Artist: Good News First
CD Title: Finding A way out
Style: Pop Punk – Rock
Website: http://www.myspace.com/goodnewsfirst
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (Indie Rating)

Playlist
01. Never Look back
02. Just let Go
03. So Slow
04. And in the Morning
05. Set the Sun

Being the person I am, some days are just better than others. Today is one of those better days, and Good News First “Finding A Way Out” is one of the reasons. I stumbled across this band from Madison Wisconsin via their Myspace page and after listening to a couple of their songs I knew I was going to be playing them on my show. When I was lucky enough to get the entire CD I knew a review was in order.

“Good news First” lists themselves as Pop/Punk and that is a good description. Their music is upbeat and with lead vocal from Kacey Henkelmen the band has a sound that is both catchy without being kitsch and still somehow reminding me of early 90’s rock. The Music has a serious Blink182 sound and while it is clear that all 5 songs are the same band they are separate enough that I didn’t feel like I was listening to one long song. It is clear that this is a group of people who really enjoy playing together. Here is Video of the song Never look back.

One of the things that so many indie bands suffer from is that the recording quality of their music simply doesn’t stand up to those in major media. This is one of the reasons while I judge the indie CD’s on a different scale than a Skillet/TFK/Fireflight CD. There were a few times when the music overpowered the vocals. Other than this small matter the CD rather well put together, and I have often wondered just what bands with this kind of talent would sound like if the CD was produced by the likes of a Howard Benson. Overall I really enjoy the CD. I am looking forward to hearing more from this band and I am sure they would be well worth seeing live.

I am giving Finding A way out an Indie Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. Check out their Myspace Page and listen for yourself. I’m betting you’ll agree and add Good news First to your collection.

Artist: Todd Agnew
CD Title: Need
Style: Acoustic Worship
Website: www.toddagnew.com
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Joy Unspeakable
2. Written on the Wall
3. I need no Other
4. Give Me Jesus
5. High Ground
6. Tell Me the Story
7. Did you mean Me?
8. Gloria
9. The Love of God
10. Breakable
11. Deep Love of Jesus
12. Jesus the Hope of Glory
13. Way of the Cross (Bonus Track)
14. All the World (Bonus Track)
15. All that I have (Bonus Track)
16. Joy Unspeakable (Live Acoustic – Bonus track)

There is no question that I have been waiting for this CD since back in July when I Interviewed Todd Agnew and heard a bit about the CD. The other day I finally downloaded the album from I-Tunes (Yes I purchased it with my own money) After taking some time to listen to the CD over the past few days I can happily state that Todd Agnew’s Music just keeps getting better with each project he puts out. “God doesn’t need me to do anything, the Sunday school answer is still the answer and Jesus is all I need.” Todd states on the Video that comes with the album Download in I-Tunes.

Something unexpected happened while I listened to the CD. After a few times through I found that the idea of the music and the songs began to fade and I was left face to face with with the message. If you have never listened to Todd Agnew let me just say that His songs are messages. With each song I had another message driven home. I am reminded of Rich Mullins, Keith Green and Michael Card in the way that this CD strips me bare of self righteousness and self deception, and shows me the truth that I need know only Christ and Christ Crucified.

I know I usually prefer music that is a bit rockier (Skillet, TFK, Flyleaf) and that this Cd has none of the rocking testosterone of the other bands I know that there are people who arent going to like this CD just because of the style. “Need” is a gathering of laid back songs that make no claim other than “Your Sunday School Teacher was right.” As I re-read the interview I did with Todd last July I can’t help but notice just honest and passionate He is, and with songs like “Tell Me a Story”

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him
Writhing in anguish and pain
Tell of the grave where they laid Him
And how He’s living again

Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart every Word
Tell me the Story so Precious
Sweetest that I ever heard

“Did you mean Me?”

But you said that all sins can be forgiven,
But when you said that, did you mean me?
Did you mean me?

You said that we could be more like you,
But did you know what I’d do? How I’d fall so short?
And you said confession leads to healing,
Do you see I’m here and kneeling, and I’m still not well?

Just to reference a few songs and an entire CD of songs like these is it any wonder that I find myself thinking less about Todd Agnew and More about the Christ that Saves us. I feel safe in saying that everyone can find something on this Cd that challenges them. I don’t mean challenge in that make yourself better, but instead in the drawing you nearer to Jesus that Calls us his friend, the Jesus that calls us out to walk on the water and to cling to him. Im giving this CD a 4.25 out of 5.0 and I am going to end this with a quote from Todd’s Song “Breakable”

You are glorious, infinite, and wise,
You are mighty, holy, there is none beside you,
But to save me from my brokenness you became breakable.

Artist: Casting Crowns
CD Title: Until The Whole World Hears
Style: CCM / Pop-Worship
Website: castingcrowns.com
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Until the Whole World Hears
2. If We’ve Ever Needed You
3. Always Enough
4. Joyful, Joyful
5. At Your Feet
6. Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
7. Holy One
8. To Know You
9. Mercy
10. Jesus, Hold Me Now
11. Blessed Redeemer
12. Shadow Of Your Wings

When Dr Matt over at the Transformed Podcast (link) posted in our group that Casting Crowns was offering a listening room experience of their soon to be releases (November 17th) Album “Until the Whole World Hears” over at yahoo music’s Early Edition. I had a feeling I was going to be sitting here writing this review. I have always had a soft spot for Casting Crowns, even if I have a less than soft spot for the rest of the Pop Worship genre, and I was excited to be able to hear the New CD. After the first couple of songs I began to worry. The CD begins in a typical Casting Crowns Song, The Title song “Until the Whole World Hears” sounds like it belongs on their previous album “The Altar and the Door“. As I said I began to worry that this Cd was going to be nothing more than a continuation of the previous album. This isn’t quite the negative that it could be. Casting Crowns has a very set and distinctive sound that I find carrying through all of their albums. When done properly it gives the Band a signature sound. When done Improperly it simply makes all the songs sound the same. “Until the Whole World Hears” walks the thin line of “signature sound” while only crossing into the “What album is this again?” territory a couple of times.

That being said, The CD did redeem itself with songs that were just not the Casting Crowns sound. “Holy One” with a nice rockier beat and “Shadow of Your Wings” has a sound i can only describe as Rockabilly/punk meets Blue Rodeo (hows that for obscure musical references) sounds that makes it my instant favorite on the CD. The rest of the CD is filled with songs that are destined to be part of worship services all across the world. There is no discounting the fact that these songs are very well written and performed by a group of people who not only have the talent God has given them but (more importantly) the Gift to bring these songs to life.

I am sure that “Until the whole world hears” will be part of my music collection — Eventually — it isn’t a CD that I will be running out to buy. There are simply to many songs on the CD that sound just like every other Casting Crowns song. This isn’t a completely negative thing. Casting Crowns, live other artists (Third Day, Michael W Smith, Delirious) are simply so well know that their sound (for Good and Bad) Defines their Genre. The CD gave me everything I expected from a Casting Crowns CD. Perfectly produced music filled with life and emotion. I guess I just wanted to be surprised more than I was with single song on the CD that didn’t sound like it was run through the Casting Crowns Cookie Cutter. The CD is a very well made album but I am only giving it a 3.5 stars out of 5.0. While this CD is technically better than many of the CD’s that have gotten a higher score before it, I felt like I was listening to “The Altar and the Door” the Extended Cut.

Artist: About a Mile
CD Title: Find Yourself
Style: Rock / Indie
Website: www.aboutamile.com
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars (Indie)
Purchase: I-Tunes Store

Playlist
1. Again
2. Send Me an Angel
3. Innocence
4. Promise Me
5. Find Yourself
6. My Mistake
7. Not Ashamed
8. From Me
9. Don’t Close Your Eyes
10. Prodigal
11. Not Alone
12. Tomorrow
13. Troy
14. Change

Not long ago I went to a CD release party for a band I have heard several times now. As I found out when I got there it was a CD release Party for two bands. About a Mile was the “Other Band” I had never heard them before that night and I had really showed up to support the other band. I was really surprised by About A Mile, from the time they took the stage I knew I was going to be writing this review. I am just sorry that it has taken me so long to do just that. About A Mile is made up of 3 brothers – Adam, Levi, and Luke. The name is taken from the Idea the Christ had to carry the Cross – About a Mile. I was lucky enough to get hold of a nice video camera and you can check out some of the video from that night and you can watch that below.

From the very beginning of the CD I am taken by the talent of these three brothers. With all First CD offerings, I don’t expect to be blown away. Talent is something that matures over time. While I wasn’t blown away I was surprised at just how enjoyable this CD is overall. With a good acoustic styling “About A Mile” lets you enjoy the music without feeling over-run by it. That is not to say that “Find yourself” is all lightness and rainbows. With their title track, “Find Yourself” the bands shows just a bit of the chops I saw in their live performance.

One thing that can be a downfall of this style of music is that the style itself can be rather narrow and I did find that several of the songs on the CD were similar to each other. I also noticed that while the guitarist and vocalist (Adam) is an incredibly talented guitarist (one go through the Cd will convince you of this) I feel that the CD is relying on his talent. This is not to say that the other brothers in the group, Levi and Luke are not talented, They are very talented in their own right, The Cd itself is a very guitar driven CD and i would of like to have heard more from the others in the way of Drum and Bass. this is something I believe is partly due to the youth of the members.

One of the things that always pleases me is that the music is overtly and un-ashamedly Christian. Even to the point of having a song on the CD called “Unashamed“. I took the time to transcribe a bit of the song so you can see for yourself.

Ill follow you where ever you may lead me
not afraid to be the servant I’ve become
now I stand alone before you in your grace
I want everyone to know I’m not ashamed

I’m not ashamed!

Overall I have to say that this CD is one of the Strongest freshmen Indie Cd’s I have heard. I look forward to hearing what these three can accomplish as they mature and grow into the Gifts and talents that they clearly posses.

I am giving this Cd a 3.75 out of 5.0 on the Indie Scale. The Cd itself is well produced and the talent of the band are clear. While Find Yourself may not be on the “Most Played” section of my MP3 player the Cd is something I find myself rediscovering on the Player and enjoying anew each time.

Artist: Kronicles
CD Title: Reset
Style: Alternative
Website: www.kronicles.ning.com
Store: kronicles.powweb.com/store.html
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Playlist:
1. Switch – 3:23
2. Reset – 3:53
3. My Dear – 4:13
4. Cali – 3:10
5. I Am A Man – 3:38
6. Gotta Be – 6:10
7. Silent – 1:50
8. Last Time – 3:03
9. Rediscover – 4:47
10. Miracles – 3:36

I had an opportunity recently to see Kronicles live. I have to say that they did not disappoint with their live show. That being the case I also decided to grab a copy of their CD, Reset. Again, Kronicles did not disappoint. Here is some video from the live concert.

Video of Kronicles – I am a Man

There are a lot of really good elements to this CD and it’s mixed very well. It’s a solid alternative rock album with plenty of energy and emotion. Switch kicks things off with a hard edge to both the music and the vocals. My Dear comes across very heavy with an intense bassline that I really love. And I am A Man comes down like a hammer with great guitar work and thundering percussion. Silent has an ethereal feel from strings and keys before breaking into Last Time. Rediscover and Miracles are both ballads that round out the overall intensity of the CD.

The only thing I didn’t like about the CD was the way so many of the songs seemed to have the same sound to them. Not that they all sound the same but that the techniques used in each song lend to a sense of commonality among them. They “feel” the same and you might not notice that you’re listening to the next track until you’ve reached the end.

In any event, Reset by Kronicles is worth picking up. You may not listen to it until you’ve worn it out, but you’ll like throwing it on to give it a listen every so often.

I give it 3 and a half stars.

Artist: Third from First
CD Title: Time
Style: Indie Alt Rock
Website: http://www.thirdfromfirst.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thirdfromfirst
Store: http://www.thirdfromfirst.com/store/
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Live the Change – 5:11
2. Time – 5:50
3. Contagious – 4:42
4. Belong to You – 7:48
5. Break Away – 5:10

first off let me just say that I am no stranger to the guys of Third from First. I believe they were one of the first local bands I saw when I started to going to the shows at the NET outreach in butler. At the lat show I went to, which was a CD release Party for Third from First and About a Mile marked my fourth time seeing them perform live. Back in May I reviewed their previous Cd “The Beginning” and you can read that review here, but you’re not hear to read and old review, you are here to read a new review.

At first looks the CD was not what I expected. At 5 songs the CD sounded more like an EP Demo disc than a Full fledged album. This thought was was quickly set aside when I got to actually listen to the CD. With the shortest song coming it at almost 5 minutes and the longest one pushing 8 minutes, the CD is longer than you expect and filled with good music. I want to take a little time here to explain the name of the band since I believe that it will help you to understand the CD better. Steve Lowry, Lead Vocal explained to me that as Christians we need to put God first, others second and ourselves Third, so that makes us all Third from First. A sentiment I completely agree with. Here is Third from first playing their song Time live at the CD release Party.

The CD sounds professionally recorded and mixed, I mention this because with Indie Bands this is not usually the case. Having seen the band perform so many times I was aware of just how talented they all are as musicians and it is good to hear that reflected in the CD, Each of the songs on the Cd also stand on their own as individual songs. while the CD as a whole is without a doubt a Alt Rock Album the songs do not blend into each other. Likewise the CD still has the sound of the previous CD without sounding like just more of the same. I am pleased to end to find that this CD has neither of these weaknesses

I find myself comparing the CD to the many times I have seen the band play live and I am reminded about the one thing I found most striking during their live performance was that during the middle of the set, when the crowd was at its most lively and interactive the band just broke out into worship. They took all the energy in the room that was focused at them and directed it towards God. They do the same thing on the Album with “Belong to you”. The words of the song speak for themselves.

Take my heart
Take my mind
Take my will
Take my life
Take it all
Make me new
By your grace
I belong to you
River of life
pour down on me
I once was blind
But now I see
You took my hand
You called my name
In your flow
You drowned my shame

Overall “Time” is a rock solid album that if a bit longer I would have no problem putting it up against any of the popular big named bands. Third from first is clearly a band that should be playing on a much larger stage to much larger crowds. This is something I for one, expect to happen in the future. Until then however I am going to enjoy the concerts where I actually get to hang with the band and don’t have to watch from the cheap seats.

I’m giving “Time” 4 stars out of 5 with the only real minus being the length of the CD. Even with the longer songs, when the CD was over I found myself wanting a couple of more songs. As the second CD from “Third from First” I do find that it is a clear step up from their freshman CD and the songs show a good bit of maturity. You will be hearing more from the band on the podcast in the future and with the CD running at only 7$ on the bands store it is a no-brainer on picking up some good music.

Artist: Delirious?
CD Title: Delirious?’s History Makers: Greatest Hits CD (2 disc limited edition)
Style: Worship
Website: www.delirious.co.uk/html/
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Playlist Disc1
1. Did you Feel the Mountains
2. Raindown
3. History Maker
4. My Soul Sings
5. Happy Song
6. Shout to the North
7. Lord you Have My Heart
8. Obsession
9. Magesty
10. My Glorious
11. Find Me In The River
12. I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
13. We Give you Praise
14. What a Friend I’ve Found

Playlist Disc2
1. Deeper
2. Inside Outside
3. Bliss
4. Sanctify
5. It’s OK
6. Love Will Find A Way
7. Heaven
8. Stronger
9. Take Me Away
10. Every Little Thing
11. Investigate
12. All The Way
13. Promise
14. There Is An Angel
15. Paint The Town
16. Solid Rock
17. God Is Smiling

Imagine going to worship and the band leading the music was U2. It would be great, wouldn’t it? That is how blessed we have been over the last 16 years by the music of Delirious?, a band that grew out of the youth revival in the UK in the early 90’s to become, arguably, the world’s best worship band. History Makers, named after the song on the King of Fools CD, is the band’s final release and its parting gift to their fans. The CD includes 14 of their hits, sampled from 6 CD’s. All of the music will be familiar to fans of Delirious? and not worth the upgrade. However, for those who do not have any music by Delirious? in your playlist, this is an excellent sample of the music that powers our worship, with THE definitive cuts of such contemporary classics as Did You Feel the Mountain Tremble, Majesty, My Glorious, I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, and more. That makes this a must own CD for worship leaders and pastors.

For the true Delirious? fan, however, there will also be a limited edition release (12,000 copies) which includes a bonus CD with 17 more of your favorite cuts, a DVD with all 13 of the band’s music videos, and a 58 page booklet which covers the history of Delirious? The bonus CD includes a few surprises with which hardcore American fans may not be familiar (There Is an Angel and Take Me Away from Audio Lessonover, a CD that is not readily available in the US). The question, then, for the hardcore Delirious? fan: Is the $30 a worthwhile investment?

The first thing that impressed me when listening to the CD was the range of Delirious? While the band certainly gained popularity in the mid ’90’s due to their channeling of the aforementioned U2 (check out Bliss), it would be unfair to believe that they were a one note band. Delirious? developed their own sound, sampling from a broad spectrum of styles including Blue Grass (Happy Song), Celtic Rock (Shout to the North), pop (I Could Sing of Your Love Forever), Alternative Rock (God is Smiling) and more.

Second, the worship music of Delirious? is on par with the likes of Rich Mullins. So much of the worship music that is written today is “throw away” music, music which is used for a short time then discarded because the themes and music are dated and thin ( Does Lord, I Lift Your Name on High ring a bell, anyone?). Great worship music is difficult to write because it must be simple to sing, but must also stand up to repeated listening. Delirious? has given us many contemporary classics that we will still be singing in 20 to 30 years. They pack as much complexity into their words and musical themes as possible, all the while maintaining a sing-able melody for worship.

Lastly, the music videos give us a nice glimpse of the band, especially for those who never got the opportunity to see them perform live. (Their last concert is in London, November 29th. Lots of luck getting tickets, though… every concert is a sellout!) Especially poignant is the video Sanctify, filmed at a concert in a packed soccer stadium, showing the amazing popularity of the band in the UK that would rival the likes of The Rolling Stones… and, yes, I am serious about that assertion. Delirious?, however, has a touch that would make Mick Jagger jealous. Martin, the lead singer of Delirious?, comes to a dramatic, worshipful pause at the end of Sanctify, and for a beat of 5 seconds, 100,000 fans fall silent.

In conclusion, the quality and content of this limited edition CD/DVD is a must have for fans of Delirious? While you may own most of the music, complete your collection with History Makers and remember the band that transformed our worship.

The good people at Flyleaf sent me the lyrics to the Album when I was writing my review (which you can read here) and have given me permission to share them with you. So here are the lyrics.

Beautiful Bride

Unified diversity.
now.
functioning as one body.
Every part encouraged by the other.
no one independent of another.
Irreplaceable.
indispensable.
you’re incredible.
incredible.

beautiful bride. Body of grace. one flesh, abiding, strong and unifying. Fighting ends in forgiveness. Unite and fight all division. Beautiful bride.

strengthen your arms now.
Train your fingers for battle.
Urgency’s here now.
Train your fingers for battle.
Fighting this violence, with your feet wrapped in peace.
Sad tears and silence, now screams of joy!
Victory!

Beautiful bride body of grace. One flesh abiding strong and unifying. Fighting ends in forgiveness. unite and fight all division. beautiful bride.
Beautiful Bride body of Christ one flesh abiding strong and unifying…

we’re not gonna fall and forget how far you went to pick us up. If one part’s hurt the whole body’s sick, if one part mourns we all mourn with him, rejoice and we’ll sing with you, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Chasm

Break up already wake up now
walk away take it all back now
Don’t be quick to lick the scab off
your spitting in his face with the rest of them

Please give me something I’m so thirsty, I’m so thirsty
Oh please, let me warn them, Don’t you come here, don’t bring anyone here.

The chasm isn’t fixed yet. Take this water
Drinking ever deeper.. living water.

Please give me something I’m so thirsty
Oh, Please.. let me warn them. Don’t you come here, don’t bring anyone here

please…

This Close

Had a dream that we were dead, but we pretended that we still lived.
With no regrets we never bled and we took everything life could give
and came up broken empty handed in the end
in the hearts of the blind, something you’ll never find is a vision of light
With the voice of the dead, I’m screaming
I don’t know who I am anymore
Not once in life have I been real but I never felt this close before
I’ve been looking in your window I’ve been dressing in your clothes
I’ve been walking dead, watching you, long enough to know I can’t go on.
Had a dream that fire fell from an opening in the sky
Someone warned me of this hell, and I spit in his naive eye
And left him crying for my soul he said would die.
In the hearts of the blind something you’ll never find is a vision of light
With the voice of the dead I’m screaming, I don’t know who I am anymore.
Not once in life have I been real, but I’ve never felt this close before
I’ve been looking in your window, been dressing in your clothes,
I’ve been watching you long enough to know I can’t go on.

Missing

I saw the queen
swam out below her star on sea beneath
though I lifted up my hands to her
she never lifted me
Oh something’s missing in me
I felt it deep within me
as lovers left me to bleed alone
Found something sweet
on the island with daughters of eve
But through thick and thin they’ve gone away and only left their grief
Oh, something’s missing in me
I felt it deep within me
as lovers left me to bleed alone
something’s missing in me
something missing in me
down here love wasn’t’ meant to be
it wasn’t meant to be for me
All is vanity underneath the sun
all is vanity

The Kind

Its like being in love you rob your own mind and defile your bed
you ignore the fate of the players who both end up dead
and you pretend for us and you pretend for them
this fairytale will make them jealous of you
but its not the kind that you talked about
and its just the kind that rips the clothing off your mind
she is feeding you and you lie with her
and for the first time your right arm becomes useful
as you sin with it you wanna cut it off but instead you thank god for all of the wrong you do.
you cut the cord today with God’s hand to hold yours steady
He waits for you to apply the pressure
the warmth of His breath wrapped in His words
as He repeats His Truth after Truth after Truth after Truth
and its just the kind the kind you talked about and its just the kind
that clothes your mind with Christ
He is feeding you and you know the truth and I pray this is the last song I will sing to you
I’m sorry Father, I’m sorry sister, I’m sorry brother, I’m sorry everybody.

In The Dark

I’ve written songs in the dark
I’ve felt inspired in the dark
I hide myself in the dark
used to be afraid of the dark
those in the light know we die in the dark
there’s only artificial light
my flaws hide well here
I used to be afraid of cluttered noises
now I’m afraid of silence
fill this space Idle words
I’m scared to death of light and silence
Jesus kill me inside this
raise me up to live again
like you did, like you did.
Now I am mute despite myself
all of them are gone
the silence overtakes me
the idle words forsake me and I am left to face me
I’m held accountable
for every idle word
curse the idle words
I’m scared to death of light and silence
Jesus kill me inside this
Raise me up to live again
like you did, like you did.
glory shows up
exposes us
I’m naked here
forsaken here, by the dark, by the dark
I’m scared to death of light and silence
Jesus kill me in side this
raise me up to live again
like you did
like you did.

Swept Away

help help help
out out out out out out out now now now now now

the evil fell from your pretty mouth wrapped in your classic voice
angelic in your syntax, demonic in your motive your eyes don’t know
that the water flowing from this well isn’t fresh
demolish all that sets you up against your rising up
confessing all that’s broken and watch the healing come
spread out your open hands
admit you’ve held them shut
turn all the way around
be swept away by this.

Time for surrender
Spread out your open hands
and He will raise you up
confessing all that’s broken
and watch the healing come
spread out your open hands
admit you’ve held them shut
be swept away by this

Your clothes are smooth and spotless
the air is putrid sewage downwind of your pressed church clothes
your eyes are black and empty
your deeds are just for showing how big and bright your fake smile glows
I see you moving and their getting scared
their eyes are focusing on something else
your staring at me and I stare at you
I rage against everything that you do.

See them surrender
spread out your open hands
and he will raise you up
confessing all that’s broken
look at the healing come
spread out your open hands
admit you’ve held them shut
be swept away by this

I see you moving and their getting scared
their eyes are focusing on something else
your staring at me and I stare at you
I rage against everything that you do
get this hell out out of my way
there’s nothing more that you can say so
get this hell out get this hell out out out of my way

We spread our open hands
and he is rising up
repairing all that broken
look at the healing come
we spread our open hands
forgiveness holds them up
we’re swept away by this.

out out out out out out
now now now now now now

Treasure

Can I tell you a story as we dance while the sun starts to bleed
Song of songs love is calling daughter wake up from your sleep

Refined I’ll become the most dazzling precious treasure
I’ll be treasured over all the earth

Bearing the gift of a new heart
patience ablaze I’m slowly burning

Refined ill become the most dazzling precious treasure
Ill be treasured over all the earth

I am in awe and in shock
I’m in love and given away
I’m reserved with these words…

Can I tell you a story as we dance while the sun starts to bleed
Trees rejoice with the wind here
Hallelujah, Yes Shua

Tonight I’ve become the most dazzling precious
I am treasured over all the earth
just look at what he’s done
how he’s laying down his life
take this life
oh most dazzling precious treasure
Tonight I’ve become the most dazzling precious treasure
I am treasure over all the earth.

Again

I love the way that your heart breaks
with every injustice and deadly fate
praying it all will be new
and living like it all depends on you

Here you are down on your knees again
Trying to find air to breathe again
Only surrender will help you now
I love you please see and believe again

I love that you’re never satisfied
with face value wisdom and happy lies
you take what they say and go back and cry
you’re so close to me that you nearly died

Here you are down on your knees again
Trying to find air to breathe again
Only surrender will help you now
I love you please see and believe again

They don’t have to understand you, be still
Wait and know I understand you be, still

Here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
and only surrender will help you now
the floodgates are breaking I’m pouring out
here you are down on your knees
trying to find air to breath
right where I want you to breathe again
here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
right where I want you to be again
see and believe.

set apart this dream

close your eyes little girl
you’re a princess now
you own this world
twirling in your twirly dress
you’re the loveliest far above the rest
you build your castles in the skies
stars reflecting off your eyes
and angels sing on silver clouds
and no one cries screams or shouts’
oh set apart this dream
set apart this dream for me

close your eyes pretty girl cause its easier when you brace yourself
set your thoughts on a world far off
where we only cry from joy

oh set apart this dream
set apart this dream for me

oh lovely and beautiful
precious and priceless
you’re so much more than you know
heart of the purest gold
pure clean and white snow
clothed in such splendor
oh what a beauty for me.

oh set apart this dream
set apart this dream for me.

Tiny Heart

Tiny heart
stuck inside yourself
when you open up for me?
I love you so
I wanna meet you again
before one of us must go….
your lips touched every hand but mine
if you choose me I’m waiting for you
will you choose me I’m waiting for you
always waiting
Tiny heart
your not by yourself
when will you recognize the beat of my own heart
grieving in your hand
you crush me when you run that way
your lips touched every hand but mine
if you choose me I’m waiting for you
will you choose me I’m waiting for you
always waiting
you will never know
what you have done to me
You will never know losing love from me
and you will never know a single day alone
Tiny heart stuck inside yourself
when will you open up
Your lips touched every hand but mine
if you choose me I’m waiting for you
will you choose me I’m waiting for you.
Always waiting.

Circle

Circle encircles the earth
chance and choice break his heart
his innocent arm moves to save me and I am spared
his beautiful arm is bloody and cut off
his heart ripped out to show me he loved
but I would not believe him
he did all that he could
I still would not believe him

I left his arms empty and tied
out stretched for me until he died
I left his arms empty and tied
outstretched for me until he died
no man shows greater love
than when a man lays down his life
for his beloved
I left his arms empty and tied outstretched until he died

here I’m alive
and I don’t have the right
he gave me the right
costing him his life
new mercy’s in the morning

I believe! what if I believe you now
could it ever change this

Arise

Tell the swine
we will make it out alive
there’s a note
in the pages of a book
so sleep tonight
we’ll sleep dreamlessly this time
when we awake, we’ll know that everything’s alright.

Sing to me, about the end of the world, end of these hammers and needles for you.
Hold on to the world we all remember fighting for
there’s some strength left in us yet
hold on to the world we all remember dying for
there’s some hope left in it yet
there’s snow on your face
and your razorblade
twilight is bruised
and there you lie

Sing to me,
about the end of the world,
end of these hammers and needles for you.
we’ll cry to night

but in the morning we are new
stand in the sun will dry your eyes
Hold on to the world we all remember fighting for
there’s some strength left in us yet
Hold on to the world we all remember dying for
there’s some hope left in it yet
Sing, Sing

Arise.
Arise and be all that you dream,
all that you dream.

Artist: Flyleaf
CD Title: Memento Mori
Style: Post grunge
Website: www.flyleafmusic.com
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Release Date: November 10th 2009

Playlist
1. Beautiful Bride – 3:03
2. Again – 3:05
3. Chasm – 2:54
4. Missing – 2:55
5. This Close – 3:21
6. The Kind – 2:47
7. In the Dark – 3:47
8. Set Apart This Dream – 3:15
9. Swept Away – 4:09
10. Tiny Heart – 3:07
11. Melting – 0:57
12. Treasure – 3:24
13. Circle – 3:03
14. Arise – 4:18
15. Uncle Bobby – (Hidden Track not on Preview)

The other day I opened my E-mail to find a short, cryptic email from someone whose name I remembered but just couldn’t place. The email held nothing more than a web address, user name and password (and no I’m not going to share). Following the address I was rather pleased to see that it led me to a preview of Flyleaf’s new album which comes out November 10th , titled “Memento Mori” Which is a Latin Phrase meaning “Be mindful of death” or “Remember you will die”. The Sophomore album while clearly flyleaf shows a great deal of maturity. Each song is layered with enough separate dimensions to make a quantum physicist giggle with glee.

Straight out of the gate this album rocks with “Beautiful Bride“, a perfect opener. The song sets a fevered tempo for the rest of the album. As I started to listened to the album I had two fears. The first was that somewhere on the album I would find a poor remake of “all around me” from the previous self-titled album. Secondly I was afraid I would find of Cd full of music trying very hard to not sound like a poor remake of the previous self-titled album. At no point while listening to the Preview did I feel like I was listening to anything other than Flyleaf. Also while I listened i did hear reminders of the previous albums, the reminders serve to show just how the band’s sound has changed since their first album.

From the subtle strings in the background of “In the Dark” to later in the same song when the verse screams “Jesus kill me inside this, raise me up to live again like you did, like you did!” The songs on this album are clearly taking no prisoners as it also clear that the band has a serious statement to make. With songs like “Chasm” that I believe was written about the parable of “Lazarus and the Rich Man” (Luke 16:19-31) with a Chorus that rings out “Please give me something I’m so thirsty, I’m so thirsty Oh please, let me warn them, Don’t you come here, don’t bring anyone here.” Song after song I find the CD full of these references.

I find that “Memento Mori” to be far more of “Christ influenced” Album than their first album. While all the members of the band are professed Christians, they don’t refer to their music as “Christian Music” instead they simply allow their life experience to reflect in the music they make. That being said I was taken by surprise by the obvious references to Christ, faith, and belief. I am hoping that with the obvious success of their first album they were given a freer hand in what songs went onto the CD. While I have decided that Beautiful Bride is one of the best songs on the preview “Treasure” is easily the most powerful song on the CD. The Cd is So different from the previous one that I have to wonder just what happened between the creation of the first album and the second to cause such a change in the feeling of the individual CDs. I for one am ecstatic over the fact that while this CD is so much more than just music, it never forgets that it is first and foremost a Flyleaf album. While it is true that the Message and not the Method is what is important it as also true that The Method should not be overlooked either. This CD Rocks hard, Takes no prisoners and like life, leaves no survivors.

there are several songs on the Preview I am really looking forward to seeing live, as I believe they would make great concert songs. “Beautiful Bride” For its total rock-ablility along with “Set apart this Dream” for its sing-ability. I can already hear a couple thousand fans singing “Set Apart this dream for me..” There are just some songs that are perfect for audience participation segment of every concert. Other songs are destined to become one of the live show “must plays” The song that everyone is waiting to hear. “Swept Away” is destined to be one of those songs. From a distinct opening and verses that can be described as “Spoken Word” this song defines a style all it’s own.

I have to admit that there is very little about this CD to complain about, One of the things I noticed on the First CD that is repeated on this cd is that for the most part the Cd is split into two sections with a rockier front end and a mellower ending. I would of preferred the songs intermixed where the change of rock to mellow and mellow to rock can serve to make each song stand out even more. Still I understand that this is simply a personal preference and in the age of MP3 players and thousand song shuffles I have to wonder if song order even matters at all anymore?

You are probably expecting me to talk about the technical aspects of the CD, however since this an A&M/Octone production I expect the Technical aspects of the CD to be flawless. Lets face facts, a CD like this is on a whole different level from Indie Productions and cant really be compared to or analyzed like an Indie Production. All the Music is crisp and clean, and the vocals are clear in a way that leaves me envious. Even the 57 second Instrumental “Melting” makes for an interesting interlude between “Tiny Heart” and “Treasure“. Overall “Memento Mori” is easily one of the better CDs I have listened to for quite a while and is a strong step up for Flyleaf from their self-titled freshman album. I am giving this CD a solid 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 stars, and I am already looking forward to November 10th when the album drops and November 11th when Flyleaf plays a live concert in Pittsburgh. You know I’ll be there.. “Memento Mori” is in my opinion a must own album, your collection simply isn’t complete without it.

this review is put out under a creative commons, attribution, non commercial, no derivatives, 3.0 united states license.

1. Beautiful Bride – 3:03
My Favorite song on the CD. A truly hard rocking song, classic Flyleaf sound, this song will be a great live performance and as the First single released (available on Itunes) I would be very surprised if there wasn’t a music video in the making for this song even now as I write this. The songs sets the Tempo and structure of rest of the CD as Lacey sings
“Beautiful bride body of grace.
One flesh abiding strong and unifying.
Fighting ends in forgiveness.
unite and fight all division.
beautiful bride.
Beautiful Bride body of Christ
one flesh abiding strong and unifying”

2. Again – 3:05
The melodic beginning of this song belies it’s rocking core. Lacey’s voice is clearly the instrument that pushes this song. This song of all of them reminds me the most of the previous album.

3. Chasm – 2:54
Chasm begins with a thumping beat that becomes just a bit repetitive. This song is perhaps my least favorite on the Album. The song itself has a start stop feel that I find disconcerting.

4. Missing – 2:55
This song makes shows me the depth of the musical talent. I find that the music is the strength of this song. the depth and dimension of the instruments make for a song that I can listen to over and over again and find something new each time.

5. This Close – 3:21
after four songs a Power/Rock ballad was inevitable, I have to say if I am going to listen to a Power Ballad I want it to be by someone like Lacey. Here you find all of your typical angsty Ballad-dy goodness.

6. The Kind – 2:47
A hard song about sin and forgiveness. The song throbs and repeats, throwing in our faces how we sin and justify our own actions until we can’t lie to ourselves anymore and finally go to God in desperate need of healing.

7. In the Dark – 3:47
darkly melodic, this song opens with the words
“I’ve written songs in the dark
I’ve felt inspired in the dark
I hide myself in the dark
used to be afraid of the dark”
All through the song you will hear the haunting undertones of what might be a harp.This is one of those songs that clings to you. The words get a hold of you and demand your attention. The songs builds in intensity until the Climaxing silence, drawing even more attention to the chorus of:
“I’m scared to death of light and silence, Jesus kill me inside this, raise me up to live again like you did, like you did!”

8. Set Apart This Dream – 3:15
the dichotomy between this song and “In the Dark” just places both of them into such contrast. Like a sunrise after the long night, Set apart is a song full of hope. Easily the most singable song on the CD, sure to be a concert favorite for audience participation.

9. Swept Away – 4:09
A Song about fake faith and hypocrisy. The opening words say it all:
“The evil fell from your pretty mouth wrapped in your classic voice
angelic in your syntax, demonic in your motive your eyes don’t know
that the water flowing from this well isn’t fresh
demolish all that sets you up against your rising up
confessing all that’s broken and watch the healing come”

Taking on the current form of Traditional Church, while a pet peeve of mine I will admit that all to often the current form of the Traditional church has all to often made a target of itself.

10. Tiny Heart – 3:07
Very light and melodic opening, Lacey’s voice in the opening reminds me of Leigh Nash from Six Pence, Again I am taken by the feeling and emotion caught up in this Cd. The song could easily be written from the point of Jesus to all the people in this world He loves and is just waiting for them to realize just how much He loves them. Likewise the song could also be written from the point of one person to another. The metaphor of Jesus as boyfriend/girlfriend is pretty common in music.

11. Melting – 0:57
Instrumental that makes for a good transition from Melting to Treasure.

12. Treasure – 3:24
Easily the most powerful Song on the CD. Lacey begins the song by talking instead of singing. This sets this song apart from the rest at the very beginning when Lacey says “That night I felt like I’d become something treasured. different.” There is no metaphor in this song, but simply the statement that Jesus (named in the song as “Yes Shua“) and the meaning of the song is also clear
“I am treasured over all the earth
just look at what he’s done
how he’s laying down his life”

13. Circle – 3:03
Throbbing drums and melodic the music behind this song serve more to set the stage than on any other song on the cd. The song rips through emotions as the words take hold
“I left his arms empty and tied
outstretched for me until he died
no man shows greater love
than when a man lays down his life
for his beloved”
Again, taken straight from the Bible.

14. Arise – 4:18
This song almost sounds like an 80’s alt-pop song in the beginning. There isn’t a weak song in the bunch, Arise may be the least of the songs. While the rest of the songs on the CD seem to go out of their way to make their presence known, Arise is more of the wallflower in the corner waiting patiently for you discover just how intelligent and beautiful she actually is.

Artist: Hawk Nelson
CD Title: Live Life Loud
Style: pop/rock
Website: http://www.hawknelson.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hawknelson
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Live Life Loud
2. Never Enough
3. Eggshells
4. Meaning of Life
5. Alive
6. Ode to Lord Stanley
7. Long Ago
8. The Job
9. Shaken
10. Lest We Forget
11. Tis So Sweet
12. The Final Toast

Well it isn’t often that I go into a review not knowing much about a band but hawk nelson is just one of those bands i never really got into before now. I can see now that this was my loss. “Live Life Loud” is a good mixture of soundscapes and styles that keeps the listener from ever getting close to bored. With a title of “Live Life Loud” I was smart enough not to expect the rock ballad to be a running theme in the album, and from the first song “Live Life Loud” the mood is set with a new shiny pop/punk sound that had my toes tapping from the first few measures.

The Style of this CD is rather difficult to define. Just when I am ready to use the term Pop-Punk I hear a song like “Never Enough” that pretty much reminds me of classic rock. This CD runs the genre of music, showing the versatility and talent of the band. I half expected that the strengths in one area to reveal a weakness in another. While I wont claim to be a big fan of their ballad skills, I found “Eggshells” to be the weakest song on the CD. After listening to the Album as a whole I would say that Pop-Punk/Rock probably describes the CD as whole.

While I was impressed with the use of strings and even bag pipes on the CD I felt that this CD never really coalesced as a complete project. While the Individual songs were all solid and many of them were really good, so many stylistic difference on a single project just didn’t really work for me. I know I usually complain that all the songs on a CD sound the same, and one would think that the more change you have on an album the more I would like it, that is simply not the way it is. Please understand, the Cd is a good Cd and a lot of fun to listen to. Everything from the more traditional songs, to the pop-punk rifts and semi power ballads. I do think that the second half of the CD is a more complete package than the First Half. Culminating in the song “Tis So Sweet” Complete with a bagpipe opening. I am always pleased when Bands remember the tradition of the past, with out being ruled by it.

One of the items I was happy to find was the songs are very clearly Christian, and not the fuzzy “Love God and everything will be OK” but the kind of Christianity that demands a change in your life. “We don’t have to embrace the lies that we’ve been told” and “The only thing were missing is a whole new state of mind!” both of these lyrics are from the Song “Alive”. Some of the songs are just fun. “Ode to Lord Stanley” is just one of these songs. Overall “Live Life Loud” is a roller coaster ride, complete with flashing lights stuffed animal and cotton candy at the end.

I’m giving this Cd a 4.25 out of 5.0 stars, in the end the whole thing jumped around just a little to much for my liking, still every song on the CD is well done and the CD as whole is well produced. I can say that it will be quite a while before it works it’s way off my mp3 player, even if I do skip over a song or two every now and then.

Artist: Matt Redman
CD Title: We will Not Be Shaken
Style: Worship
Website: http://www.mattredman.com/
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Playlist
01. This Is How We Know
02. We Shall Not Be Shaken
03. Through It All
04. You Alone Can Rescue
05. The Glory Of Our King
06. How Great Is Your Faithfulness
07. Remembrance
08. The More We See
09. For Your Glory
10. Gloria
11. All That Really Matters
12. My Hope

All Right I will start out this Review with a confession. I love the concept of worship music. I love the music that helps me to come into the presence of God. I do, however, have a problem with Worship music as well. It has always felt to me that worship music of today sounds very similar to the music of, oh say, 10 years ago. I don’t understand this but I still love Worship music anyway. That being said I will say that I liked most of the songs on “We Will Not be Shaken”. I even found a couple of them to be the kind of worship songs one would expect from the likes of Matt Redman. So I’m gonna start this review with a bit of weasel words. I have decided to rate this CD as a Worship CD and not my usual general consumpsion CD.

Over all I enjoy the music Matt is putting out on “We will not be shaken”. The music while simple is very catchy and I found that after hearing some of the songs only once I could sing along with the chorus. This is just what I would expect from a Good Worship CD. I will say that several of the songs on this CD are really good songs, not just as worship songs but songs in general. Despite that there is never a moment when you are listening to this CD that you don’t know that you are listening to Worship CD. Now let me make this clear, this is NOT a Negative Thing, (unless for some strange reason you pull out a Matt Redman CD thinking you are going to hear top 40 or some kind of bubble gum Pop. In the words of a rather famous clown “Homey don’t play that!”

What Matt Redman does so well, and the thing that moves me to give this CD a 4.0 out of 5.0 as a worship album is to take the yearnings of my heart and give them voice. On this CD there is a song called Remembrance (Communion Song) the words “By your grace you are making us faithful” just drives home the idea that we are truly helpless without Christ. This is something I have clung to for so long. I have always had a hard time taking communion with breaking down, I feel the same way about this song.

As a worship CD this Album really covers the whole gambit and provides music for an entire Worship Service. From the upbeat beginning, to the deepening of Worship, to the time of Prayer and communion. The songs are simple and catchy without being to kitchy in my opinion. So if your looking for new music for your worship service or just looking for a good CD for your home meditation time, I think “We will not be shaken” is a solid bet for both.

I will say that not all the songs struck my fancy. and one or two them did cross the line into kitsch, and as I said at the beginning the CD is hampered by the strange fact that all worship music seems to be eternally a decade out of style. The songs on the cd have a serious late 90’s sound that much as I would like to say is just part of the charm.. I really can’t. I understand that worship music by its nature has to be familar, People have to know, or be able to pick up the beat and words quickly. I understand it, but I don’t have to like it.

Artist: Thousand Foot Krutch
CD Title: Welcome to the Masquerade
Style: Rock
Website: http://www.thousandfootkrutch.com/
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Playlist
01. The Invitation – 1:01
02. Welcome to the Masquerade – 3:43
03. Fire it Up – 3:09
04. Bring Me to Life – 3:38
05. E is for Extinction – 3:53
06. Watching Over Me – 4:20
07. The Part that hurts the Most (is me) – 4:01
08. Scream – 3:28
09. Look Away – 4:03
10. Forward Motion – 3:56
11. Outta Control – 3:29
12. Smack Down – 3:23
13. Already Home – 4:30

Well the Newest edition to the Thousand Foot Krutch Collection drops on September 8th and I was lucky enough to gain access to a preview copy of Welcome to the Masquerade (Ok I snuck into the top secret Tooth and Nail Compound, located under AREA 51, and after some serious ninja like moves I managed to abscond with a preview copy).

The CD opens Strong with a short strong Instrumental “The Invitation” that slides directly in the rocking title song “Welcome to the Masquerade” This is the TFK that I am familiar with, and I felt comfortable with the music. For a band that classifies itself as Rapcore/Alternative (I always thought of them as Rock band) The music seemed a bit rocky but I didn’t care I was in my element. Give me screaming guitars and lyrics with a Hook and I am one happy camper.

“Fire it up” has everything I am looking for in a good rock song, from the melodic beginning to getaway driver on Speed like way the song plows through. If there is a formula for writing the perfect live concert, drive the Audience Insane song then TFK perfected it with Fire it up.

“Bring me to life” is the kind of song I think about when I think about TFK, Opening with the Rock-Rap sound that is just so.. well.. TFK This song could easily find a home on any TFK album. While I thought it strange that the song seems like it slides back and forth from Rock-Rap during the verses and almost a Rock Ballad during the chorus, not a bad thing but the first few times I found it just a little disconcerting.

After three and a half hard rocking songs I was ready for something a little more sedate. Alas it was just not to be. “E is for Extinction” While starting out all mellow, Rock ballad like, doesn’t stay that way for long it seems the evil genius that is TFK was just lulling me into a false sense of security.

“Watching over Me” Does bring the ballad that I knew was coming. With the chorus that reads. “I know your out there, and I know you care, cause I feel you, like and angel, watching over me” This song brings me the cheesy ballad-y goodness I had been waiting for. Every rock album needs a good ballad, I’m pretty sure it is a federal law.

With a title of “The Part that hurts the Most (is me)” you would hardly expect the next song to be sunshine and puppies, and you would be right. This song could be directed at a relationship that is going south OR the idea that while we try, we can never live up to the standard God sets for us and in the end out actions bring pain to God. I just got to wonder what it is with this God/Girlfriend theme in Christian Rock.

“Scream” starts out with a throbbing guitar and a beat that reminds me of some of their older music. This song while well done and showing the evolution of the band, I have to say that by this time on the CD many of the songs are beginning to sound similar.

“Look Away” is a melodic ballad that I think really shows the versatility of the band and reminds me of when I found out that “Favorite Disease” was a TFK song. At the time I had only thought of TFK as the Rock-Rap band. I have a feeling that this song is going to do the same and make some people re-think their view of TFK.

“Forward Motion” is I think my least favorite song on the CD. Each time I hear it I just feel that it is the little brother of a song that your mom makes you watch while you are hanging out with your friends. While not a bad song, it just feels like it doesnt fit in with the rest of the songs on the album. This will be one song I skip past on my MP3 player.

The CD Picks up quick afterward with “Outta Control“. While nothing special the song is TIGHT. This is the kind of song that Producers and Audiophiles go crazy for. Layer upon layer of perfectly mixed sound. A song like this is more subtle than just the rock beat or lyrics, it is all the little things, finger scrapes on strings, flawless drumming, and impressive layers of vocals all brought together. This song is an advanced class on how to put a song together.

“Smackdown” should really be called “Rawkfist lite” I dare anyone to listen to both songs and not see the similarities. Yes I agree there should be similarities, after all they are both done by the same band. While I see this as an evolution of the bands style, I don’t see it as a positive in this case. Rawkfist is a better song, while Rawkfist is a rocking ride from start to finish “Smackdown” has this Rock Rock Pause beat that is kind of like being caught in traffic and rushing to the next red light. In short, “Smackdown” is a poor reflection of “Rawkfist”.

“Already Home” is perhaps the perfect song to end this CD with. This is a song I would imagine will be a great concert song, lighters in the air and people singing along. This song is also perhaps the most blatantly christian song on the album. “I am on my knees, I’m calling out your name, and I won’t run away cause I’m already home.”

Like every album, this one has its great moments and its let downs. Over all however I find the CD to be a real pleasure to listen to and even the rough patches are simple not as good, instead of being not good (there is a huge difference). The few weak songs aside I believe that “Welcome to the Masquerade” may be one of the better TFK albums to date and is one of the better albums to be released this year. This is an album that will be on my MP3 player and in regular rotation as far as my listening habits go.

Im giving Welcome to the Masquerade 4.25 stars out of 5.0 possible. All of the songs on this CD were well produced and mixed, there were just a couple of the songs that brought the album as whole down from the 4.5 I had originally planned on.

Artist: Reilly
CD Title: Let June Decide
Style: Indie / Violin Rock
Website: http://www.reillytheband.com
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

REILLY is
John Reilly – Vocals/Guitar
Noele Huie – Violin/Vocals
Dan Huie – Violin/Electric Guitar
Matthew Bomberger – Bass/Vocals
Jordan Lenhoff – Drums

Playlist
1. Limited Time
2. Dying for life
3. This side of your life
4. Beautiful You
5. Cry for you
6. June
7. Sunlight
8. Come to me
9. Turned blue
10. Run
11. Speak
12. Redeemed

I got to see this band play live on the Gallery stage at this year’s Purple Door Music Festival. My Friend Mike said that I was gonna like what I heard, yeah he was right. This quintet (that is five people) fronted by John Reilly has brought out what they call “Violin Rock”. After the concert I hung around until I was sure they would be at their merch table and headed over to talk to them, Picking up both of their CD’s and getting this one signed. While standing in line I got to talk to the members for a short time and I discovered a group of people whose love for the Lord was so obvious and who seemed like such “Good People” that I could have just hung with them for the rest of the day. Enough background, on to the Review of Reilly “Let June Decide”

The Cd starts out solid with “Limited Time” that has that indie guitar sound that I am beginning to get used to. John Reilly’s voice really suits this style of music, while his style of singing is difficult to describe, with pauses where I thought there should be sound and sound where I expected silence, I do find it worth listening to. However you describe it, I can say that it works. From here the CD rolls on through the next 11 songs, making for a great musical trip. With the two (yes TWO) violins playing rock rhythms it is impossible to define their sound as anything but well. Reilly. I will say this about the “Violin Rock” I never felt like the violins were being thrown in as some kind of gimmick. The violins are used to good effect without being over-used. (Just a side note, watching Noele and Dan with dueling Violins at Purple Door is just something to be seen not described. All the members of Reilly are talented Musicians both on the CD and in the Live show (that I strongly suggest you see if you get half a chance)

As much as I like the CD it does have a few negatives, I thought that a couple of the songs weren’t up to the level of the other songs, almost like they were recording one CD then half way through they stopped and started a completely different set of songs. While songs like “Limited Time“, “Sunshine“, “Redeemed“, and “Beautiful You” seem to jump out at me and demand my attention, a couple of the remaining songs seem almost like place holders. Now I am not saying that these other songs aren’t good, what I am saying is that the songs I listed really jump off the CD at me. These songs will, no doubt, be the songs from this CD that I play on my Podcast.

The CD as a whole is very enjoyable and once again I find the open and vocal faith of the band to be a good and refreshing thing. The first line of the First song on the CD makes things pretty clear

“Father, we’ve proved we know not what we do, were spinning round and round wondering what is up and what is down. Ashamed, confused, by twisted things we do, You came to change the ways of this twisted man”

I for one am honest enough to know that these lyrics describe me all to well.

I am giving this CD a solid 4.0 out of 5.0 stars although I will confess that I have to wonder if seeing them perform live has made me enjoy this CD more than I might have if I had never seen them. This group of people has the stage presence to be on the main stage at Purple Door, or anywhere else. I am sure it is only a matter of time before this is a reality.

You can go to their website at Reillytheband.com and order their CD’s as well as getting them from from iTunes

Artist: Neviah Nevi
CD Title: Tales of terror
Style: Death Metal/Breakcore/Christian
Website: http://www.myspace.com/nnrocks
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Virtue
2. Immortal Reign of Vincent Price
3. Molestation of the Innocent
4. No Escape
5. Pit and the Pendulum
6. Infiltration
7. Blood Stained Hands
8. Pushing up Daisies
9. Eve of Destruction
10. Break These Chains

Ok let me say first and foremost I love it when new music shows up in the studio. Some of the first CD’s I received in was a group of CDs from Wounded Records. One of those CDs was Neviah Nevi “By the Blood of their Feet” This CD quickly became one of my favorite hardcore CDs. The Mix of the HardCore Sound with DeAngela’s crystal like vocals. I was hoping for more of the same with “Tales of Terror” While the CD rocks hard and takes no prisoners I am really feeling the absence of the vocals I have come to think of when I think of Neviah Nevi. It wasn’t until track 4 “No Escape that I am given a small taste of the vocals that, in my opinion play a powerful counterpoint to the music and throat-screaming.

While I do miss the vocals, There is plenty here to like. The music on the CD us incredibly hard without crossing the line from music to noise. The CD overall is a well balanced performance with each song shining. None of the songs feel like they were just stuck onto the CD to fill time. Each of the songs on the CD have purpose. One of the things that plague Hardcore albums is that all the songs on the CD sort of mesh into a morass of loud guitars and screaming voices. Far to many bands seem to think that volume for volume’s sake is all they need, and so they ignore the power that comes from silence. Neviah Nevi does not have this problem, just about the time my ears were begging for mercy and threatening to bleed the music would change and put the previous song into such stark reality that it would grab me all over again. There is a Song on the CD, Track 7 “Bloodstained hands” that does just that. Here Deangela’s angelic voice is interspersed within the song making this song easily the most powerful song on the CD.

If this CD suffers from anything it suffers from a serious amount of typecasting. I think that in an attempt to make this CD harder than the last CD they ended up using DeAngela’s voice far to infrequently for my tastes. Now This very well may have been the direction that they are pursuing, and I understand this, I just feel it is a shame not to use that powerful, thought stopping voice. This style of music isnt my usual listening fair and like punk, this is more of a spice, something I listen to depending on mood and desire, still I find Neviah Nevi constantly standing in the gap. They are my “go to” band when I need some hard rocking sound they are the first band I turn to.

While I wouldn’t recommend this CD to everyone, since this style of music isn’t for everyone, I have to say that lyrics for the songs are very mature and challenging. Overall this CD has lived up to my expectations. Giving me all the HardCore I could want without leaving me feeling like I had overdosed on it. This CD is a well done and well recorded album and Tales of Terror will go on my shelf next to “By the Blood of their feet” where is belongs.

Im giving this CD a good solid 4 out of 5 stars. Now I will admit I have this thing for strong powerful female voices and that being said I know that I finding a fault on a personal nature, so if you like hard screaming rock, driving drums and guitars then Tales of horror is a CD for you.

Playlist
1. To Know You Love Me
2. Who is He
3. This is how We Know
4. Make me this way
5. Praise to the Lord the Almighty
6. No One Knows
7. Sing to the King
8. Will You Wait
9. A Common Destiny
10. Closer to You
11. All Creatures of our God and King
12. To know you love me (reprise)

If I am going to be honest with all of you, when I got the CD “To Know You Love Me – From the Heart of Justin Unger” in the mail last week I was less than excited. “Another Worship album with the same hooks and same sounds.” Was my first thought. I even carried the CD around for a few days before I even got around to opening it. I was just so sure of what I was going to hear. I come before you all chastened and asking for your forgiveness. The CD is filled with Good worship songs, but that isn’t what grabbed my attention. That you can hear Justin’s Devotion to God is also clear on the CD but again that isn’t what grabbed me. The fact that CD is more a meditation on the Greatness of God and makes me want to worship is what grabbed me.

As I listen through the songs on the CD I am taken by several things. Justin is a talented Musician and singer. I am really taken by the way each of the songs are put together. The Duets with Falon are enough to raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Falon has a voice that is well matched to both the music and Justin’s voice, this should come as no surprise since Falon is Justin’s wife. Technically speaking the CD is well mixed. Each of the musical instruments seem to stand on their own without either dominating the soundscape or mixing with it and becoming muddy sounding. The Flute on Sing to the King really took me back to the origins of my almost fetish for the haunting sound.

While not all the songs were to my liking, I did find that the song order was a logical progression in the style of a worship service and while several of the songs did have a similar sound I did not find that to be that much of negative since I felt that, for the most part, the songs were supposed to run one into the next. I almost feel guilty speaking negative of a Worship Song, after all even poorly done worship is still worship and is just as Holy. Happily none of the songs on “To know You Love Me” are poorly done. I did think that a couple of the songs were predictable and bordering on formulaic. The few songs like that are so outnumbered by truly inspired songs that I mentioned them more to show off the songs I enjoyed than to tear down the few I did not.

Overall I found this a Cd I could put on, sit back, relax and just enjoy. Listening to the CD the first few times I found my mind wandering, and not the wandering that comes from not listening but something in the song would spark a thought and I would find myself strolling down that thought path while the song played on. This is not a negative thing, and the more I listen to the CD the more I liked it. the CD seemed to grow on me, to the point where I can say that I really enjoyed the CD as a whole.

I’m giving this CD a solid 3.5 out of 5 Stars. The CD is solid and enjoyable and while I enjoyed the Worshipfulness of the CD I really felt it was missing that hard to define something that would of pulled the CD up from Good and Solid to Great and Favorite. Granted it would be very difficult for a CD that is worship based to become a favorite of mine, I’m just not wired that way. Still “To Know You Love Me – From the Heart of Justin Unger” is a good CD and full of pleasing songs that I would have no trouble listening to at anytime. If you are a fan of the more mellow worship music then I would Highly Recommend this CD.