• BC Christian News • JULY ISSUE 2001 • VOL. 21 #7 • Formerly "Christian Info News" •
Surreal's relentless worship comes in like a Flood
By David F. Dawes
• Surreal: Everything, Flood Songs, 2000.
PEOPLE MY AGE aren't supposed to know what the word 'moshing' means, let alone actually engage in this bizarre and exotic practice. Well, last year at the Jesus Day celebration, a Langley band named Flood employed irresistible energy and infectious rhythms to trick me into moshing; as a result, I threw out my back for several weeks.
So I have a bit of a bone to pick with these guys. They cleverly changed their name to Surreal, obviously hoping to evade responsibility for my back injury; but I've finally exposed them. However, my joy is somewhat dampened by the annoying fact that I have to give their first solo album a rave review.
This group single-handedly puts to rest the hoary old lie that rock and roll is the Devil's music; this album proves that ol' Scratch only stole the art form, like all his other tools. The band consists of keyboardist Ben Cantelon; bassist Kris Wylie; drummer Sam Heard; guitarist Jason Davies; and guitarist, chief songwriter and lead singer Mike Larson. As Flood, they previously appeared on a live Vineyard worship CD called The Well '99.
Their distinctive style favours slow, intense, loud songs with extended guitar notes; it's a very full and relentless sound. A constant diet of such slow numbers could get ponderous in the wrong hands. But these guys don't need snappy dance numbers.
Highlights include 'I'll Give You All of My Life,' 'Prodigal's Song,' the title song, and 'Here We Stand'-- the album's only fast number. Also notable is a new version of 'Freedom' -- Flood's 'big hit,' first heard on The Well, which has evidently been translated into approximately 20 languages. This version doesn't quite equal the emotional impact of the live recording; but it's a fine performance of a worship classic, which manages to somehow combine raging guitar licks with a sense of the ethereal. The chorus exemplifies what these guys are all about: "Jesus reigns in this place / Showers of mercy and grace / Falling on every face / There is freedom." They obviously mean every word they sing.
Rush out and buy this CD -- and see them live if you ever get the chance. But don't come crying to me if these people get you moshing. You have been warned.
Contact: (604) 888-2036 or
- www.surrealtheband.com
• The Doxa Band: Flying Free, Shikina, 2001.
When we last left Abbotsford singer / guitarist / songwriter Vijay Manuel, he was proposing to a young woman named Sarah -- in front of an enthusiastic audience. The moment was shamelessly immortalized on Doxa's last CD. I'm happy to say Sarah accepted the proposal, because now she's very skillfully providing backing vocal harmonies and keyboards as part of Vijay's band.
The most unusual cut is 'Pops'; the title presumably refers to Manuel's father David, who plays bamboo flute and harmonium --providing such an Eastern sound that I half expected Ravi Shankar to drop by with his sitar. This makes a very imaginative intro to 'Take Me Now,' a powerful song calling upon the Holy Spirit. The highlight is 'Away' -- the rock of repentance in blazing glory, with a final triumphant chorus of hallelujahs.
This superb album definitely has the variety which was somewhat lacking in the group's previous CD. Manu-el's singing is as good as ever -- but now that his wife is in the band, maybe next time she'll get to do a solo.
Contact:
- www.doxaband.com
• Lianna Klassen: Love in the Ruins, Dawntreader, 2001.
This outstanding Juno-nominated singer/songwriter recently moved to Alberta from Abbotsford. Before she left, she recorded this CD in Richmond with producer Roy Salmond. As on her previous album, Listen to the Sound, Klassen employs a variety of instruments not usually found on mainstream (or Christian) pop/rock al-bums, including: ullieann pipes, tabla, dumbeck, tam-bo, hurdy gurdy, Celtic harp and bouzouki.
The album begins with layers of myriad voices praying in various languages; this dissolves into the extended growl of a didgeridoo, which introduces 'Song of Declaration,' a powerful anthem of Christian faith.
Other highlights include 'The Way,' a gentle song with a wonderful melody, about seeking God's direction; 'Incense to the Father,' which portrays the impact of worldwide prayer from many cultures; and the title cut, which builds in power and effectively incorporates Greg-orian-like chant and a Welsh prayer. A great album, pure and simple.
Contact: 1-877-999-4252 or
- www.liannaklassen.com
• The Carpenter's Son: Warrior of the Cross, 2001.
Recorded in Maple Ridge, this is a refreshingly different album.
'Forever On' is a spirited proclamation of faith and praise; 'Heavenly Peace' is a sweet portrait of life in heaven; 'There Go the Tears' has a particularly good female vocal; and 'The Carpenter's Son' ends with a spirited Celtic instrumental hoe-down.
One standout is 'Angels will be Dancing,' a joyful song of celebration featuring a children's chorus, and a child's voice anticipating what it would be like to see angels. My favourites are 'He is Coming' and 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,' featuring a capella group vocals.
The music is very tightly played, and the brilliant, impeccable harmonies make this a particularly satisfying listen.
Contact:
- www.thecarpentersson.ca
For playable MP3 files of sample songs from these CDs, check our website:
CanadianChristianity.com and click on 'Arts and Entertainment.'
