Good, But Not As Good As It Could Be | Posted May-13-2010
Let me say initially, I like Red, a lot. I think they are really talented musicians who can craft brilliant melodies and songs. Which makes me ask, why do they scream so much?
Yes I know, some love the screaming, but it just feels so out of place for me, especially on tracks such as "Fight Inside," "Confessions(What's Inside My Head)" and "Shadows." I like the songs a lot and I feel the out-of-place screams really mar them.
"Death of Me" is the only song where I feel them tolerable and maybe somewhat complementary to the rest of the song. And the song is definitely a good and catchy song.
When Red doesn't scream, musical brilliance is left. "Start Again" is an epic track that feels like it's taken straight out of a movie score. "Mystery of You" and "Forever" are strong rock tracks. Their cover of Duran Duran's "Ordinary World" is also musically amazing. And the slow-building "Take It All Away" bursts into a beautiful and memorable finish, bringing the album to a fantastic close.
Call me biased, but Red just sounds so good when they don't scream, it makes the times they do scream a bit lamentable. I hope the screaming is again dialed down on their next release, albeit a bit selfishly. I just feel that with less screaming, I can learn to LOVE Red rather than just like.
Skillet's Most Intense Effort | Posted May-13-2010
I must admit, as one who does not like screaming, it took a long time to win me over to Skillet's "Collide," and I still prefer their more recent stuff. But I can no long deny that this is still a great and worthy piece of Skillet's discography.
From the opening riffs of "Forsaken," to the stringed elements of popular hits "Savior" and the title track, to the emotional masterpiece(and definite album highlight) "Imperfection," to the poppy feel or "A Little More" and "Under My Skin," to the final closing riffs of "Cycle Down," there is just so much power in every song that you gotta be impressed.
Now, truthfully, the album isn't perfect. A few songs are a bit overlong, and I still think some of the screaming could be pulled back a bit to the benefit of the tracks. But ultimately, Skillet really turned a corner with this album. They were also great, but this is when they started to get EPIC, and that quality definitely has increased with subsequent albums. So even if it isn't my favorite Skillet release, I definitely can give "Collide" credit for helping to make Skillet the band I love so much today.
Switchfoot Offers a Fun and Memorable Ride | Posted May-13-2010
Switchfoot has always been one of those bands that I've liked, but not loved. They had many good songs, and even a good album in "The Beautiful Letdown." But I've never felt their music reaching the level of "must hear" before, that is, until they released "Hello Hurricane."
I must admit, I was initially not as impressed when I heard lead single "Mess of Me," but it's grown on me and I like it a lot now. But it's actually other songs on the album that have really hooked me and made me re-evaluate my view of Switchfoot.
"Free" is an intense and catchy rocker and one of the first songs from the new collection that hooked me. Crossover rockers "Needle and Haystack Life" and the title track also wheeled me in with their catchy hooks and soaring choruses.
Ballads like "Your Love Is A Song" and "Always" also have become favorites, and apparently I am not alone as both have been featured on television shows, and the latter got a commercial placement. Both have also been released as singles to complement the rock singles. So these are definitely great new additions to Switchfoot's catalogue.
"Red Eyes" is another highlight, closing the album in a memorable way.
While the other songs are not quite as memorable, I liked almost all of them from the made-to-be-pop-hit vibe of "Enough to Let Me Go" to the gentle and relaxing feel of "Yet."
"The Sound" also has become a hit from the album, scoring a commercial placement and the title of the band's second rock single from the album. It's another good anthem from Switchfoot.
"Bullet Soul" is the only song I really did not like from the bunch. Maybe it's because I am not fond of screaming or that it sounds so weird to hear so many coming from Switchfoot. Or maybe the rough song just doesn't work as well with the rest of the songs(even if it isn't the only track on the album to feature some screaming). I am sure many will adore it, but it's subpar for me.
Ultimately, Switchfoot has really impressed me with this outing, and I hope they continue to do so in the future. I may not have considered them great before, but I think "Hello Hurricane" has definitely elevated them to that level in my book.
Surprisingly Awesome | Posted May-10-2010
From the samples and from previous Classic Crime recordings, I knew this album would be good but I was blown away at just how good.
The Silver Cord, the band's last outing, was an incredibly big musical step forward for the band and it was well received by listeners. I expected an album slightly less good after that, and some might consider this that because it is less intense than that album. But I like it a little better.
The album is poppier without losing it's rock edge. And while the screaming vocals are not as prevalent, there are still scream-esque moments but they seem to fit well into the tapestry of the song so there is no standout scream, which makes them more tolerable.
The album opens with the upbeat "A Perfect Voice" which is a mere appetizer for the following "Cheap Shots" which is a nice rocker that picks up speed on the chorus.
The lead mainstream single, "Solar Powered Life" is an upbeat and poppy rock song that could easily find its way onto a commercial, although since it clocks in at barely over two minutes, it leaves the listener feeling a bit shortchanged by the track. It could've offered a wee bit more.
"Ford Chords," the lead Christian Rock single is arguably one of the best tracks on the album. It has an upbeat and catchy melody. This, along with the following title track, both deal with the band's love for music. Both songs are definitely destined for replay on MP3 players.
"The Happy Nihilist" is an ironic title for the song as the listener will quickly see. Musically, it's probably one of the lesser songs on the album but on an album this good, that still puts it well ahead of most of the pack.
"My Name" is the only song on the album that can be considered a real ballad. It took a bit to grow on me but now I love it. It's melody definite resonates the more you hear it.
"Everything and Nothing" and "The Count" are next. The songs continue the catchy melodies and challenging lyrics of the album but these tracks aren't particularly among the standouts, even if they are exceptionally good.
"Different Now" has a very upbeat, poppy, radio-friendly feel to it that you can't help but love.
The album closes with one of the highlights, "Broken Mess," a song about a man whose wife shamelessly cheats on him. This is destined to be the "controversial" song on the album but the song ultimately speaks of forgiveness and turns an initial disgruntled view on love into a positive and reassuring one. So the track redeems itself from the initial feeling it gives when the song starts.
Ultimately, there is little not to love about "Vagabonds." While it lacks some of the epic feel that it's predecessor had, I can't help but like it a little bit better as an overall package and I highly recommend it to those looking for some good poppy rock. It may not have a driving rock track like "Abracadavers" from The Silver Cord, but what it does have more than makes up for it.
A Stellar Rock Release | Posted May-08-2010
The Letter Black, formerly known as Breaking The Silence, has slowly been making a name for themselves over the past few years. After releasing an indie album and changed their name, they released the Breaking The Silence EP which got them some attention and the honor to open for one of Christian Rock's greats, Skillet, on their Awake and Alive Tour.
Now The Letter Black is finally releasing their debut full-length record under Tooth and Nail records. From the opening riffs of "Fire With Fire", you know you're in for an intense and enjoyable music experience. The album is not perfect by any means and there is plenty that the band can improve upon when it comes time to record their next album, but for what it is, this album is great.
The album opens with the intense "Fire with Fire" which is a bit cliche but sounds good. "Invisible" really kicks things up and provides a great rock track with slower vocals and intense music. The title track is next and is likely the most recognizable of the band's songs, having been their debut Christian Rock single, and also being one of the three tracks carried over from their Breaking The Silence EP. It is a good song, nothing groundbreaking, but great nonetheless.
"Believe" is next and it surprises the listening with a stringed opening that calls to mind influences from Skillet, even if it isn't done quite as skillfully. As for the track itself, it's excellent. Good message and good tune.
"There'll Come A Day" is the album's first ballad. It's a catchy and upbeat track that is well worth it's place on the album.
"My Disease" and "I'm Just Fine" are definitely album highlights. Lyrically, they don't deviate too much from The Letter Black's theme of leaving the bad things of our past behind us, so they are not particularly innovative, but they both just sound good. It's hard to fault songs that are just so good.
Next up is "Best of Me", the other single released to radio and also a song from their EP. The song opens with a quiet string melody and picks up into a strong and upbeat rock ballad.
"All I Want" follows next. This track may be recognizable who have seen the band on tour with Skillet. The song marks the first time on the album that lead singer Sarah Anthony lets out screams, and not just during the post-second verse bridge but several times during the song. If you like that, then this song(along with the intense closing rocker, "Wounded) will be for you.
"Moving On" is the last track from the EP. I was never that big a fan of this song and would've preferred something new, but it's a good track nonetheless.
"More To This" is the final ballad on the album. It's lyrically relevant, if a big awkward and cliche at times, but the music makes up for it.
"Care Too Much" and the aforementioned "Wounded" round out the album. The former is a strong rock track with some screaming in the bridge but all in all a song very similar to the rockers that preceded it. But it's still a good song. The latter song closes out the album in an intense fashion, sure to satisfy hard rock fans.
So that's The Letter Black's debut. It's not that original or groundbreaking. But it sounds good, very good. A certain website that I shall not name seems to like slamming the band for lack of originality but I feel that is unfair. They are just starting out and for a newer band, they sound terrific. I could easily see The Letter Black being as good as Skillet in a few years. The duet vocals of lead singer Sarah Anthony and her husband Mark Anthony work well together, and the mix is much more prominent on this album than on the EP, although Mark doesn't get his own songs as he did on their indie album. But still, it's more than enough to set them apart from the other female-fronted rock bands in the industry, Fireflight and Flyleaf. Some may try to compare those bands to this one, but I think the sound is definitely distinct enough to help this band stand on their own merits.
So don't listen to that site, this album is good. If you like this type of music, I highly recommend this album. It's not an instant classic or the best rock debut in recent history, but it's a great and enjoyable listen. The Letter Black is definitely a band to keep your eye on in the coming years. While this release may fall a little short of epic, the potential is there and I feel it in my gut that The Letter Black is just a few steps away from blowing away audiences with an epic rock album. Until then, Hanging On By A Thread serves as a great rock album to provide us with some enjoyable, intense rock music that properly introduces us to a terrific new band that may well one day become a force in the Christian Rock industry.
Sanctus Real Is Back | Posted March-02-2010
After two years since their previous album, Sanctus Real is back with their fifth national album, "Pieces of a Real Heart." (Why they didn't release this in time for Valentine's Day, I can't figure out)
Most people who listen to AC or CHR radio are likely already acquainted with lead single and opening track, "Forgiven." The song went to number 1 on CHR and is still climbing at AC. The song is by far the band's most mellow opening track, which could immediately turn of some of their avid fanbase. But that is an indication of what this album is, a much softer side of Sanctus Real. (That will likely have their fans wishing they weren't so hard on the soft sound of the album's predecessor)
But that isn't to say that Sanctus Real has become another MercyMe. They still have their rock sound. Track 2 introduces us to "These Things Take Time" which has been used in their live setlist since the summer.(Although it sounds like they've retooled it since) It's got a rock sound and definitely sounds like Sanctus Real, even if it isn't as edgy as their hits have been. "The Way The World Turns" follows next and then the emotional "Lead Me" which has AC Hit written all over it as it is a plea to God for the singer to be able to be a good leader to his family. With the decline of leadership in husbands/fathers today, this could be a got way to remind them of their duty.
"The Redeemer" is next, which is a good and catchy song but older Sanctus Real fans will likely forget all about it after the opening notes of the next track. That's right, Sanctus Real reminds us that they still can write good rock with the next track, "Take Over Me." It's a stunningly good song and classic Sanctus. It might have been better as the opening track but I guess putting it in the middle of the album has a logic to it.
Next follows another rock track, not quite as edgy as the previous but still good. "I Want To Get Lost" is a catchy and radio friendly rock track that should please both ends of the Sanctus spectrum. Putting it right next to the album's hardest track might not have been for the best but it still sounds great.
The album then proceeds with mid-tempo songs "'Til I Got To Know You" and "Dear Heart." Both are good songs and are definitely not throwaways.
Perhaps the best slower song on the album is "I'll Show You How To Live," which is next. There's an emotion in this that just feels so genuine.
The album closes on a softer note with "Keep My Heart Alive," which picks up speed as the track progresses.
Lyrically, Sanctus Real is as strong as ever tackling issues from God's forgiveness, the desire to know the answers of life, the aforementioned message of "Lead Me", and a desire for God to make our hearts reflecting of him("Take Over Me" "Keep My Heart Alive"). There's nothing to complain about here.
Ultimately, the album's lack of rock is the only reason I don't give this a 5/5. It's still Sanctus Real, brilliant lyrics, catchy melodies, and quality that stands above the typical AC/CHR fare and makes you take notice. While the laid back sound is one I hope they shed next time, in favor of a sound more along the lines of hits like "I'm Not Alright" and "Turn On The Lights," this will do for now. If you're interested in a Pop/Rock album that rises above the rest, Sanctus Real is still your band. It may not be their best yet, but it's still good.
Amazing Debut CD From An Amazing Band | Posted January-31-2010
Yes folks, this IS The Letter Black, before they were called The Letter Black. Their one and only CD as Breaking The Silence is something you won't see around too much, which is a shame, because it's actually quite good. And it really excites me for their future offerings.
Those who only know them from their debut EP as The Letter Black(titled Breaking The Silence, yes that will get confusing) will probably be surprised at how prominent Mark Anthony is on this album, prominent enough to accurately be considered co-lead singer with wife Sarah Anthony.
And it makes you wonder why they dropped that aspect, it's a nice combination. Mark's vocals are pretty rough, but this is rock music and lots of singers with such a voice have gone far in the industry. And it's ironic that Mark leads just about anything on the CD that can really be considered a ballad, which is interesting.
As for the songs, they are amazing, cathy, hard rock tunes. This band definitely surprised me with this album.
The album's title track is an intense rock tune and is probably the best known song from the CD. "Must Die" and "Overdose" are catchy hard rock tunes that will get stuck in your head and you'll find yourself singing them when you least expect it.
"You Are More" is a slower but very well done worship song and "Different Face" is a catchy track that begs for radio airplay.
"Break" is really the only track that I found didn't work. It's quite short(which may not be a bad thing if it is the weakest link here) and is easily forgettable with the other songs. Also, "Under God" is a good song but I am not sure it was the best choice to be the opener.
But aside from those small gripes, this album is incredible.
As for themes, this album is about as diverse and bold as they come. "Overdose" speaks of fillings life's voids with God instead of sex, drugs, and alcohol.(And The Letter Black doesn't try to make you guess what they're talking about either, they come right out and tell you.)
Until Death is a plea for sticking with marriage, whereas Under God speaks of how God is being thrown out of our country.
"Tonight" is without a doubt, the darkest song of the album, speaking from the point of view of a man about to commit suicide due to loneliness. The song is an intense emotional point that, while it may make some uncomfortable, fearlessly portrays how Jesus Christ is the only one that can help us.
IF you can track this CD down, get it. It's definitely worth buying. There's no doubt that The Letter Black is a band to keep your eye on. I hope their future albums can build on the awesomeness they've given us with "Stand."
A Memorable Christmas Experience | Posted October-14-2009
Downhere may not be one of the most well known bands in the Christian music industry, but they have a very loyal fanbase and are a darling of most critics. Their last album, Ending Is Beginning, did however get them more exposure, garnering two Top 5 singles, in addition to the Bonus Track "How Many Kings" from the Centricity Records compilation, Bethlehem Skyline.
"How Many Kings" is arguably Downhere's most popular and almost signature song. It is their highest charting song at #4, and that was only at being a Christmas song. It's no wonder that they used it again on Ending is Beginning, and once again, when they finally put out a Christmas album.
I've personally been waiting for this a long time. I've wanted a Christmas album from Downhere for at least two years now, and it never seemed like it would happen. But earlier this year, the band found themselves with some time on their hands, so they decided to do just what it never seemed like they would do, record a Christmas album. And what better song to be the title of the album than "How Many Kings"?
Downhere opens the album with their familiar and masterfully written hit, which is supposed to have a small instrumental addition but I haven't found it myself just yet so it's probably something you have to be really looking for to notice. But either way, the song is a great and memorable track. Showing how much they really love this song, the band also closes the album with the song. But don't worry, they aren't being ridiculous, the ending track is a different version of the song. "How Many Kings (Re-imagined_)" is a cover of their own song, so to speak. The melody has been tweaked in the first half, and completely rewritten in the second half. Lead vocalists Jason Germain switches places with Marc Martel by taking the lead on this song. Which version is better will be a matter of taste but I like what Jason brings to the already great song.
The album also includes the other(and often forgotten) contribution by the band to the Bethlehem Skyline compilation, "Glory To God." The song is a very good, uplifting, and almost worshipful Christmas song, with a soaring chorus sure to get stuck in your head as you decorate Christmas cookies and trim the tree.
An album highlight is "Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella." I heard Downhere's reworking of this song via a Live recording of it on Youtube. I fell in love with it and while this does lack a small part of that version that I do miss a lot, the song is still an awesome musical experience. As you may know, this song is a very old and classic carol that is often forgotten about.(Odds are, you've heard the melody as it's had multiple instrumental covers(most notably Mannheim Steamroller), but not the words.) Well, Downhere not only covers the song brilliantly, they add a terrific chorus to it utilizing both lead vocalists(a strongpoint of the band) which almost makes this song feel like an original. This is definitely one of the songs the band should use to promote the album.
But this isn't just a rehash of what has already been released. There's plenty of meaty new stuff here too. The band covers "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" brilliantly, giving it a rock edge which really explodes after the almost haunting bridge. This track is probably the greatest surprise on the album as it is not just a straight forward cover.
Downhere offers two new originals as well. "Christmas in the Hearts" is a catchy anthem complete with horns that reminds us that even if all the things we associate with Christmas were gone, we could still celebrate the holiday because it exists in our hearts. "Gift Carol" comes complete with a memorable chorus an a catchy hook begging for replay. The song uses the metaphor of Christmas gifts under the tree to show the real reason for the season.
"What Child Is This" is done fairly straightforward, but the acoustic and intimate feel of the song combined with a surprise of a verse sung in French makes the track stand out from other renditions.
The band also shows their funny side in this album. "Good King Wenceslas" is almost done in a honky-tonk way. It could be argued as both the best or worst track on the album depending on how you like it. Something tells me there will be some division over this. The band also puts forth "Five Golden Rings," which after the track's eleven second duration, is as self-explanatory as you can get. According to the band, this was the only part people really liked to sing, so it's the only part they recorded. Hey, can't argue with that. The band also puts forth a 4-part harmony(utilizing all four band members) rendition of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" which also shows off their comedic side.
The remaining two tracks, "Angels From The Realms of Glory" and "Silent Night" are fairly straightforward renditions. I guess the band wanted to play it safe for a few tracks. "Angels" isn't too over-recorded and fits well with Jason's typical choice of songs so it's a welcome addition. "Silent Night" isn't bad but aside from the captivating background vocals of Marc Martel, is fairly routine, but it's still very good.
All in all, this is one Christmas release that should be on top of any Christmas music collection, and Downhere fans should eat it up. The album is one of the most varied that you'll come across, with each song being an almost completely different musical experience. Downhere's regular music is a fresh change of pace from the typical CCM fare, and their Christmas album is no different. So if you're in the mood for a unique and fresh Christmas listening experience, or even just a fresh listening experience period, pick up "How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas." It's hard to have any buyers remorse for this gem.
Better Than Wow Has Been, But That's Not Saying Much | Posted September-27-2009
I must admit, this collection is slightly better than Wow has been. It's nice to see that some newer songs made the cut.(Since these are supposed to be the hits for 2010, you'd think the whole album would be like that) But that doesn't make the project any better for all the overplayed songs that it does have or the my songs it left out.
It's also nice to see Sanctus Real back on the list, although this song should've been on last year's wow, and their new song Forgiven should've been on this year's.
It's also nice to see Fireflight and Red songs featured on this release, giving some much needed rock edge to the myriad of dull AC songs that populate most of the disc.
Ultimately, if you want a collection of highlights of what you've been hearing on AC/CHR radio for the past year, this is probably for you. If you waited to buy most of these songs in expectation of them being on WOW, you're in luck. And if you wanna get some new songs while their still fresh, WOW is finally a good choice for that.
But, if you're looking for a satisfying compilation to introduce you to newer bands, or feature bands that don't receive their fair share of airplay, or even not be saturated mostly with songs that spend way too much time in the Top 10, then you'll likely not want to look here.
Some Great Hark Rock! | Posted September-26-2009
The Letter Black is one of the newest to the Tooth and Nail roster, and one of the bands opening for Skillet on their tour, The Awake and Alive Tour, this fall.
If this 6-song EP is any indication of what is to come with their full length release, we're in for a real treat.
Obviously, comparisons to other female-fronted rock bands like Flyleaf and Fireflight are inevitable. However, I feel the comparisons baseless as there are plenty of male lead singers, why not more than a few female lead singers?
The best songs on the EP are arguably the ones that most people who have heard of the band know of, "Hanging On By a Thread" and "Best of Me."
The latter is the only slower song all the way through and is a song that is so catchy that it's easy to see it succeeding on the radio. It may seem out of place being the only slow song in a hard rock album, but it's good enough to make itself worth a place on the EP.
The former is not the version heard on various websites in recent months, but a newer re-recorded version. The guest vocals from Trevor McNevan of TFK are replaced with the band's official backup singer Mark Anthony, who is also the husband of the lead singer, Sarah Anthony. The vocals on this version, IMO, are slightly less enjoyable than on the Demo version, but I enjoyed them music on the new version much more. Either way, it's a great rock song.
Opening track, "Moving On," while likely not the greatest of openers, is still a hard hitting and enjoyable rock song.
"Away From Me" is the only song on the album to feature a scream, and even it has only 1 and it isn't too bad. The song itself is a heavy hitter and one of the harder songs of this EP.
"Collapse" and "Perfect" have been said to be marred by the lead singer overextending her vocal capabilities, and while I agree to a point, I don't feel the songs are ruined. Quite the contrary, "Perfect" is one of the album's best songs, sporting an intense and catchy chorus, and definitely sending the album with a bang.
The lyrical content is not particularly original(boasting themes of forgiveness(Moving On)and the need for Christ(Hanging On By A Thread, Collapse). But it is a clean alternative to the garbage dominating a majority of the secular mainstream.
Ultimately, this EP is worth the 4-5 bucks it cost. All 6 songs are great and while it probably won't be the kind of stellar debut that will launch The Letter Black to the tops of radio charts, it is a great start to a band who will hopefully improve even more and be around for a long time.
JJFrancesco_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
