Hour6 Is Worth Your Time | Posted June 11, 2013
Hour6 may not be a band on your radar, but a quick listen to their latest offering, This is Life, will give you a pretty good idea of why they should be. They do a great job at balancing an edgy, exciting, driving rock sound with accessible melodies. They definitely can stand toe to toe with many of the acts populating Christian Rock radio.
After a brief intro track, "Inside Out" kicks in and starts the album off with a strong rock entry full of catchy hooks and a head-banging beat. "Right Now" is a radio-ready ballad about devoting ourselves to Christ now and not waiting. The passionate chorus, "Right now I'm grabbing on / I'm holding on to You / Right now I'm giving all of me / I'll never let You go," makes this one a real standout.
"Fists on Fire" amps up the rock to its hardest level yet and produces an edgy guitar-driven burst of energy that is a true high point on the album. It's also a lyrical highlight with some honest portrayal of our need of God: "We're losing ground but gaining speed / we're tryin' to find out what we need / We're looking for you, we're tryin' to see / the truth is what will set us free / When all it takes is for one to fall / to set the chain that starts so small / Let's stand up tall with fists on fire come one come all."
Other highlights include the energetic "Where It Starts," the edgy "Lesser Man," and the anthematic "Back From the Dead." The latter has another standout lyrical moment in the intensely delivered: "Bang, Bang, Bang / Nails in my coffin, holes in my soul / In the light slowly fades / It's a shipwreck rising / a return like none before." The cheers in the chorus help to lift this one to one of the more memorable tracks as well as one that utilizes the best of both the rock and pop sides of the band.
The album is start to finish a solid pop/rock release with enough crunch guitars and rock melodies to make it appealing to rock fans while more than accessible to those who prefer the softer side of music. Hour6 blends these two sounds nicely and the result is a very compelling release that could position them to take a hold of Christian rock.
Closing Thoughts:
These guys know how to rock and they know how to rock in a way that can satisfy both rock and pop fans. The music manages to feel fresh and relevant, making this a standout release. I'm curious to see where Hour6 will go next as this album is overflowing with potential and is on the cusp of something really good. Keep an eye on these guys. I think they're ones to watch.
Song to Download Now:
"Fists on Fire" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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