Kutless Tears It Up | Posted November-02-2015
Did you hear? Kutless has a new album! Here's what you need to know.
Rock is Back: Miss the Kutless of old, the band that gave fierce guitar rockers that you could headbang to while still providing deep worship? We haven't seen them much since 2008's To Know That Your Alive. 2012's Believer mixed their popular worship offerings with some rockier moments for a strong outing, but 2014's Glory almost completely abandoned the band's rock roots.
Surrender remedies that right out of the gate. "Tear It Up" is the band's hardest song in years, and it satisfies with Kutless' signature sound and the instantly recognizable rock vocals of Jon Micah Sumrall. While no other track comes close to this level of intensity, "Not Too Far," "My Heart is a Ghost" and even "Mirror" all bring plenty of guitar-driven energy to the table.
The Radio Worship Hasn't Gone Anywhere: More a fan of "Sea of Faces" than "Shut Me Out"? Fear not, Kutless has got you covered. Lead single "Bring It On" exemplifies the best of Kutless softer sounds with plenty of engaging anthemic energy and an accessible blend of pop and rock. "Love Come Crashing Down" follows in the same style and is another likely radio hit, and "Loved" is a great example of a Kutless slow song done right. They even throw in a cover of "One Thing Remains," because Kutless doing worship covers is also still their thing.
God is Still the Focal Point: Kutless has always been Christ-centered while still real, and this holds true for pretty much every song on Surrender.
The Bottom Line:
Kutless is back! Maybe not quite better than ever, but with a strong and satisfying return to the sound that made them famous. Surrender is a success and should give those who missed a rocking Kutless the album they've spent the better part of a decade waiting for.
Christmas Worship Done Right | Posted October-30-2015
Chris Tomlin is a household name in worship music and already has a successful Christmas album under his belt, so it's no surprise that he'd come up with a sequel. His laid-back and reverent vocal style is a natural fit for a Yuletide atmosphere.
I must admit that a lot of Christian Christmas albums tend to underwhelm me with covers of secular songs I'm frankly bored with. Fortunately Tomlin completely avoids this pet peeve, focusing entirely on the worship side of Christmas. Tomlin excels at adapting classic songs with original touches. One of the originals (drawing heavily from established lyrics) is the opening "He Shall Reign Forever," a breathtaking piano-driven worship offering that sets an appropriate tone for what this album offers.
These laid-back offerings still manage to capture the adoration side of Christmas that often gets lost amidst all the jingle bells and roasting chestnuts. But "It's Christmas" still shows that Tomlin can have a lot of fun while keeping things about the babe.
One of the album highlights, "Noel," features Lauren Daigle. Her vocals almost entirely dominate this song to the point where they could have easily passed it off as her own song. Her delivery of the haunting melodic verses and the explosive chorus are a powerful highlight of the album and definitely can get one in the Christmas spirit.
Closing Thoughts:
While the choral vocal backing and overall "Christmas worship service" feel may limit the bulk of this to more contemplative moments of Christmastide, it's refreshing to hear some Christmas music that keeps the focus on the Birthday Boy and maintains artistic integrity doing it. If there's ever a time of year when Tomlin's worship style feels appropriately at home, it's in celebrating the birth of our Savior.
Songs to Download Now:
"He Shall Reign Forever" and "Noel" (Get them on iTunes here.)
Still Standing Tall | Posted October-27-2015
Family Force 5 broadened their appeal with the release of Time Stands Still. While not completely forsaking their signature "crunk rock" sound, they mixed in a lot of dance/pop elements aimed more at the Hot AC radio crowd. Time Still Stands serves as a remix project, taking the dance up a notch on several of the popular tracks from the album.
"BZRK" and "Sweep the Leg" were two of the rock hits and are treated to a groovy remix treatment with techno effects galore. "Let It Be Love," by comparison, was a softer hit and gets some new awakening with a slightly haunting remix hook that still keeps the upbeat pop feeling of the original. Other lighter songs like "This is My Year" also get a new and exciting coating of remix paint.
B-Side "Heartstrings" and Valentine's Day single "Hold Your Hand" succeed in closing out the album on a high note. Likeable on their own, they fit sonically with the dance remix sounds of the album and are a good way to close out the project.
Closing Thoughts:
Family Force 5 has become one of the most well-known names in Christian Dance/Rock, and their new sound hasn't stopped that momentum. Remix projects are always a fairly niche effort, offering techno reimaginings of a band's popular songs. This project probably won't win over those who aren't taken with the remix concept, but for those who enjoy the new facets awakened in music through remix projects (especially for a band that's already skilled at getting feet tapping), Time Still Stands will indeed stand tall as a memorable entry in the remix chronicles.
Song to Download Now:
"Let It Be Love (Smile Future Remix)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
A Relevant and Aggressive Highlight | Posted October-08-2015
Opting to split their new album into 2 EPs, Seventh Day Slumber have returned to their rock roots with Redline, the first half of their new record. While last year's We Are The Broken began the reversal of their trend towards the rock worship sound, Redline cements the return to hard rock with the band's most aggressive collection of songs in years.
Lead single "Bring It On" is one of the band's hardest numbers yet, boasting a few screams, some near-rap verses and an aggressive message of resilience in the face of evil. That said, the tracks that follow might prove even stronger. "Gone" has more of a piano-driven base but still carries enough edge to be harder than your standard power-ballad, keeping the intensity of the EP building.
"Hunger Strike," a cover of the Temple of the Dog 90s classic, is a bit of a slow-builder, starting with a light guitar hook and exploding with a powerful rock finish and a guitar solo thrown in. Featuring guest vocals from Kevin Young of Disciple to keep the duet format of the original, the song tackles some tough issues of the evils of our day in a pretty unflinching manner. It's refreshing to see artists actually tackling some of the evils of our world head on (e.g. "But it's on the table / the fire's cooking / and they're farming babies / the slaves are all working / blood is on the table / the mouths are all choking / I'm going hungry").
Never shy to take a stand for Christ on social media, Seventh Day Slumber seem to be incorporating that into their music and the result resonates both lyrically and musically. Vocally, "Hunger Strike" is a definite standout. Lead vocalist Joseph Rojas has one of the most recognizable and gritty voices in Christian Rock, and adding Kevin Young makes for a stunning offering, with the song's climactic finish really giving both a chance to shine.
"I'll Bleed" reminds me of something that Demon Hunter might do, bringing back the energy and guitar power of the opening track for another round of rock-your-face off power. The EP finishes strong with "Lost in the Lights," boasting a catchy (slightly industrial) hook that feels like a throwback to some of the hits we were hearing from Christian rock a few years back. Yet another enjoyable cut, the song sends the EP out strong, keeping the energy flowing through every note.
Closing Thoughts:
It's funny how a year that has been largely underwhelming for me is offering so many memorable late-year standouts in the form of EPs. Redline is another of those highlights for the year that will outshine many of the full-length releases for me. There's a raw honesty here missing in much of today's music. Offering a much-needed dose of edgy rock and even more desperately needed lyrical honesty, Seventh Day Slumber truly have a release to be proud of. Here's to seeing what the second half looks like.
A Rock And Roll Introduction | Posted October-08-2015 The Pitch: XXI is a new band from Tooth & Nail Records, and this is their hard rock debut.
What Works: With the dearth of new hard rock talent as of late, the field of competition isn't as crowded as it was even a few years ago. This gives XXI a good opening to make an impression. With powerful melodies, vocals that balance clean and gruff masterfully, and guitar work that pounds itself into your ears, Inside Out is a good start.
Lead single "Say It Again" is a well-crafted entry designed to hook listeners. Most of the other songs follow suit, juggling guitar solos and crunchy hooks to create an engaging rock atmosphere. "Way You Love Me" is one of the album's catchiest numbers and will definitely be another radio option down the road.
What Needs Work: I've always found screaming in rock music to be like a strong seasoning: it can enhance a project and add distinct and needed flavor, but an over-abundance could have the opposite effect. I think the screaming in the majority of these songs lack meaning and purpose, especially in some of the tracks that are otherwise softer and more accessible (although I grant it is a stylistic quality that may draw many in). I think, used a bit more sparingly, heavy vocal elements could have had more of an impact emotionally.
I think it also contributes to a bit of a variety issue. While each of the songs are strong individually, together, I found it a bit difficult to differentiate between them as the album progressed.
Closing Thoughts:
XXI are a welcome presence in a music scene that seems to be abandoning rock. Hard rock fans finally have a new artist to delve into, and there's a lot of good potential to mine here that offers noteworthy promise and some good guitar-driven fun. While I'd like to see subsequent efforts to work on sonic variety, it's easy to forgive that in a debut. This is a strong introduction, and here's hoping the work that follows builds on this foundation and helps make their stance filling the rock and roll void a long-term proposition.
An Emerging Powerhouse | Posted September-28-2015
Remember VERIDIA? They launched their successful debut EP with a slew of successful radio hits last year, and then they toured with WinterJam this year. Now they're back with a follow-up EP. Pretty Lies finds the group running with the sound that won them a growing arsenal of fans and takes it a huge step towards a signature sonic offering with 4 new songs that are sure to cement the group as one of the premiere new rock acts in Christian music.
"Crazy in a Good Way" kicks things off with a frenetic orchestral rock hook that is ridiculously strong (crazy in a good way, if you will). The song itself is a memorable rock number destined to be a live staple and a rock radio hit. It's a great way to kick things off, helping VERIDIA establish themselves as a competent and engaging rock powerhouse. They clearly have the musical chops to play with the big boys, and it's been awhile since a new name emerged in this genre with that promise evident to this degree.
The title track mixes things up a bit with more of a techno beat and pop coating. Memphis May Fire vocalist Matty Mullins (who himself has ventured into the Christian rock scene with a solo release) offers a guest vocal performance that enhances the musical experience while staying within the song's sonic structure. His vocals blend well with Deena Jakoub's, and I'd like to see the two collaborate again in the future. The song is also given a remix treatment at the end of the EP that checks all the needed remix boxes (even if personally, I'd selfishly have preferred another new song).
"At the End of the World" is another solid rock offering with some orchestral and industrial influences. There's a really sick bridge in this one complete with guitar solo. Jakoub's vocals are particularly powerful on the song's passionate chorus. It's songs like this that really make me think VERIDIA is going places. It feels familiar in the best of ways, like a seasoned veteran delivering a new hit, even though VERIDIA has yet to even drop a full-length.
"Say A Prayer" is the EP's sole ballad. In addition to being energy powerhouses, the first EP's song "Furious Love" (as well as the acoustic Summer Sessions) previously established that VERIDIA can melt hearts with a power ballad with the best of them. "Say A Prayer" follows well in that tradition, carrying a slightly more upbeat musical tone while still keeping it solemn and passionate. It's musically lush and engaging, with an intense bridge and another stunning performance by Jakoub. Lyrically, the song is also a standout, serving as a rousing call to pray for those hurting around the world. The song confesses a vulnerability of the human condition that really hits home with its reflection of how, despite how much we hurt, there are those hurting even worse. On all fronts, the song is a grand finale that really clicks start to finish.
Closing Thoughts:
I loved Inseparable, and Pretty Lies is not only a commanding encore, but a huge step forward for the band. Frankly, it really builds up my excitement for a full-length album from VERIDIA.
VERIDIA has proven that they have the power to really go the distance with memorable and passionate music that can play with the best veterans of the industry. In a year that has (for me at least) offered little in the way of truly standout musical releases, VERIDIA has come to save the day with what may be the best rock EP to release since their last one. I think Pretty Lies might rank higher than many full-length albums released this year. I'm really excited to see this act continue to develop.
All New and Uplifting | Posted September-16-2015 The Pitch:
Good news: All Things New have an all new album!
What Works:
The album is a fun pop endeavor that knows how to have a good time praising the Savior. Lots of fast, upbeat choruses and enchanting hooks put an engaging shine on the musical numbers.
While a bit thin at just ten tracks, All Things New makes each one count. "You Love Me For Me" opens with a groovy guitar riff and gang chants, building to a memorable pop hit. The title track explores similar themes of individual worth and potential and the profound grace of Christ in our lives.
Softer piano-based numbers like "Believe" and "Changed" shine every bit as brightly as the faster anthems, rounding out the intimate and personal testimony of faith that is this album. The latter especially reaches some soaring sonic heights, with a chorus boasting a lush musical backing to passionate vocals.
In an age where more pop/rock bands are emerging every year, All Things New fits in well with the surge of new talent. If you've been enthralled by the likes of acts like Everfound and OBB, there will be much to like with the new offering from All Things New. The passion and energy behind these songs makes it hard to not sit back and enjoy the work of their hearts.
What Needs Work:
Fitting in well with other bands is a great thing, but it could also be an obstacle to truly owning a musical identity. At times, it did feel like identity was something this album could have used a higher dose of. While never boring, the similar themes and musical approaches kept some of the songs from standing apart from each other.
Closing Thoughts:
All Things New is a talented group and has created an enjoyable, accessible record that is truly fun and uplifting. It might not break new musical or lyrical ground, but it satisfies. It might want a bit for a diverse and distinguished musical identity, but it has integrity and honesty that make the lyrics relatable. All in all The Good News is a success, and a recommended release that's sure to kick off an interesting autumn in Christian music.
Seven Points about 7eventh Time Down's Latest | Posted August-31-2015 1. Radio Ready
This album is ready for Air1 airplay. Start to finish, each song is polished with a rock sheen that is safe and accessible while providing just enough of the band's harder edge to keep fans interested, but mostly slowing things down enough to make their guitar-driven sound appealing even for most pop fans.
2. Compiled With Care
Despite being safe, this album is also sonically a triumph with song after song that resonates with engaging melodies, exciting hooks, meaningful Christ-centric lyrics, and an overall tight package that is compiled with care. This album was actually quite enjoyable and so far is one of the better things I've heard this year.
3. Heavy Hooks
The title track kicks off the album with a sure-fire hit and one of the best songs 7TD has offered yet. Thematically, the song is a winner. Showing how God is at work in our world, the song boasts a radio hook and a soaring chorus that is made for success, and the song only picks up steam as it goes. It's definitely an excellent kickoff to the album. Later on, "Pray It Down" stands as one of the album's harder cuts with the guitar hooks more front and center. It's definitely one of my favorites from the album. Those who miss some of the band's rockier cuts can still latch onto this one.
4. Christ Centric
It's impressive to see genuine rock still have consistently vertical lyrics. There's no "Jesus is my girlfriend" ambiguity going on here. Each of these cuts explicitly sings of our Creator, and whether in direct rocking praise or in recognizing the hand of God in our world, God is the consistent focus of the album. While I certainly respect and see the place for tackling other topics in the genre, it's nice to see that you can still have rock and Jesus on the same album.
5. Vocal Power
Vocalist Mikey Howard has a great rock voice. It sounds similar to others in the field, but it still packs the power and character to carry a band. Consequently, it's one of this album's strongest points. While it'd be easy for the band to slip into too generic of a niche, Howard's intense and passionate vocals keep things interesting and engrossing even when the music feels familiar.
6. A System that Works
On that note, while the album as a whole is strong and enjoyable, it is starting to feel like a formula of sorts is developing. After the smash success of the title track of Just Say Jesus, the band seems to have stuck close to what worked there. Several cuts have close sonic resemblance to previous hits, and when that sound was already in fairly crowded company, it is an obstacle to the album's overall identity. Luckily, the vocals and songwriting are enough to carry this album forward. So for this outing this issue isn't a big one, but it could be something to consider in subsequent releases.
7. Closing Thoughts
I've always liked 7eventh Time Down. They play well in the slightly edgy Christian rock arena. While there's certainly room for a more original stamp on future releases, this release has established the band as a powerhouse presence in the biz. More than just a hit or two, they're a consistent source of quality, vertical rock tunes. Some of the better parts of their sound may have been muted in favor of something that will play better on AC radio, but the band still oozes with musical quality and an inviting sound that makes me want to listen again. While raising my hopes for their future potential, this releases still satisfies on its own.
Anthony Mossburg Has You Covered | Posted August-19-2015
If Anthony Mossburg came to your living room with a guitar and sang you covers of an assortment of hits from a variety of decades, it'd probably sound something like this. Song selection ranges from Presley's popular "Can't Help Falling In Love" to Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" to 'N Sync's "Bye, Bye, Bye."
It's definitely pretty eclectic, and yet Mossburg presents it all in an intimate, emotional, acoustic approach. His soothing and powerful vocals open up new angles to the songs, breaking them out of their infamous established molds. It's interesting to hear a pop song from a 90's boy band become borderline unrecognizable in this stripped-down treatment, though it can't quite escape the infamy of the original. Hearing an Elvis song given a less flashy treatment reveals some subtle nuances that may be lost in the familiarity of the classic.
I think that's where the limitations of such a project come in. It harkens back to the originals, draws a stark contrast, and offers a new perspective on them. There's legitimate value in that, which makes this a novelty EP worth a listen or two. But it may end up staying as just a novelty due to the track selection and the very stripped-down approach.
Closing Thoughts:
Anthony Mossburg is a talented musician with a commanding voice. He lends some new power to old songs and presents them in an intimate way that makes it feel like your own private acoustic show. But in the long run, the release will probably remain a unique treat to be taken out on occasion rather than a staple of the summer's playlists.
Song to Download Now:
"Can't Help Falling In Love" (get it on iTunes here.)
Before And After: 3 Things You Need to Know | Posted July-29-2015 1.A Musical Appetizer
At only 3 songs officially on the EP, this release serves as a sort of appetizer to what could hopefully be a shining new voice on the R&B/Pop scene. Opening track "Lord of All" is a great introduction to Mr. Evans' vocals. With a shiny pop-synth foundation, soft acoustic guitar is layered into inviting details and meshes well with Evans' vocals. The chorus is an energetic pop highlight that could serve well as a radio hit. There's even a rap post-bridge. The other originals don't shine quite as brightly, but they are still good demonstrations of what Evans is capable of.
2. A Spin on Worship Favorites
Two "bonus track" worship covers round out the album. "Oceans" and "I Will Follow" are well known to the CCM community. The latter fares a bit better in the execution, but that's partially due to the over-domination of "Oceans" these past few years. When everybody is doing a song, it's a lot harder to make your cover stand out.
3. Staying Focused
Chad Evans knows how to keep the songs focused on Christ. Christ's sacrifice on Calvary is a prominent theme in the original tracks, and consequently so is the worship due to Him from us. The worship songs complement the vertical themes very well. Overall, the EP is a satisfying worship experience, and this is a guy to keep your eye on for future releases.
Closing Thoughts:
New faces hit the Indie Christian music scene all the time. Chad Evans has the sound to stand out from the pack given time. The originals on this EP are catchy and approach worship with a melodically inviting sound. The worship covers are at least serviceable for a new artist. The EP as a whole is an intriguing introduction to a promising new artist. I can't help but hope the "after" of this EP is a successful musical run.
JJFrancesco_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
