A New Direction
Posted March 10, 2014
By SarahFine_NRT, Staff Reviewer
On their first musical outing since inking a new deal with DREAM Records in 2013, the Nashville pop/rock outfit known as Satellites & Sirens is back with their latest effort, One Noise.
Following on the heels of two strong prior releases on their former label, and a quirky independent cover album that touched on everything from Maroon 5's "Payphone" to Chris Tomlin's "White Flag," the fan-funded project is their first new studio album since 2011, and promises further sonic innovation, with unashamedly gospel-centered themes.
"Crash Down" introduces the first of many catchy synth pop beats to come, and automatically brings to mind the musical stylings of Hillsong Young & Free as the worshipful chorus cries out in praise: "I, I, I, I will stand my ground / In You, In You my hope is found / Your love will change me inside out, so crash down on us."
The first single, "Jump Start My Heart," provides some extra meatiness while still managing to remain radio-friendly, and offering one of the most singable chorus' on the album. I hope to see this song do well for the group.
You'll notice right away the evident heart of worship on this album, which has been present on previous releases, but never as heady as you'll find here. Songs like "We Are Yours," "Our God Is Able," "Magnetic," and the title track "One Noise" follow along the lines of traditional praise music, and while it does offer something valid, it begins to feel a tad repetitive and crowded.
The appeal here turns upwards drastically with a song like "Keep Running," which melds the same ardent lyrics, similar to the aforementioned tracks, but provides a much darker, edgier vibe on the melodic side. It's the riskiest move the band takes on this project, and it pays off big.
"I can't move past the feeling that everyone around me will one day break this heart of mine." These words vulnerably open the tune "Teach Me How To Love," a prayer for God's compassion to permeate how we love others, regardless of the pain and sacrifice that may follow. Now THIS emulates what this band really wants to sound like.
"Breakthrough" features the guest vocals of Hawk Nelson frontman Jonathan Steingard, and provides a very fun, upbeat, Hawk-like vibe against the anthemic lyrics. Jon's voice blends well with lead singer Geoff Hunker. I'd love to see the two partner together for another song in the future.
The last half of the album turns the tides toward more praise and worship, and starts to fall sleepy after awhile. The final track, "United Kingdom," wakes things up as a redemptive finish.
Closing Thoughts:
While it's not as strong as some of their previous work, One Noise is a welcomed return for one of Christian music's most upbeat bands. I felt at times it rang a tad too formulaic, both lyrically and musically--almost like they're trying to force their direction down a route they're not sonically cut to follow, and I do hope to see them return to more rock-based roots in the future. Nevertheless, longtime fans should enjoy this new synth pop direction, while simultaneously gaining the attention of some new listeners along the way.
Song To Download:
"Teach Me How To Love" View All Music And Book Reviews By SarahFine_NRT | View SarahFine_NRT's Profile
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