Manic Drive – Blue
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Manic Drive
Blue
Whiplash Records
Grade – B
The newest release from Manic Drive is a well-produced piece of work. It has a hard-hitting soundtrack with a heavy dose of techno and dance sounds. It’s not as out there as Family Force 5, but there is no doubt their having fun with songs like “Dancefloor” and “NYC Gangsters.” Shawn Cavallo wrote more than half of the songs while the others were a team effort by Shawn and his brother Michael Cavallo. “Blue” was produced in part by Lu Rubino (Storyside: B) and Lu also co-wrote “Rain” with Shawn. You may also recognize Jill Parr on background vocals on “Hope.”
Overall the CD has a lot of big moments stemming from a good blend of vocals and a solid rock soundtrack. The ministry side of things is covered as well as the message is clearly laid out on tracks like “Closer” and “Rain.” For more on Manic Drive check out the video interview below or check out their official website at http://www.myspace.com/manicdrive.
- Ken W.
Video Courtesy of 30-CC
Tags: Manic Drive
David Crowder Band – Church Music
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
David Crowder Band
Church Music
Sixsteps Records
Grade – A
“Church Music” is the most creative and progressive release this year. Having an audience of students that are hip to this kind of change must be freeing. While the “Remedy Club Tour” took church music to the clubs, “Church Music” is brining the club to the church. It is as the band proclaims, a bold reminder that church music can happen anywhere.
“Church Music” is the best David Crowder Band project to date, it’s 17 songs long and it plays like one continuous track. The soundtrack is heavily infused with synthesizers and pop-rock vocals. It is very comparable to the music of Joy Electric, but with more singing. It is very progressive and bold musically and the lyrics are amazingly uplifting. One song in particular that I like a lot is “Shadows.” It’s an encouraging song to remember when this world has you down.
When shadows fall on us
We will not fear
We will remember
When darkness falls on us
We will not fear
We will remember
….We remember the cost
We rest in Him
Shadow of the cross
The new techno sound gives a breath of life to the project and it is very intentional at getting the songs planted into your brain. For the fans of David Crowder, “Church Music” will just be another exceptional choice for their CD collection. For the non-fan or new listener, it is going to depend on how open you are to the evolution of church music as David Crowder interprets it.
- Ken W.
Tags: David Crowder Band
Thousand Foot Krutch – Welcome to the Masquerade
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Thousand Foot Krutch
Welcome to the Masquerade
Tooth & Nail
Grade – B+
The fans have spoken about “Welcome to the Masquerade” and I have to join them in their shouts of acclamation. This is the best TFK to date. It’s a pure adrenaline rush to rock out to songs like “Fire It Up,” “Scream,” and “Smack Down,” while at the same time TFK does a respectable job with the time honored rock-ballad, particularly on “Watching Over Me.”
The rapid-fire vocals of “E For Extinction” are something the band is known for and I have to say, it’s still working. While their sound has evolved some, “Welcome To The Masquerade” is not that far outside of the traditional TFK. Song content is still strong as the songs speak of the broken hearted, suicide, and child abuse (“Outta Control”).
The main premise is taking off our masks and letting people see the real us. That’s a particularly important message in this day and age of Facebook, Myspace and Twitter relationships. It’s all to easy to hide behind the façade of social media and TFK is asking their fans to go deeper.
Check out http://welcometothemasquerade.com/ for more general information and tour dates.
- Ken W.
Tags: Thousand Foot Krutch
Barlow Girl – Love and War
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
BarlowGirl
Love and War
Fervent
Grade – B+
“Love and War” is the most aggressive release from the Barlow family trio to date. The boldness of age and experience is definitely obvious in their new release. The maturity level also shows considerable growth both musically and lyrically.
Having twice had the opportunity to see the Barlow Girl’s perform live this year, I am also confident in saying that their musical abilities have grown as well. Just recently I saw them on tour with Vota and Superchick and they performed like seasoned veterans. You could tell that there was chemistry between them that made their performance seamless and nearly flawless. Of course some of this chemistry comes from being family, but that can’t be enough to perform as well as they did. The amount of harmonizing they do and the versatility of their skills goes beyond just the sisterhood factor.
To pick out a few songs, I’ll start with “Beautiful Ending,” which starts with this cool quick-tempo piano piece. It reminds me of something you would hear in the movies when they are doing an elapsed time montage. Even the subject of the song is fitting for this scene. The whole message of running the race well no matter where you are in life, and ending it “beautifully.” As they explained in concert, it does not matter if you are a CEO or a laborer, the ending can be the same. Another stand out is “Our Worlds Collide,” which is this airy little tune where their harmonies really shine. Lastly, there is “Running Out of Time,” which is an anthem like call to action with a lot of pep and more harmonies.
“Love and War” is an epic release for Barlow Girl and I am excited to see how much they have grown in their faith and artistry.
- Ken W.
Tags: Barlow Girl
Bethany Dillon – Stop and Listen
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Bethany Dillon
Stop & Listen
Sparrow Records
Grade – A
“Stop & Listen” is the fourth release from young Bethany Dillon who started her recording debut at age 14. Now, a few years later, she’s in her early 20’s and newly married. The new album benefits from this period of growth and Dillon shows a great deal of maturity on “Stop & Listen” because of it.
Dillon describes the record as “confessional”. Much of the writing focuses on the healing and inspiring words of the New Testament. She writes that the song “The Way I Come To You,” is closely related to her own spiritual journey. Further testament of faith comes from “Get Up and Walk” and “Reach Out.” Both songs are inspired by powerful work of God in our lives. As Bethany wrote, “turning ashes into beauty, heaviness into a garment of praise, being transferred from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of light.”
If anyone has not noticed, the singer-songwriter types lately been pushed to the back burner of the CCM industry. I believe that “Stop & Listen” is strong enough to change that mindset. It’s just that good. The depth of the writing displays inspired wisdom beyond her age, but not outside of her experience.
- Ken W.
Tags: Bethany Dillon
Matt Redman – We Shall Not Be Shaken
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Matt Redman
We Shall Not Be Shaken
Sixsteps Records
Grade – B
Consistency clearly describes the efforts of worship artist Matt Redman, consistency, but not stagnancy. While little has changed in his stylistic delivery from album to album, he always finds a way to write a new song that is infectious as a YouTube video of a laughing baby.
For example, “Through It All” has the accustomed chorus’ with strings and emotive crescendos of a Redman worship song and yet it is still fresh and uplifting. It praises the faithfulness of God. The same thing can be said of “This Is How We Know,” another anthem like worship song that is sure to make a heavy rotation with congregational praise bands.
The overall theme of the album is about God’s faithfulness, particularly in a day when so many people are facing uncertainty in their jobs and finances. From track to track, Redman reminds us that through it all God is faithful. The last track I want to tell you about is “Remembrance,” a communion song that points out the sacrifice God made through the cross, and although God is steadfast and unshakeable, we have to respond to His call and in turn we should not take God’s grace lightly. Even in the darkest of times we need to remain faithful.
- Ken W.
Tags: Matt Redman
Avalon – Reborn
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Avalon
Reborn
E1 Entertainment
Grade – A
The title “Reborn” can mean many things in this instance it’s the rebirth of our faith or the rebirth of a passion. For Avalon, it could also be the groups passion for great music. The new Avalon album is a refreshing new rendition of a time-honored vocal group. It’s like the group has recharged their musical batteries.
“Reborn” is more progressive than their usual style with a much bigger sound, but still with their familiar uplifting lyrics and spectacular harmonies. I also noticed that the sound is more authentic and band orientated. A lot less strings that soften up a song (to the point of weakening it) and make it harder to reproduce in a concert venue. I imagine that when Avalon takes this on the road it’s going to be impressive.
Having more of a leaning towards the rock genre, I was truly impressed with the reborn Avalon. The group has certainly stepped outside of their comfort zone and you can read about it all on their official web site http://avalonlive.com. While you’re there take in a few samples of the new music.
- Ken W.
Tags: Avalon
Todd Agnew – Need
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Todd Agnew
Need
Ardent Records
Grade – B+
I know it does not sound all that educated, but I love the guttural sounds of Todd Agnew. That’s like the only way I can think of to describe his deep tones. He has this cool growl like no other vocalist in CCM. Add to that the scholarly way he writes and tells a story and you have an exceptional artist.
Take “Written on the Wall” for example, it’s a story that we can all relate to and yet he tells/sings it in a way that makes something click in my head – an ah-ha moment. The most entertaining song on the album has to be “Tell Me The Story.” It’s a fun track that has an awesome grove full of passion and grit. Agnew slows it down and gets more personally reflective on “Did You Mean Me.”
Evident through out the 12 tracks is Agnew’s desire to encourage believers and remind them of their “need” for Christ. It is the stalwart claim of “Joy Unspeakable.” To paraphrase, life is full of joy, but it is not always easy, but God’s desire is for us to have joy and nothing can bring that about more than a relationship with God. As Agnew wrote, “That is a joy that I do not have words to describe.”
- Ken W.
Tags: Todd Agnew
Dreampilots – Comedown
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Dreampilots
Comedown
Red Hammer Records
Grade – A
This Scandinavian band is generating a lot of buzz in the industry and they apparently made an impression upon the industry gatekeepers at the past GMA Music week. While “Comedown” is their North American debut, the members of Dreampilots are no newbie’s. Oddi Nessa who was formerly a Word Records UK artist fronts the band. The drummer was a former member of the group a-ha – relevant to the ‘80’s generation. Their joined by Gulleiv Wee who was in the platinum selling pop band The September When and lastly, Inge Engelsvold on production and keyboard.
The bands professional experiences enhance the project and give it a twist of party-rock and a serious dose of the gospel message. The musical styling is all over the place and never weak. The title track, “Comedown,” is a straight up rock song with big guitars and lively backbeat. It’s a very short and pointed song about confronting someone with a drug issue. “Stones,” which is more synth sounding, follows this up. The song “Pick Me Up” also has a fair amount of gritty guitar and a classic musical interlude that takes the song out over 6 min. It is hard to pin down their influences; much of it may be traced back to the UK/European classic rock scene though.
“Comedown” is worthy of the entire buzz the progressive rock sound is something fresh. The additional fact that the band is set on using music as a ministry, gives further credit to the buzz as well. The band has all of the requisite Internet sites, but you can access them all from one starting point – http://dreampilots.net/.
- Ken W.
Tags: Dreampilots
Britt Nicole – The Lost Get Found
Oct 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Britt Nicole
The Lost Get Found
Sparrow Records
Grade – B-
The sophomore release from Sparrow recording artist Britt Nicole takes on a more contemporary pop-oriented sound compared to her debut “Say It.” There are still upbeat Disney-pop moments like “How We Roll,” but even this song has a bit more maturity than most tween-pop. The album relies less on the flashy hip-hop and dance track infusions and rests more heavily on Britt’s vocals and the lyrics.
One of the best songs on the album is actually the piano-ballad “Safe,” which reminds me of Natalie Grant’s style. The same can be said of “Walk On Water.” Both are an indication of the more mature themes throughout the CD. While I like the new direction the album has taken, I am glad that they included “Headphones” which has a cool synth vibe and a bouncy chorus that’s amusing and airy.
“The Lost Get Found” is a solid follow up to Britt’s debut and I imagine that it will do well on the radio charts. I think maybe the total intent of the album and possibly her ministry comes out strongest in “Walk on Water” where Britt declares, “What are waiting for!” It’s a simple song of encouragement that cleverly challenges you to take a leap of faith.
- Ken W.
http://brittnicole.sparrowrecords.com/
Tags: Britt Nicole
