Vagabonds
by
The Classic Crime The title to The Classic Crime's latest long player implies a certain need to travel; and while the alternative rock act is no stranger to touring, the inspiration actually comes from a more missions-minded...
Eternity Invades
by
Vicky Before UK born and bred singer/songwriter, Vicky Beeching, began her pursuit of professional music she enrolled as a theology student at Britain's renowned Oxford University to ensure her spirit-led songs...
Miracle
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Robbie Seay Band Quick disclaimer: What I don't mean to say is "if you've heard one Robbie Seay Band album, you've heard them all." At the same time, RSB's latest batch of worshipful pop/rock tunes, entitled Miracle, features...
BACKED BY STAR-STUDDED CAST | Posted September-29-2008
Christian music’s chameleon-like combination of David Bowie, Bono and Morrissey throws fans for yet another loop with a highly stylized batch of rollicking roots music that unconventionally flashes back to old school gospel. As a result, Kevin Max’s latest solo CD is truly an ambitious return to form in both spiritual and creative contexts, backed by a little help from several famous friends.
The disc opens with Max crooning like Johnny Cash throughout the vintage vinyl scratches of “The Old Rugged Cross.” He continues channeling those influences on a poignant duet with The Man In Black’s sister Joanne Cash during “One Way-One Blood,” and revisits the late great’s recent interpretation of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” under the tweaked title “Run On For a Long Time” (featuring soulful duet accompaniment from “American Idol” alum Chris Sligh). “People Get Ready” (with Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell) leans even further in the R&B direction, though “Up Above My Head I Hear Music In the Air” switches gears entirely to showcase the bluegrass triple team of Max, an earthy Amy Grant and her furiously finger-picking husband Vince Gill. Yet the disc’s ultimate home run is a somewhat unexpected (albeit inevitable) reunion of dcTalk, who pick up right where they left off on “The Cross,” the perfect end cap for a wildly enriching and adventurous album. -ANDY ARGYRAKIS
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
Starting All Over | Posted September-29-2008
When Dashboard Confessional hit the big time in 2001, every broken-hearted emo scene kid picked up a guitar hoping to be the next Chris Carraba. But over the years, only one artist seems to have demonstrated the potential to follow in those same steps—without sounding like a knock-off. Hailing from Greenville, S.C., Corey Crowder originally recorded as A Farewell to Arms, but is now content to record under his own name. Crowder creates an acoustic/folk country sound akin to classic singer/songwriters from the ’70s, with a touch of early ’90s pop-rock radio, with a vocal delivery and tone similar to John Mayer.
Unlike Corey’s previous effort, which was primarily an all-acoustic album, Starting All Over includes additional instrumentation on more than half of the songs. “Taking Back Roads” is a standout track, with the emotional movements throughout and the lines “We’re trying to slow down before things go too far. Taking back roads to where God only knows.” “April 25” changes up the pace of the album, featuring just Crowder and a piano.
With his songs already garnering airtime on shows like MTV’s “The Real World,” it is only a matter of time before Corey Crowder is heard by the masses. - Brad Moist
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
PUNK'S NOT DEAD AFTER ALL | Posted September-29-2008
Honestly, I’ve grown rather jaded by the punk rock scene over the last five years or so, which is why I’m glad my first encounter with Children 18:3 was a promotional photo. They certainly didn’t look like any of the recent crop of pop-punk rockers—instead, the harshly-lit black-and-white photo showed a band that looked dredged up from the backstage of some old-school New York City punk show. Clearly, this band was something special.
Far away from the smoky venues of New York, siblings David, Seth and Lee Marie Hostetter formed the three-piece Children 18:3 in central Minnesota, where they not-so-quietly honed their rock & roll skills while not working on the family farm. And what can I say? With super-energetic performances that make the songs actually fun to listen to, and influences from east coast to west coast, old school to new wave (I can even forgive the one song that borderlines on ska), they rock. The melodies are catchy and the vocals are bold, with great interplay between the male and female voices, as the singing duties are shared by David and Lee Marie. Standout songs include “LCM,” “Homemade Valentine” and “Ditches.” But really, if you like punk, this is an album not to be missed. - Andrew Scates
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
NOT THE FINAL ROUND | Posted September-29-2008
One of the biggest-selling artists in the faith community, Kirk Franklin is a veritable ringmaster who continually surrounds himself with the best and the brightest of all genres. As such, he easily crosses boundaries of style and classification—his latest opus, The Fight of My Life, is no exception.
The album is chock-full of great songs, and great performances. The anthem “Declaration (This Is It!),” built around the original Kenny Loggins classic “This Is It,” is a fighter’s proclamation that he will survive anything the world throws at him. The beat-driven romp “I Like Me,” with guest rapper Da’ T.R.U.T.H., is a godly celebration of self, despite all of our flaws—because God loves us best. The smooth R&B track “Chains,” showcasing the dynamic vocals of Melonie Daniels, Nikki Ross, and Sheri Jones-Moffett, cries out to Jesus for rescue from the things that would steal our joy.
Song by song, Franklin peels away the hurts of life in a fallen world. All along the way, he calls on the Lord for love and for strength, and celebrates the hope available in Christ. The Fight of My Life is about the fights we all face—and a compelling reminder that God is always in our corner. - Chris Well
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
AN ATMOSPHERE OF HOPE | Posted September-29-2008
Recently the band Sevenglory teamed up with World Vision, becoming what front man Fred Butson terms “something bigger than ourselves”…a theme wrought carefully throughout their latest album, Atmosphere. After the quietly released 2006 debut Over the Rooftops, the trio tightened up their instrumentation, added guitarist Josh Parsons, and polished their songwriting.
The result? Better, more authentic rock, with a running theme of hopefulness. The band succeeds with “The Hope” where Butson’s remarkably crisp vocals (similar to the soothing vibrados of Phil Wickham) mesh well with the simple instrumentation. “The Best is Yet to Come” features a catchy melody, an original drum backbeat, and a falsetto chorus that is right on pitch. “Show me the Light” offers a glimmer of creativity with the chorus, “Show me the light/burning from the inside/what good is a light that we hide?” Unfortunately, the peppy “Just Me,” co-written with pop sensation Brandon Heath, suffers an unoriginal tune and lyrics.
Atmosphere holds definite promise for the quartet, just not enough to ebb it out of mediocrity into greatness. Once the band starts to carve out a unique niche (instead of generic rock), they will certainly offer an atmosphere of hope for fans everywhere. - Grace Cartwright
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
PROMISING DEBUT | Posted September-29-2008
After a time spent touring with a couple of other Tooth & Nail bands (Ruth, The Send, Run Kid Run) A Dream Too Late has released its debut album for the label, Intermission To The Moon. Initially, the listener is struck with a feeling of familiarity; however, with subsequent listens, one discovers there is more to be had on the band’s effort.
From the rock-steady “Be Honest” and the moody pop of “14th and Knott” to the head-bopping “Trendsetter,” A Dream Too Late has concocted a lush brand of alt-pop that slathers a layer of dreamy guitars and/or keyboards over a bed of solid rock rhythms, matched with effective harmonies.
Lyrically, the brash “Intermission To The Moon” is a sober examination of the modern culture. “Be Honest” boldly dissects the games often played in relationships. “Trendsetter” confronts the high school hero who thinks he’s gained the whole world—and doesn’t realize he’s lost his soul (take a look at yourself/all that’s left is a ghost).
Though at times repetitive and overly reminiscent of other bands, A Dream Too Late has crafted a fine debut. Despite its few shortcomings, Intermission To The Moon sets the band up for bigger things to come. - Brandon Haan
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
UNASHAMED TO ROCK FOR CHRIST | Posted September-29-2008
Contemporary Christian music and ’80s era metal might seem like strange bedfellows, but one listen to Pillar’s For the Love of the Game will erase those notions. This hook-heavy disc features a slew of high-energy rock anthems, a few power ballads, and just enough of the band’s old rap-rock stylings thrown in to keep older fans happy.
While the CD awakens memories of a musical time gone by, it also pays homage to the world of contemporary Christian music. Pillar is unabashedly unashamed of their place in the Christian music industry, and they aren’t afraid to wear their faith on their sleeves as they call on listeners to do the same. This is particularly evident in the title track, as well as songs like “State of Emergency” and “Get Back.” Meanwhile “Turn it Up” provides us with a CCM version of “Name That Tune,” featuring lines from 34 different artists, ranging from Michael W. Smith to Disciple.
With For the Love of the Game, Pillar and producer Travis Wyrick have created an album that could generate plenty of hits for Christian radio, and will have you singing along loudly while pumping your fist in the air. - Kenneth Mueller
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
MILDLY MORE MATURE, BUT STILL MISSES THE MARK | Posted September-29-2008
Though Stellar Kart’s brand of mall punk might not possess enough punches to keep the genre’s purists coming back for more, the band consistently connects with the youth group crowd. On its third effort, Expect the Impossible (again featuring Ian Eskelin as producer), the players incorporate additional angles of pop, modern rock and upbeat punk. The result is a palatable, though in many cases, still too simple sonic and spiritual outpourings. Opening cut “Innocent” and “Eyes,” are examples of noticeable growth, anchored by synth-slapped dance grooves reminiscent of ASU, Fountains of Wayne and Motion City Soundtrack.
Yet there are still several examples of generics, most glaringly the power ballad “Jesus Loves You,” which may intend to spread an evangelistic message, but gets lost in cheesy delivery (not to mention recycling a similar formula as 2007’s Dove Award-winning single “Me and Jesus”). The power pop streaked “Sunshine” abounds with palatable harmonies, but it’s a little too perky for its own good. Luckily the escalating “Letters” brings up the rear with a more memorable flare (addressing the topic of loneliness over emotional drum rolls and orchestration), but still can’t provide enough steam to make Stellar Kart’s latest a full step forward. - Andy Argyrakis
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
WORSHIP FOR THIS GENERATION | Posted September-29-2008
Desperation Band, featuring worship leaders/songwriters Jared Anderson, Jon Egan and Lenn Packiam captures live worship and perhaps its best effort to date on Everyone Overcome. Past efforts served their purpose and audience well, but this project propels the worship outfit to another level.
The sound of Everyone Overcome is still characteristic Desperation with extra guitar, turntables and crowd participation. But the more indie rock groove and ethereal compositions give the songs and the record a more personal, authentic atmosphere. It makes for a very appropriate comparison to Hillsong United. The joyous message and fresh beat of “Counting on God” is a terrific discovery, while the experience of “Overcome” into “Maker of Heaven” launches the record in expansive live worship.
The song craftsmanship on Everyone Overcome covers a broad scope of worship styles. Anderson, Egan and Packiam (and anyone else involved in songwriting) hit their stride, offering upbeat, convincing words that speak to unwavering confidence in God. Desperation Band, its worship leaders and the congregation at New Life Church in Colorado Springs faced startling, tragic moments this past year. The triumphant words and sounds of Everyone Overcome are an example of their spirit and decision to be God’s voice of joy to this generation. - Jackie A. Chapman
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
SACRIFICE PAYS OFF | Posted September-29-2008
Travelling the country for months at a time without agents or the support of a label, this Pennsylvanian do-it-yourself group puts all the money it makes from touring back into the band. They are obsessed with making music.
And it shows: After three self-released EPs, Sound. Color. Motion. is hard to get sick of. The band’s tight musicianship—undoubtedly a result of its intense touring schedule—is evident in every track. Each member’s contribution builds on and compliments that of the others, a cohesion essential to the group’s layered complexities.
The result is a relaxed sort of steady build well aligned with the band’s lyrical themes. From relationship complications to struggles with alcoholism to disillusionment with the American way of life, the lyrics aren’t necessarily uplifting. Where you won’t find Christian buzz words you’ll find an honest examination of fallen human life in all its complexity.
Yet behind it all is a feeling of hope one can only assume stems from the assurance that, despite it all, God is in control. Simply put, Sound. Color. Motion. is a beautiful album. - Justin Pot
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
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