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Who Are We?
September 2000
Above
Pillar
Flickerrecords.com
Pillar's debut should come with a warning, "This CD may cause flashbacks in middle aged persons." The CD reminded me of the days when I listened to bands like Faith No More and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Some of the secular influences on the band like 311 and Rage Against the Machine are evident in the music. The fact that Pillar chooses to incorporate the Word in their style of music is exemplary. Pillar joins the ranks of Knowdaverbs and Pax217 giving listeners more ways to hear the Word.
-Ken
Ardent Worship
Skillet
Ardent Records
This year three bands, Skillet, Satellite Soul, and All Together Separate, headed to churches in their hometowns to do live recordings of concerts focused on praise and worship. This latest release from Skillet is an energetic twist on praise music that has an industrial rock/pop sound. John and Korey Cooper, the husband and wife team of the band said that it was their desire to an album like this so the audience would be drawn to pay "passionate, fervent honor" to God. Many times between songs, lead vocalist John Cooper, repeats how holy and awesome God is. The songs consist of familiar praise songs such as "Shout to the Lord", and "Jesus, Jesus (Holy and Anointed One)", to "Who is Like Our God" written by John Cooper. This passionate yet upbeat song describes who God is and what He has done for us. "Angels Fall Down", written by Korey Cooper, portrays a picture of angels falling down in worship at the glory of God. The keyboard talents of Korey Cooper are very evident throughout this CD. John is a classical pianist, so he especially loves the keyboard sound. This CD Definitely makes the heart look up to God and His greatness!
-Ellen
4 008
Polarboy
Rustproof Records
Polarboy has to be one of the hardest working bands in the industry. Taking a so called break from touring the band laid down it's Sophomore release "4 008". With the experiences of the last four years and the personal emotions of each player "4 008" is loaded with a variety of great tunes. Starting off with "Lower" the tone is set for Serious thinking. The seriousness continues with "Nothing Left", "Train Song", and "Bria". In between are occasional pick me ups like "At Least I Tried", "Longer Weekend", and "Mountain Man". The reoccurring thought is that we have nothing without faith and we need our "Night Drives" to reflect on our personal relationship with God.
-Ken
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)
Supernova
The Echoing Green
Red Hill Records
"Supernova" is a debut album on Red Hill Records, for The Echoing Green. Traditionally noted for their techno and synthesized pop style, the band has explored a new avenue toward electronic rock. This album has more lyrical content than that of previous albums. Several long time fans have noted that they felt as though they could really relate to the the lyrics.
This album features a very diverse list of songs, ranging from more "hard" rock to soft, easy listening. Of course, there are a few songs on the album that are characteristic of the band's synth-pop roots.
Lead vocalist Joey Belville turns the spotlight over to female vocalist, Chrissy Franklin, for two beautiful songs. It is great to see this ever-talented group exploring different styles. Songs to watch for include "Supernova," "Waterfall," and "Nightfall & Splendor."
Loyal Echoing Green fans will love this CD. Those who like a twist of synth-pop, techno, and electric rock, then this is certainly the album for you.
-Bridget
Learning To Breath
Switchfoot
Sparrow Records
"Learning to Breath" is full of riveting chorus and solid rock riffs. Starting with "Dare You To Move" and "Learning to Breath" you're drawn into a reverie, turning the words over and over in your head. From that point on the tracks build on thoughts of salvation, new beginnings, and mercy. Worth mentioning is "Paparazzi" which reflects toady's age of mass media and how things get jammed into our heads. "Learning to Breath" is also an enhanced CD containing two videos from the band previous releases.
-Ken