By: Kevan Breitinger
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Re:Zound
Abandoned To You
Vertical Music
Rock
11-30-1999
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SCORE
86% |
Brawny rock worship band Re:Zound has followed an interesting path to their national debut, one that has garnered quite a bit of buzz. This might be due to their unprecedented experience of playing two unrestricted worship concerts before 10,000 in Viet Nam during their 2007 Asian tour, one of which was nationally televised. Yeah, that could get people talking. (Visit www.youtubecom/rezound01 to view live footage).
The Arizona-based band also spent over four months at the top of MTV’s undiscovered charts with their independent single “Angel” in 2001. This earned them more attention on secular radio than Christian, but the straight-up vertical orientation of Abandoned To You may limit the audience for the aggressive rockers. Their classic rock sound features a muscular, tight rhythm section and lavish use of guitars, often detuned and edgy, with simmering hardcore tendencies. Creed comes to mind, and in more artful moments, the sorely-missed Among Thorns.
The percolating opener “Beautiful” introduces the classic Re:Zound elements: thick guitar riffs, outstanding percussion from drummer Terry Dillard, and frontman Jason Anderson’s dramatic vocals. The glimmering title track shows a more inventive side, its thick guitars contrasting nicely against an airy melody line. Song themes are consistent and Biblical; “Day That Never Ends” looks ahead to eternity through burning rock chord changes, and a blend of classic rock movements and edgy techno-vibes celebrate God’s steadfast nature in “Never Change.” Some more ambient modern tracks are reminiscent of the David Crowder Band, like the throbbing “Sanctity” with its popping bass line, and the worshipful “I Will Bow Down,” its aggressive guitars contrasting well with the breezy melody. The tightly energetic “Belong To You” strongly declares our identity in Christ, moving from the opening techno vibe to the big finish of hard driving electric guitars. Anderson’s softer vocal is again deeply worshipful on the mix of acoustic and electric praise that is “How Amazing Are You.”
I love the lustrous “35 Weeks” for its irresistible beats and jazz moments, and Anderson’s lush, languid vocal on the intensely vertical “Wonderful,” as well as the free flowing worship on the way out. “Just One Word,” a slamming rocker about commitment, juxtaposes edgy guitars against pulsating rhythms before the album closes out with “Salvation,” an audio clip of Kenneth Copeland presenting the gospel message and a prayer of salvation laid atop a bed of pulsating beats. Re:Zound brings a fresh take on rock worship, one you’ll want to check out.
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