Northwest Christian Music - Album Reviews

Generation Unleashed Live Worship

admin — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:36:31 +0000

Band/Artist - Generation Unleashed

Release Date - Jan 29, 2008

Label - Maranatha! Music

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You want some honesty? This is my third attempt at this review. I was really conflicted. I just could not figure out what to write about this band. I first heard of Generation Unleashed about a year ago. A friend of mine had the album, God’s Not Dead, and I checked it out. I wasn’t a huge fan. They sounded exactly like Hillsong United. In fact, there were a few times when I forgot who I was listening to. So, needless to say, when I found out my next review was going to be a GU album, I already had my thoughts on what to write. But, as it turns out, I don’t always know what I’m talking about.

So the overall sound of GU is still obviously influenced by Hillsong, but this time around they seem to stand out a bit more. Live Worship starts off with Always, which is great rock song. You can really tell the change in the band with this track. It was nice to know I wasn’t listening to a rip off. Off and on throughout the rest of the record, you may still think you’re listening to Hillsong, but this isn’t a disappointment. You’ll notice that all the songs really flow together very smoothly. You can just feel the atmosphere that was seeping out of the auditorium and through the speakers.

While there is more to say about this album, and I could go more into each individual song, I don’t want to ramble too much. This is something that needs to be experienced. Please don’t give up on GU after the first listen, even if you don’t like the Aussie resemblance. The tunes will start to sink in and you will be truly blessed by the God given talent that is put into Live Worship. And while this isn’t the most original project out there, it’s nothing to be ignored by any fan of worship music. Make sure you check these guys out, and if you happen to be in the Portland area during the next GU conference, definitely stop in and experience Live Worship.

Jeff Schlottmann

The Wounded

admin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:41:04 +0000

Band/Artist - Stillfire

Release Date - Dec 1, 2007

Label - None

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What can I say about female fronted Christian rock bands? Most of them sound too identical, to say the least. Sometimes I think somebody is sitting in the Christian music headquarters stamping these bands out with a cookie cutter. I like cookies, but too much is too much. That’s why I’m relieved to present a little band from the Portland, Salem, Eugene, Oregon area called Stillfire. Led by Megan Steele on vocals, this five piece has been stirring things up all over the place. One of these places was none other than Creation ‘08.

I have to say, I was a bit surprised by Megan’s voice. It’s nothing like the industry standard, and she uses it well. It’s very distinct.

To open up the album is “I’m Yours”, which is a personal favorite of mine. It is full of some nice guitar work (as well as the rest of the disc). Other highlights are “Mystery” and “Further Still”. It’s easy to tell these folks have been playing for a while. The need for God in the midst of brokenness is an obvious theme throughout most of the ep. What I really like about this band is their passion. I can tell they are a hard working band who isn’t ashamed to sing about our Lord. That’s something you’ll see less and less of, even in the Christian industry.

Even though I like this album, I do have a few complaints. There are points throughout when the vocals drown out the music, and likewise, the music at times drown out the vocals. There is a point in “Sleeping” when the Megan and her backup start talking quietly. It’s very difficult to understand what’s being said, mainly because of the music level. You’ll also notice some screams sprinkled around. Sometimes this works, and other times it just feels awkward. An example is the song “Awaken”. It starts off with some metal styled screams, which is put to an end with Megan’s smooth voice. It’s a strange transition. But then later in the same song, these screams fit in very well. So it’s not all bad in any way.

So what’s the verdict? Overall, this is an enjoyable album. It feels like a raw album, which I think is good for certain bands. It’s not over polished, which is also a good thing. The album is not perfect, but I found myself wanting to keep listening. While there are some negative points, as with all albums, this band is nothing to put off. It is definitely worth the purchase for anyone looking for a new female led band. It will be nice to see where Stillfire goes from here.

Jeff Schlottmann

I Become Low

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:29:35 +0000

	Northwest Christian Music worship band “The Neverclaim” released their first 10 track album “I Become Low”. For their first album, it exceeded its expectations. With the bands one heart and desire to worship God through their music, it’s clearly heard in this album. All their songs are declarations of what Jesus Christ can and wants to do with us, we just need to embrace Him. With this being only their first album, we expect even greater things are to come in their later projects. If your looking for a passionate worship album that you can put on and dive into God’s presence, then “I Become Low” is the album for you. Justen Martian
Band/Artist - The Neverclaim
Release Date - July 30, 2007
Label - Break of Day Records
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Fragile People

admin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:02:56 +0000

	Red Hammer Records band SONSOFDAY’s album “Fragile People” is outstanding. A mixture of Acoustic/Pop/Rock gives this album a unique sound, especially with the added Ukrainian accent the lead singer Vlad has. When you listen to this CD you can truly hear the compassion this band has for God, it’s revealed through many of their songs. One of the songs “Reconcile” talks about how great and real The Name of Jesus is. The song starts out with the lyrics “How alive and well it is your name If anything you are sweeter than that sound To cry it out to sing about And wonder of it all the loving who you are”. This is truly one album you’re not going to want to miss in your collection. You’ll be blessed by this band, no doubt. Justen Martian
Band/Artist - SONSOFDAY
Release Date - March 20, 2007
Label - Red Hammer Records
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