VOTA [VOTA]
Posted May 19, 2009
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
VOTA, formerly recognized as Casting Pearls, has reinvented themselves with a new name, new sound and new record label INO Records. The self-titled album released digitally in late fall 2008 and released retail February 10, 2009. This one time trio of front man/guitarist/songwriter Bryan Olesen, also formerly a guitarist with Newsboys before forming Casting Pearls, along with bassist Case Maranville and drummer Scott Rutz expanded to four members now including guitarist/keyboardist Riley Friesen.
While Casting Pearls had more of an edgy rock sound, VOTA has more of a dance-flavored alternative rock sound, similar to Newsboys with hook-filled melodies and catchy lyrics. My favorite songs on the album are the main songs you’ll hear when you see the band in concert, which I’ve had the privilege to do twice. They were on the Sanctus Real tour last year and most recently the Newsboys tour. “Hard To Believe” is the super-catchy opening song and a great way to jump start this solid album. Here are Bryan Olesen’s comments about the song: “The more I dwell on what I really have in Christ, the more bold and excited I become about life. He loves you and I in a way that’s not shown anywhere else.”
The next songs “Be Mine” and “Love’s Taken Over” are also great examples of the uptempo dance rock style of the album with great messages about what it means to have God’s love take over your life. “Honestly” is one of those great personal ballads that I keep coming back to on this album. Bryan’s sincere vocals and personal testimony of the power of grace and mercy is very memorable and another great song to hear live. “Not Finished” and “I’ll Go” are great rockers and have great energy. My other favorite song on the album is “Free To Fail” with the message of submitting our lives to God and having security in knowing He’s given us life and the freedom to fail and get back up and live for Him. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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