Diversity Of Christian Music At It's BEST!
Posted September 26, 2009
By SarahFine_NRT, Staff Reviewer
This band got it’s first taste of the American crowd when they were invited to open for the Newsboys on the 2001 Festival Con Dios Tour, the tour started a short time after they released their first album titled ‘[Untitled]’ and what this album proved?: The Benjamin Gate was a force to be reckoned with, both lyrically and musically as well.
This exceptional album starts off with ‘How Long’, mixing a very electronic sound with somewhat groovy melodies that is sure to catch the listeners ear, showing them that is unlike anything that was, or has been in Christan music since it’s release…’Scream’ is the fan anthem (the ‘fanthem’) of the album with crunching guitars and a power packed chorus, lyrically relating to the passion we feel toward our Creator, valiantly screaming His name. The first single, Dove Award nominated ‘Al Over Me’ showcases the raw lyrics of a band who wasn’t afraid to be bold about their relationship with Jesus, Adrienne Liesching’s (now known as Adie Camp to many fans) soar in this tune.
The pop driven ‘Heaven’ is contrasted by the fifth track, ‘Lay It Down’ which goers back to the grungy sound of the band, the thrashing power vocals of Adrienne and the lyrics that convey our need to lay out burdens down at the feet of our Lord. ‘Nightglow’ and ‘Blow My Mind’ takle the subject of our Gods’ amazing love for us with both songs sounding like they could easily be played in a nightclub, upbeat and extremely danceable--you’ll find it hard to stay standing when these two tracks play. ‘Halo’ takes the album back down to a softer tone while the drum laden ‘Rush’ brings the tempo back up, by far the biggest rock track off the album including a wonderful vocal tradeoff between Adie and producer Quinlan (seen as ‘Jude’ in Hero! The Rock Opera) as well as a surprise yet wonderfully crafted reprise with a rap of Psalm 1.
‘Secret’ showcases The Benjamin Gate’s ability to not only rock, but take on lyrics that boggle the mind of the listener, ‘My life shades, can You kiss me with Your lips?’ might be miss-taken by most listeners, but the core root of this song (much like ‘Your Kisses Blind Me’ off their next album ‘Contact’) reveals a heartfelt cry to God, about needing Him to be real to us and not just when it’s convenient. ‘Hands’ is the standout track on the album, a stirring worship song with only the instrumentation of a haunting piano, cracks and all, make this the one you don’t want to miss on this album. This is one that is gonna stick with you…the album closes with the pop/electronica ‘Live Out Loud’ while the hidden track ‘True’ is a very upbeat pop song about God’s love and how it will never die.
This is by far one of the most unique releases in the history of Christian music, it’s no wonder why TBG’s fans were so diehard, because this band was hard not to be diehard for. This is also an album that would require a very acquired taste, a little rock mixed with loads of electronic pop make this a whirlwind to listen to, you’ll cry and dance and praise and by the time this album is through, you will be tired, and that is always a good thing to say. If your looking for some more rock driven material, check out their sophomore release ‘Contact’ with a VERY different sound that ‘[Untitled]’, but if your looking for something new, ‘[Untitled]’ is just right for you. View All Music And Book Reviews By SarahFine_NRT | View SarahFine_NRT's Profile
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