Sometimes the most accomplished artistry is birthed out of the most trying adversity, which coupled with the chemistry that comes from the bond of brotherhood, puts Word Records newcomers About A Mile well beyond their years.
Adam, Levi and Luke Klutinoty make up the trio of early twenty-somethings who hail from the working class town of Butler, Pennsylvania (just outside of Pittsburgh), and can remember embracing their musical instincts as early as they did a devout Christian faith, first modeled by their extremely hard working father, a steel mill staffer who always managed to make ends meet for his family of eight thanks to a firm reliance on the Lord.
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A Soul-Stirring Debut| Posted July 14, 2014
This self-titled debut project by Word Records newcomer About A Mile has captivated my spirit. The album includes standout recordings like the sing at the top of your lungs anthems "Satisfied" and "Right Now" and the reflective and worshipful vibe of "Power of the Cross," "Who You Say You Are" and "Trembling." From my first listen, I wanted to tell others about this great new band from Butler, Pennsylvania who immediately reminded me of some of my favorite bands like The Fray, Lifehouse and Tenth Avenue North. They named their band based on the idea that "Jesus carried His cross about a mile" according to lead singer Adam Klutinoty, who fronts the band along with his brothers Levi and Luke.
The project (produced by Ian Eskelin) opens with "Satisfied," which has a "Hanging by a Moment" style worshipful flow and is such an exciting song that stirs my soul to cry out loudly "Let Your song be the song I sing / Through the blessings and burdens this life will bring / In You alone I'm satisfied." I'm really engaged by Adam's emotional vocals and the sincere, enthusiastic and biblical lyrics throughout the album.
"Power of the Cross" is layered with a reflective alt-rock musical style reminiscent of Rhett Walker Band and Tenth Avenue North. The song will have you singing along in one listen.
From the beginning notes of "Who You Say You Are," I was hooked by the reflective musical vibe and prayerful message. Like recent Newboys' hit "We Believe," the song declares a bold faith statement: "I know You are Who You say You are, I know You are God alone / I'll stand on every promise You have made to me / ‘cause I believe You are Who You say You are."
Catchy Brit-rock style guitar riffs are found throughout this substantive album, especially in the rock-tinged "In With the Out Crowd," "I Hate Hate" and "Soldier On." "Oxygen" has more vertical lyrics: "It feels like drowning, life without You is like trying to breathe under water / I'm suffocating, so take me higher, I'm down on my knees and I'm trying to breathe under water / I need You, ‘cause You are Oxygen."
I can't get enough of the stand-out song "Right Now." Adam's emotive vocals and the exciting rock musical bed takes me on an emotional journey that causes me to excitedly worship along with the stirring lyrics every time I hear the song.
All of these songs are poignant and powerful with earnest worshipful lyrics. "S.O.S. (Hope Won't Let Go)" has a beautiful call out to God with Adam displaying The Fray's Isaac Slade's style of emotive vocals. "Reason for Breathing" is another vertical expression of adoration and includes another catchy guitar riff.
The album closes with a prayerful, exciting adaptation of the hymn of the faith "Were You There" called "Trembling." The song has a vertical focus towards God and humbly submits, "Just the thought of Who You are leaves the enemy trembling / as the awe of Who You are, keeps the heart of me trembling." It is a gorgeous song of praise and adoration.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a great collection of confessional and authentic expressions of faith. The songs are poignant and powerful. There are no filler tracks, and this is the most solid debut I've heard since Over and Underneath by Tenth Avenue North. If you want to experience an uplifting, soul-stirring and worshipful album, look no further than About A Mile. My favorite songs are "Satisfied," "Power of the Cross," "Who You Say You Are," "Oxygen," "Right Now," "S.O.S. (Hope Won't Let Go)," "Reason for Breathing" and "Trembling", which has quickly become one of my favorite worship songs. If you like the rock bands The Fray, Lifehouse, Rhett Walker Band and Tenth Avenue North, you need to check out About A Mile.
Song to Download Now:
"Satisfied" (Get it on iTunes here).
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