Cutting Thru the Static
Posted August 22, 2007
By IronJedi,
They were "discovered" by the multiple Grammy winning band Third Day. Impressed by their demo, lead singer Mac Powell signed them as the first artist to Third Day's new production company, Consuming Fire Productions; calling lead singer Shawn Lewis "hands down the most talented guy I know". Their national debut is the inaugural release for RKT Music- launching Michael W. Smith's Rocketown Records' long planned modern rock imprint. Quite a few "firsts" for a fledgling band to shoulder. Do they pull it off? A resounding heck yeah!
Hyper Static Union is a four-piece modern rock band hailing from Camas, Washington. Getting their start as a garage band, they've been honing their craft since 1998... and it shows. The band's influences range from R&B/Soul and Classic Rock to Gospel and Modern Rock. They deftly meld and sculpt these styles to create a uniquely blended sound, without forsaking engaging, yet buoyant lyrics.
The CD opens with two Lenny Kravitz influenced tracks featuring stacked vocals and thick, fuzzy guitar riffs layered over deep, funk-fortified rhythms. Lifegiver doesn't lose momentum through the next eight tracks, flowing between retro-inspired modern rock and soulful pop-rock- emphasis on the rock. A generous dose of strong harmonies, contagious grooves and appealing melodies abound throughout. On many cuts, Lewis's vocals are evocative of Marc Martel (downhere) and Kevin Max.
Quoting from the band's bio, frontman Shawn Lewis says, "Ultimately we are about the craft of songwriting, and occasionally we are able to incorporate all things funk and rock into a sensible, three-and-a-half minute package laced with a passionate melody. We feel inclined to produce music that requires people to 'tune-in' mentally and spiritually. We want the audience to consider certain things about their salvation, the state of the world, their hearts and their relationships."
Lifegiver delivers a polished and thoroughly original debut that is full of fun, funk-flavored rock music. Hyper Static Union should appeal to fans of creative bands in the vein of Earthsuit / Mute Math, Starflyer 59, Cross Culture and, if you remember them, Imagine This. My recommendation, "Keep your eyes on this band and Buy This Disc!" View All Music And Book Reviews By IronJedi | View IronJedi's Profile
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