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Circadian Rhythm It's about time Christian music showed some promise again. I don't mean the whole system has gone to pot, just that the majority of it was in major need of an overhaul. This summer seems to be the time that the change might finally start to happen. Not only is PFR coming out with their first new album in five years, but talented newcomers Circadian Rhythm have thrown their hat into the ring. Circadian Rhythm formed at an unassuming hotbed for CCM, Liberty University in Virginia. If you know anything about CCM, you'll remember three guys named Toby, Mike, and Kevin who got together at Liberty and formed a band that would record the single most important Christian record of the 1990's, Jesus Freak. Why is Circadian Rhythm an example of what's right in Christian music? They've got their own sound! You don't know how excited that makes me. For years I've been listening for a group that would set themselves apart from the rest of the blandfest that is CCM. Burlap to Cashmere was an example of a group with their own sound, but their problems and parting ways of certain key members leaves their future uncertain. Circadian Rhythm has the potential to be another trendsetter rather than follower. Not only do they confuse the heck out of the listener with the opening 20 seconds of the first track, 'Beautiful Savior,' (trust me, it's not a techno CD), but they have the guts to cover one of rock and roll's all time best bands, U2. I say they have guts because if a cover of U2 isn't well done, it's obvious. They do pull it off, and 'Gloria' is a great middle-of-the-CD song. I've already established that Circadian Rhythm is solid musically, but what really impressed me were the lyrics. It's obvious that the focus of the band is praise, but it's praise in a non-Darlene Zschech sort of way. They actually delve into lyrics more sophisticated than what a seventh grader would write--something not often found in the more praise-oriented groups. All that ranting aside, the highlight of the CD has to be 'Something Glorious.' It has haunting vocals and lyrics, calling for God to set us right in our walks, asking him to: "Come again / come and strike me down / I want to lose doubts that feed upon me / show yourself / spread the heavens wide / let sanctuary fall and I'll find comfort in it now." Overall, a very solid disc, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something new. Just a quick note to the boys in the band: USE REAL STRINGS. I don't care what sound you were going for, synth strings add an air of cheapness to the recording that could be the only downfall of Over Under Everything. Otherwise, keep up the work. (Adam L.) |
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