The Museum Offers A Solid Effort | Posted August 27, 2012
The Museum is probably one of the lesser-known acts in the CCM circle. Listeners might recognize a few of their songs from the radio but they haven't yet emerged from the pack to identify their sound as distinct in the industry. With their sophomore effort, My Only Rescue, the band seems to try and find themselves a bit more with a fairly varied mix of accessible tunes.
The exciting opener "All Over The World" gives them a running start on this. With a rousing chorus exclaiming that "Our God has risen from the grave/and death he overcome/so forever we will sing/all over the world." The song brings almost a vibe reminiscent of the lighter side of Kutless. It's an enjoyable opener.
"Found in You" is a safe effort but a strong track nonetheless. The title track follows and is backed by a soothing piano melody. The chorus sounds passionate and emotional. "You're my only rescue in a world full of letdowns" is a simple but relevant message and it's conveyed effectively.
"Coming Closer" brings some life towards the middle of the album, with some more driving guitars to help propel the song. Follows is what is definitely an album highlight in "Not For Sale." The song's appeal for an end to human trafficking can also serve as a reminder to not let our souls be "for sale" either. In the chorus, the rousing chorus proclaims: "I wanna look you in the eyes on a beautiful night/freedom ringing on through the quiet skies/singing you and I/we are not for sale." A strong choice for a single, this is a song that could help to develop the musical identity of The Museum more.
"Better Than Life" and "Lost in a Moment" send the album out with some good pop melodies that stay with safe territory for a Christian band.
The band's brand of the pop/rock formula is enjoyable and pleasant enough from start to finish, with some definite highlights sprinkled throughout the album. The lyrics are safe, but well done. There's not too much surprise in here, but not much disappointment either.
Closing Thoughts:So does The Museum succeed in defining themselves with this release? I'd cautiously say, not yet. The music is very good and there are moments that feel inspired by other acts like Kutless or Tenth Avenue North, among others, but there's also little here that actually screams, "Ah, this is The Museum!" Hopefully in subsequent releases, The Museum can better define their own sound and create a record that fits in with everyone else's while still maintaining a distinct identity. But for now, the tracks here will offer some good radio contemporary pop/rock that will probably still find quite a bit of affection from the CCM crowd.
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