A Truly Special Album
Posted September 19, 2011
By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Downhere has flown under the radar of popular CCM music for a decade now. While not without their share of hits, they aren't the household name one would expect given the growing catalogue of critically acclaimed albums under their belt.
Downhere returns with their 5th regular studio release (excluding a number of in-between projects), 'On The Altar of Love,' again flying under the industry radar. And it's a shame too, as from start to finish, this is one of the best releases of Christian Pop/Rock to come out all year.
The album starts with less punch than previous releases, with the still inspiring "Only The Beginning." The album continues into the singles "Rest" and "Let Me Rediscover You." Both songs are soaring and uplifting and exactly the quality that we've come to expect from the band. Much of the album plays it safe within the band's established sound, but it sounds so good that there's nothing to criticize.
The band does shake it up with a few tracks. "Living The Dream" is a throwback to decades past, singing about seeing the value in our every day lives. "Seek" is a driving rock song with a haunting bridge. The title track is the band's most unique song yet, with a banjo and fiddle backing what amounts to a strong folky rock track.
Lyrically, the band is as insightful as ever, singing about thanking God for the good and bad in our lives, to Biblically inspired messages of love, forgiveness, and praise, to the aforementioned "thinking song" reminding people to not let their lives be darkened by lost worldly dreams.
The album closes with the beautiful "Reveal The Kingdom" that concludes with a brief Latin chant singing words from Isaiah.
All in all, not a second on this album fails to delight. After several listens, it's hard to find reasons why Downhere isn't the poster child for the CCM industry. They bring a sound that fits well within the established sound while still sounding fresh and innovative. They are the answer to everything plaguing the industry. Why they aren't more popular is anyone's guess.
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