Musical Notes

by Peter J. Woelk

4Him, Benson Records, 1998.

This Christian male quartet is very good. They have superb vocals, excellent harmonies and up-lifting lyrics. This is not a barbershop quartet as I was expecting. The backup instruments complement the singing and do not overpower it. The first few songs are well done. By the last couple of songs, however, it seemed to me that they were losing steam. Over all, a very easy listening album. They sing about simple spiritual themes such as God's love and His providence. Songs that impressed me include "Let the Lion Run Free" and "Can't Get Past the Evidence". This album is engineered well, but I wish the producer would have ended the album with a more upbeat song. Still, it left me wanting more. 11 tracks. I score them eight out of 10 stars.

Various artists, Essential Records, 1998.

This is the quintessential album to have whether you are a newcomer to the contemporary Christian music scene or an ardent Christian alternative/punk/ska believer. Produced by Bob Wohler, this album is a collection of previously released music by various groups, including Third Day, All Star United, Jars of Clay, Five Iron Frenzy and Silage. Somewhat out of place in the lineup is Lounge Freak with John Jonethic's swing rendition "Punk Rawk Show", and Jennifer Knapp's subtle voice is like a sweet whisper in the midst of cacophony. The cover reads: "The definitive collection of modern music". I agree. Not for the Garth Brooks fan or the timid. 17 tracks. Score: Nine out of 10 tin cans.

Honey, Sub-Lime Records, 1998.

Using psychedelic melodies reminiscent of 1968, synthesizer-driven, mesmerizing music, Honey is very mellow. Even the instruments are played softly. The music has elements similar to that of the Moody Blues or a younger Pink Floyd. Honey is a three-member band consisting of Bill Dow, Doug Moss and Roger Moss. They get some backup from others for this album. Lyrically, the songs are very ambiguous, a sign of good poetry. However, that leaves room for lots of interpretations. Perhaps that is why after each song an explanation of the song's meaning is listed. Too bad they have to resort to using commentary to explain their music. For those who like to relax and not think deeply about the music they are listening to, this is a good album. I don't think there is music out there that truly compares. Highly original. The music becomes a bit repetitive, though. Perhaps listening to it in doses rather than all at one time would be better. 12 tracks. I score them six out of 10 clouds.

Silage, Sub-Lime/Essential Records, 1998.

Punk, hard-edged sludge (in a good sense), Silage is worth checking out. Their songs "Billboards" and "Credit Card" are on the contemporary rock music charts in the US. Silage is Lance Black (guitar, vocals), Shane Black (bass) and Damian Horne (vocals, guitar). But don't let this trio fool you. They don't mess around when it comes to cutting an album; they use extra musicians in the studio to assist them in this endeavour. They challenge their listeners to stay faithful to Jesus, while criticizing postmodern world fixations such as materialism. Recently, they toured with Jars of Clay and Burlap to Cashmere. Silage is an act to see live, but this is a solid production nonetheless. Seven out of 10 silos.

Mukala, Essential Records, 1998.

From the still-needs-work studio, Mukala's "Fiction" is dominated by synchronizers and a limited voice range. Euro-pop, with a rough bass edge thrown into the mix, this is an alternatively weird (not alternative-mainstream) composite of rock, R & B and jazz. The lyrics are simple--"I feel like an Edsel/But you learn from your mistakes". This music is not for those looking for spiritual enrichment. Mukala is popular--their song "Soap", which talks about the futility of trying to be clean before a Holy God, reached 21 on the US contemporary charts and 28 on the rock charts in summer. Mukula is a performance-driven band, and I suspect they enjoy touring, spending their time gaining road experience with such crews as Bleach, 7 Day Jesus and Plumb. Mukala is Dan Mukala, vocals, breakbeats, keyboards; Alex Nifong, guitar, vocals; and Jason Collum, drums, breakbeats. Hopefully, their music will evolve and become more focused with maturity and experience. Six out of 10 rifts.

Autumn, Pinelake Production Studios, 1998.

Originating as a worship team in Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church, Autumn is Olivia Witzke, Claudia Witzke, Jennifer Hoogendam, Martin Witzke, Vince Goobie, Derrick Stickney, Arn Wohlgemut and Paul Papenfuss. This is Sunday morning worship style of music suitable for most MB churches. The melodies are good, and the harmonies are off beat; the voices didn't blend that well. At times, this is distracting. These are mostly versions of songs done in a jazzy or upbeat fashion. All songs are biblically and theologically orthodox. Songs include "Undivided Heart", "Jesus Loves Me" and "When He Cometh". Some of the songs could have been recorded better. I'm not sure whether this recording was done in one session or over several. I suspect the former. 12 tracks. Five out of 10 gold rings.

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