Chasen [Shine Through The Stars]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
Indie powerhouse pop/rock band Chasen will release its OMG Records debut Shine through the Stars on April 15, 2008. The project is the first from a newly announced relationship between EMI CMG Distribution and Greenville, S.C.-based OMG Records. The new long-term, worldwide distribution agreement gives EMI CMG exclusive rights to distribute all OMG Records artists to Christian and mainstream retail, and all digital and mobile outlets.
Even without the release of an album Chasen has tasted early success. Their hit single “Crazy Beautiful” has lasted 20 weeks and reached #2 on CRW’s Christian Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) chart. It is currently Top 10 on R&R’s CHR chart. They have been traveling and opening for Christian and mainstream bands such as…Relient K, NEEDTOBREATHE, Edwin McCain, and Sister Hazel.
Chasen is a self-taught musician and says the ability runs in the family. At age 13 he started playing drums for his dad’s band. His dad went on to encourage him to start his own band and become involved with that ministry in the church. Chasen went out and found fellow band members Aaron Lord on drums and guitarist Evan Silver. The band started writing praise and worship choruses for Sunday service and youth events. After doing that for a while they decided to compile a disc of songs they had performed at various summer youth camps and soon the disc landed in the right hands and here they are today.
The hit song “Crazy Beautiful” offers a healthy perspective on the pressure we all feel to maintain a camera-perfect image. “This song is for the ones who think they’re not pretty enough or cool enough,” Callahan explains. “The next time you look at yourself in the mirror, remember that God looks at us all the same. He’s capable of making you exactly how you were intended to be.”
Other songs on the album include “Drown”. This song talks about overcoming lust. Then a normal teenager like you or use to be, Callahan was struggling with making responsible choices about dating and sex. “God has a way of teaching us through everyday life,” he recalls. “Drowning in those circumstances I was dealing with at the time was not an option, and this song is about finding redemption from that situation.”
“Christ didn’t stay within the four walls of a church,” Callahan says. “He went to the streets. That’s where I feel led to go too. People need to know that Christ loves them no matter where they are.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I have had the chance to listen to this album several times. I for the most part have enjoyed listening to it. I catch myself singing the songs in my head. This album is very catchy. The music on the album is best described as rootsy pop. I found myself relating to some songs and hearing the message clearly where as in other songs I was left searching for the message they were trying to get across. I also thought the album could have flowed a little better and there seemed to be a lot of dead space between songs. This is Chasen’s first album and I would enjoy waiting and seeing what they come out with on their next album.
Rating: 7.9 out of 10 (79%, C+)
Review written by: Ben Collins | Review can also be found here.
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