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FM Static [My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go!] | Posted April 08, 2011
What's the difference between FM Static and Thousand Foot Krutch? Singer-songwriter Trevor McNevan and drummer Steve Augustine lead both bands, but the former is a side project to the latter. More than anything, having two names makes it easier to take some fun creative chances. This album is totally creative and so incredibly catchy, it reminds me of some of the best punk rock impact albums of the past 10 years, including Weezer's Green Album, Relient K's Forget And Not Slow Down and All That We Needed by Plain White T's.
My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go! kicks off with the ultra-catchy title track and in true FM Static fashion, I can’t get their infectious melodies out of my head which is a good thing. Just like opening songs on Dear Diary, “Boy Moves To Town With An Optimistic Outlook” and "The Unavoidable Battle of Feeling on the Outside," I play the first two songs over and over, especially the next song, “F.M.S.T.A.T.I.C.” which has a cheerleader led spelling of the band’s name and even more hooky and spiritually based lyrics, “Just let go, If you wanna let go, Stop holdin’ on, To what you used to be, ‘Cause yesterday’s are no use to me.” This album isn’t quite as faith-based sounding as the last album, but knowing the past work of Trevor McNevan really helps listeners interpret his optimistic worldview based on his saving faith in Jesus. I also hear Weezer’s punk-rock musical influence on the song, “(Hey) I Want It,” which is another fun “party” song.
The best examples of FM Static’s faith-based lyrics are in my two favorite songs on the album, “Lost In You” and “Last Train Home.” I really love the second verse of “Lost In You,” where Trevor passionately sings to God, “You light up my sky, Just like a firefly, Your words are more than just, A passing breath, I want to feel alive, I need You in my life, You’re like a photograph, Never changing.” Musically the song is super catchy similar to “Shattered” by O.A.R. but with a faith-based perspective on life. The themes get a little deeper with the next set of songs, with “Cinnamon & Lipstick” including the reflecting on past and future with the challenge in the bridge, “We can still change the world, If we believe.” That theme continues with “Black Tattoo,” which has some of the deepest and most relevant lyrics especially in the chorus, “I don’t wanna care, About what everyone says, I don’t wanna live inside, A past that’s dead, I wanna touch down, Where miracles live, And show it like a black tattoo.” Similar to “Take Me As I Am” from Dear Diary, my favorite song on this album is first single “Last Train Home.” A real strength of FM Static’s songs for me are the strong messages imbedded in “fun” songs. A great example is the challenge to all believers in the bridge of “Last Train Home,” “I stopped lyin’ when I believed myself, ‘Cause I’d stop tryin’ if there was no way out, Faith is just the other end of doubt, Your truth is gonna make it alright.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This new FM Static album, My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go! picks ups where Dear Diary left off and takes it up a notch in my opinion. Although this is a surefire hit for the younger audience, I highly recommend FM Static for all fans of the punk rock genre, like myself. Trevor's songwriting and singing is top notch and for me, this is my new Pinkerton by Weezer, which was the soundtrack album of my twenties when I wasn't saved. I love that Christian themed punk rock can sound this amazing!
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