SOLID RADIO ROCK FROM CANADIAN FOUR-PIECE
Posted September 24, 2008
By ChristianMusicPlanet,
Downhere is still doing what they’ve been doing for most of this decade: crafting solid radio rock songs north of the border. The Canadian four-piece wows critics and wins awards yet still continues to mostly fly under-the-radar, regardless of the musical quality of each album. Perhaps that will change with this new effort.
Ending is Beginning finds the quartet working with producers Mark Heimermann (dcTalk) and Stephen Gause (Jars of Clay) to create a slightly expansive set of songs—a natural progression of studio familiarity and musical maturity. Still, Downhere fans will get what they want from this one.
The highlight here, by far, is “Cathedral Made of People.” The song is an exhilarating reminder of the power of the church and, musically, rises and falls perfectly. If only the rest of the album achieved the same height and depth. “Live for You” maintains the same musical intensity with its straightforward cry and prayer to live a life focused on God alone.
Don’t Miss Now” and “Beggar Who Gives Alms” slow things down via piano, and the sequencing is perfect in each case. The humility displayed on the latter closes the album well before giving way to bonus track “How Many Kings.” By the close of this collection, you realize these songs are too good not to be heard. Let’s hope this Ending is truly the beginning. –Matt Conner
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from Christian Music Planet. Click here to visit ChristianMusicPlanet.com today! View All Music And Book Reviews By ChristianMusicPlanet | View ChristianMusicPlanet's Profile
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