrics.
The style of music should probably be labeled under organic alternative rock, but it’s hard to pin down what kind of music the Myriad does when it’s as bizarre as it is. Give credit to the band for creating something that sounds as strange as it does but still has a good flow, for that is the case on “you waste time like a grandfather clock” which combines it’s instruments nicely, sound vaguely like Lost Ocean and “believe”. The opening of “Get on the plane” sounds normal with its steady rock beat, as the song sounds similar to modern Falling UP, but the suddenly the song turns completely to a nice piano while employing a chorus of background vocals to make this song one to remember.
“Forget what you came for” has a odd flow, but the alternative light rock is solid, changes in the tune keep the song from getting boring and although the chorus is repetitive, the instrumental bit in the end keeps thing strange. The medium rock on “clean shot” has a good organic flow to it and overall it’s one of the more basic songs on the CD, but it is by no means a weak song. The Myriad got a little carried away with the electric guitar intro on “the accident”, but the chorus just rocks, making it the hardest song on With Arrows, With Poise. “Holiest of thieves” begins with a western alternative rock reverberation, the solemn rock is good and the chorus of voices in the back of the end of the song continues the odd stretch in songs.
“A thousand winters melting” is a quick but sturdy alternative rock tune and “polar bears and shark fins” starts softly and remains a solid rock song with a exceptional ending. What sounds like a beating heart starts “throwing punches” off; the music is soft and the most emotional sounding song on the disc, also some strong piano instrumental bits are thrown in to spice things up. again with a music formula similar to Falling up, “don’t let them see you” is a rock song, that grows more intense as it goes one, even with it’s repetitive end. The music is obviously strange in “braver than the rest” and it may start out a little slow but it picks up to become a more emotional tune and a highlight. The final song, “stuck in a glass elevator”, is a ballad where front man Jeremy Edwardson’s vocals is especially high; and the soft music is a nice tough and a nice ending.
The lyrics are as strange as the music if not stranger. While it’s clear, even with their cryptic songs that the Christian alternative rock band Falling Up stands for Christ, it’s not nearly as apparent with the Myriad. With lyrics like ‘It's all a bit confusing...impossible at best!/But when I walk alone at night I feel their holy presence lift my head.’ it’s likely fans will come to the same confusion on where this band stands. The “Holiest of thieves” might be a reference to Christianity, “You Waste Time Like a Grandfather Clock” at least sends the message of not wasting time, but beyond that it’s anyone’s guess.
The alternative rock is good, because it always is something different and it’s always solid thing people will most likely learn from With Arrows, With Poise album? Probably that when you face weird looking monsters have a bow and arrow handy, plus if you waste time make sure you are not doing like a grandfather clock. Hope for more lyrical clarity from The Myriad in the future
Clouds block some of Chasens shine | Posted June-23-2008
At an early age Chasen Callahan was ambitious, and performing with Relient K, KJ-52, and Everyday Sunday has been one goal set for Chasen. After releasing Chasen (a five song disc) the band has come out with Shine through the Stars, their first full length album.
The hit single “crazy beautiful” might mislead listeners, for the pop rock is not much of a theme in Shine through the Stars, as Chasen is a worship band who tests the limits on the genre. The verity of music is a nice touch, because they may have a straight up beat worship tune most of the time, the acoustic songs can be very sharp (“drown”, where Chasen Callahan sounds like Daughtry, and “don’t walk away”), some brief bits of twang, and the brief heavier pop (“crazy beautiful”). However Chasen does fall in the middle to end of the album when the worship songs are unconvincing and often don’t test the limits of anything.
The emotion in the chorus is a plus on the pop song “If it comes down” which could be a future hit and “all creation” has a pop opening and a nice beat, but it does lack something more intricate. Chasen’s acoustic songs often are too simple and end up being too boring (“nothing like you” and “Doubts or Disbelief” which sounds like Jars of Clay without the emotion and the extra strength in the music), but “drown” really is an excellent acoustic adult contemporary song. The middle of the album is really where the album lacks drive. Whether it’s Chris Tomlin, Aaron Shust, or Lincoln Brewster, it seems like the worship songs that Chasen throws out there have already been completed. “All Creation”, “history tonight”, and “God and king” all sound similar and sound like average songs on the radio. While the final song is good it’s also short, but the thing to stay around for is the spectacularly played hidden song which is the pinnacle of Chasen.
Being a worship band often doesn’t allow for a lot of awe inspiring lyrics, as so much of the genre is so repetitive. “Crazy beautiful” talks about the beauty of individuals (‘We're different but the same/In the eyes of the King’) and while “drown” is not clearly written, Chasen Callahan based it off of overcoming lust. But some of Chasens’s songs don’t quite shine like “desires” and “all I can say” which talks about unity, but its focus is worshiping God (which is not bad but the abundance on the album is tedious). Some of the songs have solid messages, but most are repetitive and nothing new.
With songs like “crazy beautiful” “drown” and the hidden track, its clear Chasen has potential to be a good adult contemporary/pop music band. But as long as they keep it simple with their worship music and lyrics it’s unlikely that Chasen will hit it big time. But some of Chasen’s shine definitely shines through on Shine Through the Stars.
What Superchic[k]'s got | Posted June-19-2008
‘We believe that every person regardless of age, gender, size or any other reason you can come up with, was created on purpose and for a purpose… Every person has greatness in them and something special and unique to offer the world… We have a world out there that is a mess and looking for someone or something to give them a reason to live… You could be the next Mother Teresa that shows millions love or a janitor that shows one person love. It's not in the big or in the small it's in the doing...' – Superchic[k]
It’s been nearly three years and three hit singles since Superchic[k]’s last, and most successful, album Beauty from Pain. Always musically strong weather from the excellent and infectious beats to Trisha Brock’s star vocals their latest album Rock what you Got is poised to bring all that along with their lyrics about challenging the status quo.
Leading off the much anticipated CD is the title track “Rock what you got” which is a rock song which doesn’t flatter their usually cutting edge music, as the rock music is amateurish, the chorus is repetitive, and Brock’s vocal’s a little whiney. When it comes to “alive” much of the same applies, very repetitive beat and refrain, whiney vocals, and a tune which makes it seem like Superchic[k] is a debut band rather than a very accomplished one. The first radio single “hey hey” starts awkwardly with the basic stanza and the wimpy whispering, but with the infectious beat of the upbeat chorus it quickly turns “hey hey” into a favorite. The album slows down somewhat as the style of music reverts into classical Superchic[k] on “hold” which uses a light pop rock tune where Brocks voice shine. “Breathe” is a acoustic song where it’s mainly Brocks vocals and the piano; the end result is a solid song which brings balance to the formula of the CD. It’s like “So beautiful” is taken right out of Barlow Girls “million voices”, the rock style of music is similar and so is the chorus of singers in the background, the only thing different is there is a little techno.
The album really jumps into gear in “cross the line” which starts and doesn’t stop, as the really upbeat music is very smooth and almost punk/rock is solid. The opening verse in “one more” sounds very muffled at first, as if to disuse the rock outburst that is to come, and when it comes it’s in the form of a repetitive (but impressive along with the bridge) rock song that is heavier than a former Superchic[k] song “it’s on”. The album doesn’t end with “Crawl (Carry Me Through)”, but it could very well be the ending with the format of the album. Sounding like a slightly weaker version of “beauty from pain”, “Crawl” is a light acoustic rock song which is solid. Previous smash hit “stand in the rain” is featured on the end of Rock what you Got, the medium emotional rock is amazing, although the song is very unnecessary for the album, especially the ending piano bit. The album is thrown into a pointless, but fun, last minute electric guitar frenzy (“Dave Ghazarian: Guitar Hero”), where in one part of the noise there is a bit that sounds exactly like Marty McFly in Back to the Future.
It seems that when Superchic[k] is in a Christian outlet, they are more than ready to talk about their faith in God, but when it comes to actually saying something to their ever increasing mainstream audience they shy away. What kind of a message is Superchic[k] conveying on their title track? ‘rock what you got and don’t let them stop you’; wow deep message. How about “alive”? ‘I'm alive, I'm alive/that's what I say/I'm alive and gonna live today’, a great theological song. “Hey hey”? ‘Why kiss the feet of the people who kick you /When you can be anything that you want to’ very impressive. The first three songs are about being alive, rocking what you got, and not following the status quo and saying “hey hey”, but that’s okay because so many Christians don’t take a stand for their faith so good message right? Wrong, because there is absolutely no reference to Christ or any higher power mentioned. “Hold” doesn’t state who is the ‘you’ in the song, but following the trend, it is probably not God.
The song “breathe” doesn’t specify much, and “so beautiful” is probably not talking about outer beauty, but inward, but still there is no reason behind why there is a need for an army anyway. Just when you think “cross the line” is an opening for Superchic[k] to say something eternal (‘everyone dies but not everyone lives’) it goes on to talk about not succumbing to the natural order of things without telling the listeners why we should or who was the one that dies and rose again. “One more” is pathetic, but the bright lyrical spot in the album is when Superchic[k] asks the Lord not to forget then, but as deep songs go it’s still pretty shallow. Although “stand In the rain” is held in such high regard the song really doesn’t say anything; just about standing through the pain (nowhere is God mentioned).
Overall the music is better than solid, most of it is cutting edge, and while a few songs are a little cheesy, the album as a whole is strong. Maybe not quite as good as Beauty from Pain (especially the 1.1 version), but certainly not a anything to be ashamed of. The real problem is with the lyrics. It’s clear that Superchic[k] needs to stop recycling the “be strong, “your life is worth living”, and do something with your life”, and just move onto something new and fresh, as it seems like half of the messages on the album are the same (just with different beats). Superchic[k] is all about taking a stand and not conforming to this world, but when it comes to God and his values Rock what you Got does just that.
Krystal Meyers is ready to stand and scream | Posted June-16-2008
After her successful self titled debut, Krystal Meyers is back, with one of the better produces helping her, Ian Eskelin. Her latest album, Dying for a heart is pretty popular, as she continues to be among the best in her style of music.
Pegged as the Christian version of Avil Levine is a not an easy reputation to sustain. While her voice sounds similar to Levine’s in some songs, Krystal Meyers music doesn’t always flow as smoothly and it certainly doesn’t have a the same punk rock that Levine uses. Moving past comparisons Krystal Meyers music is a more rock with pop mixed in, as none of her songs could be defined as punk, “the situation” or “only you make me happy” are probably the closest. Her music doesn’t stray much past pop/rock, but on “stand and scream” she sings almost quickly enough to be called rap.
A couple killers come up in her music like the ending bit in the chorus on radio hit “collide”, and the base is a little too much in light rock/pop tune “together”. Meyers has a great voice, and it helps her especially on the light “hallelujah” and on the hit single “beauty of grace”. The latter is a very melodic, very graceful tune, which flows well and has an infectious light pop tune. “The situation” is solid and so is “love is on the run”, but unfortunately not every song is flows wonderfully or sounds great. The rock song “Live” sounds too much like “Collide” and the cheesy “only you make me happy” didn’t have to make the final cut.
Avil Levine’s lyrics are as not as nice as her music, which gives Krystal Meyers a head start with families. Although that doesn’t mean she gets a bye, she does throw out some good topics. “The situation” is surprisingly bold and explicit about purity and “skake it off” asks God to help her ‘shake off’ the troubles and the words that the world attacks with. Alas not everything is perfect “beauty of grace” is a simple song about the wonder of grace and “hallelujah” is a undemanding worship song. Besides her simplicity in some cases “only you make me happy” is weak (but it does state ‘Fame and fortune/Blind ambition/can’t replace/The love You’ve given’), and “together” has a unfortunately similar statement.
It’s unfortunate when Krystal Meyers is the main leader in her genre, when her lyrics, with a few exceptions, are as simple and weak as they are. Also her music on Dying for a Heart, while mostly enjoyable, is flawed. But when it comes to what the mainstream has to offer Krystal Meyers’s is a good choice.
A future Possibility | Posted June-13-2008
Josh White is a multi talented person: pastor, painter, and front man for the band Telecast. Now on the bands third album, Quite Revolution, White is trying to mix theology back into music. But good intentions don’t make a good album, that’s why the band throws out creative worship/pop/light rock/alterative music along with its Jesus centered music.
The album opens up with “all around me” which has a creative beat with a taste of Brit-rock, but ends as a relatively unchallenging light rock song. White’s vocals sound similar to that of Jars of clay but the music is somewhat different like on “Come down” which is decent soft rock tune, “Impossible impossibility” has unpredictable music which is carried by strong verses and a impressive bridge, and it’s one of the more harder rock songs on the album. The skillful composition writing of Telecast is revealed on “beautiful mystery” which is alternative, with the piano playing an impressive supporter. The light guitar based song “enclosed by you” is solid, and soft “anchor my soul” is average.
It sounds as though Telecast was taking lessons from the Jars of Clay “work” on “temporal twilight”. “The message” opens up softly with anticipation of a rock explosion but turns into a decently paced light rock tune. “Quite revolution” is not really as strong as most title tracks are, as the light rock is nothing new or impressive and it starts a fall of the quality of music. “Shore less ocean” lacks musical depth, and the girl guy duet on “all that you are” is almost as annoying than it is creative. The ending song “infinite worth” falls short of the highlight list with its simple acoustic guitar action.
The music is self admittedly simple, as the band didn’t want their music to over shadow their lyrics, sadly it doesn’t take much to make the lyrics the main event. Telecast does get an ‘A’ for effort though, each song sounds very passionate about it’s topic, especially “beautiful mystery”, which centers around 1 Peter 1:8. But Telecast ventures into dangerous waters with the album, more specifically the first two songs, when they sing about how much they love Jesus (it’s much easier to sing about how much He loves us). Also the CD falls into a lot of modern clichés and simple worship tunes. On the bright side of things someone can listen to Quite Revolution and be overwhelmed with their messages and lyrics.
The theological problems are there if you want to be picky, and the music can be just so simple it becomes tedious. However For the right person Telecast’s latest album is a gem that should be more widely broadcast, but to someone else it may seem like boring CD, barley putting it on the wire.
Time to say Hello to Kelly | Posted June-13-2008
Pretty much under the radar thus far, Hello Kelly, five Canadian guys, finished with an abundance of EP’s to bring fans a full length album (thirteen songs). Sharing the stage with bands like Thousand Foot Krutch, Superchick and Hawk Nelson have certainly helped the bands popularity, but a solid album release is a lot more convincing.
The pop/punk/emo rock is the wide genre that Hello Kelly goes into, but on the first track, “ten good reasons”, the upbeat music is clearly punk. “Bring it broken” is a pop/punk tune also with a good chorus, but “disappearing” is a light rock tune with a more punk bridge; it also adds quick balance to the CD. The intro from “favorite arcade” sounds like it came from Donkey Kong, but the song is really edgy rock song leaving the punk sound to come in with hints. The emo rock shows up in “fall over me” which is solid but it lacks the smoothness of earlier songs, however the acoustic “simple love song”, fails because of the simplicity, Francois Goudreault’s surprising weak vocals combined with too much base.
The quick and humorous “radio edit interlude”, sounds like a piece Relient K would do while sounding like eleventyseven; the result is just fun. “The right thing” is a gritty, but solid emo rock song and “no time for tears” is a straightforward light rock song. The electric guitar introduction is good in “wait for dreams” is great and among the tune changes that are made in the light rock song the ending bit in the chorus makes it all worth it. The punk really comes out in “paper bag princess” which is a punk rock song with an odd fast paced hard ending. Along the lines of the pop punk is “my girl friend” a fast paced punk song with a great flow, such songs put Hello Kelly among the leaders in Christian punk. Starting with only light rock sound on “thinking positive”, the last song ends with a more pop reverberation.
Hello Kelly’s lyrics are as you might expect for a punk rock band, a little shallow, but they do give it a good effort. While “No time for tears” is an honest song about someone struggling with divorce and, “simple love song” and “disappearing” are a display of Hell Kelly’s cheesy writing. While “my girl friend” is an interesting take on teenaged relationships, it’s very juvenile, which is who it was geared for. “Ten good reasons” seems like a blunder because it’s about the singer wanting God to reveal his love for him (’10 good reasons/I deserve forgiveness every night’) because as Christians we realize that there is no way we can deserve forgiveness.
Among the meaningless and the obviously basic faith fueled track there is complexity when it comes to “favorite arcade” (‘How can I hate you when you buy me flowers? /how can I trust you when they always die?’). Such lyrics project a projects a promising future for Hello Kelly, and with songs like “10 good reasons”, “favorite arcade” and “my girl friend” the musical quality looks like it could very well get better than it already is. Not satisfied with Hawk Nelson’s new disc, then it’s time to say Hello to Kelly.
Nathan's Music and Book Reviews 
