FFH

Still the Cross

Essential Records

40:07 TRT

My entire family has always liked FFH's music. If fact, my copy of “Have I Ever Told You” has been sitting in my 16-year old daughter's room for several weeks. (Ashley? Do I get it back??) “Ready to Fly” from their last disk is a great song. “When I Praise” from the “Found a Better Place ” CD is one of my all-time favorites. I was fortunate to tell Jeromy Deibler at a post concert meet ‘n' greet that the song has ministered to me.

No the group is back with its fifth full-length studio release for Essential Records, “Still the Cross.” This record marks a progression in the group's sound as several songs are edgier. Jeromy Deibler says, “We have a lot of creative freedom in the studio, and in many ways I feel like we're just in the beginning of our stride. We've worked very hard at this and it's really an authentic picture of who FFH is”

Opening track “You Drive I'll Ride” is driven by electric guitar and has a more rock feel. The same can be said for “Cover Me.”

No scripture verses are provided with the lyrics. However, FFH doesn't hide behind generic lyrics either.

“You Love Me Anyway” has some snazzy trumpets. It's a song about how no matter what we do God still loves us any way. “In This Moment” follows a similar theme-God is always there-but opens with a cool cacophony of traffic sound effects that reaches a swirling climax ala The Beatles “A Day in the Life.”

“All Part of the Walk” reminds me of the best of PFR, both lyrically and musically.

“Still the Cross” has the ironically beautiful verse “there's a tower of peace.” “This is a statement we'll hang our hat on,” says Jeromy. “It's about hope.”

Jennifer Deibler says “That song's been teaching me a lot about having eternal eyes. It's so easy for me to get wrapped up in my every day and just focus on all that is going on with me. But God's been showing me how none of that really matters. It's so important to see things that are eternal.”

This is another great record from FFH that should satisfy its current fans and perhaps bring some new fans on board.

- Rob S.