Breaking Genre Barriers
Posted June 24, 2016
By PhillFeltham_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Classified as a pop-rock band, Bread of Stone breaks music genre barriers to once again showcase their passion for God and others on Hold the Light, their fifth studio album. Bread of Stone mixes rock, hip hop, pop and adult contemporary influences together to create a hybrid masterpiece. The band used a similar method on their 2014 album Not Alone.
Of course, Bread of Stone could not achieve this hybrid sound without a little help from the genre experts: Matt Dally and Tricia Brock (both from Superchick) as well as hip hop superstars Manafest and Beacon Light.
Bread of Stone re-recorded "Parachute," a song that originally appeared on their 2012 album, The Real Life. The new version contains heavier guitar riffs, a hip hop solo from Matt Dally, and a more polished sound. For those who like to rock, this song will quench your thirst for ear-blasting beats.
For those who are waging war against the Prince of Darkness, "Battleground" is your spiritual warfare anthem. Manafest rallies the troops with some hip hop and background vocal assistance while Bread of Stone utilizes heavy guitars and passionate vocals to move the listener to stand strong and declare war in the name of Jesus.
The album's first single, "The Change," is similar to the aforementioned songs in guitar riffs and hip hop (from Beacon Light), albeit lighter in sound. While the single stands out, I think Bread of Stone should have chosen "Parachute," "Battleground" or even "Be Still" as their first single.
"Be Still" is a catchy pop tune, which utilizes the impressive vocals of Tricia Brock. Together, Brock and Bread of Stone's lead vocalist Ben Kristijanto harmoniously sing about Psalm 46:10: ""Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
"Sing Hallelujah" is an uplifting track that utilizes a '80s pop sound. However, the background vocal stylings diminish the quality of the song. Many contemporary bands utilize this backup vocal style in their music, thus making many songs sound painfully the same.
Adult contemporary enthusiasts will love the soothing "It's All for You," a gentle ballad that brings the listener closer to God in worship: "Wash me clean, take my soul and make me new," as well as "These are my dreams / these are my hopes, this is my fear/ These are my woes / I will give up / I will trust with all of my heart." The song rivals "Be Still" as having the most inspirational lyrics on the album.
The Bottom Line: Bread of Stone delivers an album that stays true to their signature sound, but offers something new for recent and long-time listeners alike. The adult contemporary sound on the album is weaker, but the heartfelt lyrics praising God's name make the save to give Hold the Light a solid four-star rating.
Songs to Download Now:
"Battleground" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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