Our Review Policy Is As Follows
The Sanctified Press review
policy is simply this: Honesty.   Chris Taylor: Down Goes The
Day
(RhythmHouse) If you were at all into the christian rock underground in the late 80's, chances are that you received a mailing or two from FLAT EARTH ARTISTS; a loose conglomeration of like minded artists from the San Antonio area. Several bands were involved in Flat Earth, including the now multi platinum SIXPENCE, the techno group SITUATION TABOO, and CHRIS TAYLOR'S two bands, CHRIS TAYLOR AND THE WINDOWS, and LOVE COMA. Chris has always made good albums, including the "Soul Rash" release and the MIKE ROE produced "Language of Fools" from 1995. On his new release "DOWN GOES THE DAY", Chris outdoes all of his previous work; creating a superb album full of musical depth and lyrical insight. STEVE DADY'S glossy production, combined with Taylor's own superb guitar work make this an album that in it's finest moments rivals even such acts as 77'S and VIGILANTES OF LOVE. On some of the longer, slower numbers Chris's voice kind of becomes tiresome, but tunes like "LEARN TO PRAY" and "DEEP REASONS WHY (IT JUST IS)" should receive some very significant airplay. Overall, this is a very good album, showcasing an artist that is a force to be reckoned with. Find out more at GRADE:++++ SONGS: 12 RUNNING TIME:70:49 (Indie) WILL LANDRUM's new self titled release is a throw back to the noodling guitar albums of the early eighties. And that is a good thing. I still remember how I felt the first time I heard "ERUPTION" by EDWARD VAN HALEN; I was in a buddy of mine's old El Camino (I'm from the midwest remember?), and he had this piece of plywood behind his seat with about 20 6x9 speakers mounted on it. I had never even heard Van Halen, but when he popped in this track that was just a two minute or so all out solo guitar ASSAULT, I was so blown away that I was instantly hooked on this kind of guitar music. The SHRAPNEL RECORDS' U.S. METAL collection gave us guitar freaks more food for the ears, incorporating "Eruption-like" solos on all of their releases. Then came Malmsteeen.... and the era of shred. I get teary eyed just thinking of the guitar glory of the eighties. Well, back to Will Landrum. (sorry Will.) WILL LANDRUM isn't going to blow your mind like a VAI or a SATRIANI, but he is a man who has his chops down very solidly, searing through a wide variety of styles and creating an album that is very satisfying for us guys who yearn for the old days. Considering this was recorded on a four track makes it all the more impressive. It does sound demo-ish at times because of the low budget nature of the recording, but his creativity makes up for it in large part. If I had to draw a comparison I would say that Will's work is very similar to Shrapnel artist (and fine shredder in his own right) GREG HOWE. For ordering info and other WILL LANDRUM stuff, go to GRADE:+++ SONGS:14 RUNNING TIME:57:53
(Shock Wave Music) Industrial dance was still very new to christian rock circles and that release exposed us to 15 or so bands that were on the "cutting edge of societal evolution"; to coin a phrase. Well now, SHOCK WAVE MUSIC has released their own industrial/dance disc; and while not quite as ahead of it's time as the aforementioned SLAVA disc, it showcases 16 tracks of some of the best stuff to be found anywhere. It's hard to review these compilations without taking them track by track, so I'm just going to point out a few of the real standout cuts. The disc starts out strong with the frenetic "Purge", by ALEXIA, wich makes me anxious to hear their new release. "Illumina" the second of two tracks on the disc by the WAY SECT BLOOM, showcases them using darker textures, which I feel suits them well. Probably my favorite cut on the disc, "Everything (Epic Mix)" by COLOSSAL SPIN is just primo stuff. Like what a MIKE KNOTT/RONNIE MARTIN collaboration would sound like. GLOBAWAVESYSTEM, one of the SLAVA originals, have a good track on here; and PHASE close out the disc strong, with their haunting, experimental, "Lover of my Soul". I've obviously left out some very good bands, but trust me, there's not really a stinker in the bunch on here. For
ordering info go to GRADE: +++ SONGS:16 RUNNING TIME:67:39
KMG Imagine DEPECHE MODE playing as agressively and as heavy as TOOL. That is exactly what this sounds like. Though these guys sound like Depeche Mode, it is obvious after just a short listen who are singing the true songs of "FAITH AND DEVOTION". This album is boldly christian, artistically brilliant, and probably, along with the new AARON SPRINKLE release, my pick for album of the year thus far. Steve Hindalong's production is flawless as always,(Marc Byrd co-produced) and he and GLISTEN have created a moody, atmospheric, masterpiece that rivals anything released in the past several years. GRADE:++++1/2 SONGS:13 RUNNING TIME:50:08 Find out more about GLISTEN at
(90 Degree Records) Imagine David Mullen fronting one of those 80's hair bands like RATT or DOKKEN, and you have a good idea of what LEDFOOT sounds like. Add the sound of one of the 2nd tier L.A. guitarists like C.C. DEVILLE (this guy is no EDDIE VH or GEORGE LYNCH), and some generic, "get right or get left" youth group lyrics and you have all the igredients of a good bonfire starter. I cannot believe that MIKE ROE (who produced) put his name on this. If you like the "party rock" sound of guys like Hagar and such, you might like this. I DON'T. GRADE:+1/2 SONGS:11 RUNNING TIME:72:36
Solid Rock Larry review coming soon.. Till then check out
(Puddlegum) Estis P@rc play quality, hard edged, dreamy shogazer rock that sounds very reminiscent (only us obscurantist collectors will remember this) of the work that Leigh from SIXPENCE done on the STARFLYER 2000 project. There is also enough of a punk edge on here to remind one of a better PLAGUE OF ETHYLS (another obscure title released on Blonde Vinyl years ago). Vocalist Magdelyn Waggoner has a very mature and breathy sounding voice that is a delight to listen to, very much like that of Stephanie Doser of VIRUS. The excellent, modern production is handled by JESSE SPRINKLE; formerly of POOR OLD LU. Overall, a stunning debut effort. This stuff is gooood..... GRADE:++++ SONGS:11 RU NNING TIME: 42:59 For Estis P@rc info go to
So Far.... (Mars Hill) I know this has been out a while but it's worth a serious listen. TORMAN MAXT play a melodic brand of progressive metal that can't really be found in to many places anymore. Their sound is built around passionate vocals, replete with stacked harmonies, and complex musical arrangements that wed 70's style art rock with 80's progressives like RUSH, QUEENSRYCHE, DREAM THEATER, and even TRIUMPH and ZEBRA. Songs flow seamlessly through unusual time changes, to acoustic interludes, to occasional all out shredding. They are heavily guitar oriented, using plenty of both electrics and acoustics, with an obvious classical influence. However, they never let themselves fall into the neo-classical territory occupied by artists like Malmsteen and George Bellas. They are a band that pays close attention to detail; both musically and production wise, and have created an infectious sound and a pleasurable listen. GRADE:++++ SONGS :10 RUNNING TIME: 39:05 For ordering info go to
(Screaming Giant) There's not much of this stuff
left.
Everyone's Beautiful (Squint) The veteran midwestern band WATERDEEP have already established an almost fanatical cult following. With a sound that is part EDIE BRICKELL and part GREATFUL DEAD, they have a free form, "jam band" sound; that for what it lacks in polish it makes up for in the intimacy and the "connection factor" that this type of music generates. There is an almost childlike, hippie innocence present on many of the songs here, most notably on the beautiful "HUSH"; wich is a song that I have almost worn out the repeat button on my disc player listening to. This is something a little different, but if you give it a chance I believe you'll find a song or two here that will touch your heart. GRADE:+++ SONGS:13 RUNNING TIME: 54:25 SQUINTERLAND
E.P. Fools of the World On this new five song E.P. by the 77's frontman Mike Roe seems to have settled more comfortably into his role as guitarist in the "power trio" format. After playing in the 7's for years with another guitarist, during the era just after releasing "TOM TOM BLUES" Mike seemed a little uncomfortable on stage with the new three man configuration. He even seemed a bit restrained on the TOM TOM album, like he didn't want to overload the songs with too much guitar work. In my opinion, that was the beauty of the power trio; the over the top guitar excess. Anyway, E.P. could be described as the psychedelic offspring of the Tom Tom Blues sessions; showcasing a very moody, experimental, almost live feel. It is a different sounding 77's, but different in an interesting new way. My only gripe is: Why only five new songs?! Put out an album for God's sake! What, are you U2 all the sudden? Sheesh! GRADE:++++ SONGS:5 RUNNING TIME:25:09 FOR MORE 77'S info check out:
(Organic) If, like me, you are still mourning the demise of POOR OLD LU, we now have a little something to ease the pain and help us pick up the pieces and move on. Former LU guitarist AARON SPRINKLE's new album "MOONTRAVELER" is an album unlike any other you'll hear this year. There is still a significant remnant of the Lu sound present, but Aaron has his own distinct vision as a solo artist, and has forged an original and unique sound of his own. MOONTRAVELER is a multidimensional work, portraying many moods, with a loose theme of the passage of time running through the entire disc. It is obviously the work of a brilliant artist, and on the slower, more acoustic tracks like the beautiful "A FRIEND I HAD" and the superb "ALL IN A DAY'S WORK", Aaron displays a humanness and a vulnerbility in his delivery that is almost disarming in it's intimacy. While this is his first official solo album, he has obviously honed his craft to perfection during his tenure in Poor Old Lu and on his many production assignments. I would rank AARON SPRINKLE right up there with the TAYLOR'S, the KNOTT'S, the EUGENE'S, the ROE'S, and the like as the finest of what christian music has to offer. Excellent disc. GRADE:++++3/4 SONGS:10 RUNNING TIME:40:37 Check out I can't wait to hear his new ROSEBLOSSOM PUNCH project. (90 Degree Records) Flipside are at their best when they are playing their brand of Chili-Peppers influenced hard rap funk; but they change it up way too often and sound like a young band in search of an identity. At their best they sound like "Hollywood Proverbs" era A SIGHT UNSEEN, but at their mellow worst they sound like John Thompson's awful band THE WAYSIDE. We'll give these guys some room to grow and see what happens. GRADE:++1/2 SONGS:10 RUNNING TIME:42:59
(Screaming Giant) ESSENCE OF THE GAME is 12 chunky, fat bottomed, rapcore, "wiggarock" anthems for the new millenium. On the musical side, this stuff is very similiar in mood and energy to early T&N releases like EVERDOWN, SIX FEET DEEP, and FOCUSED. RAGE comparisons will abound, but this stuff is less technical than that, and Rudy's vocals are much deeper. Guitar work is average, with no solos as far as I remember; and a little of this for us over thirty types goes a long way. GRADE:++ SONGS:12 RUNNING TIME:43:00
(Jackson Rubio) As I recall, I really disliked the first HAVALINA RAIL CO. album. I can't really remember what turned me off to it, but I'm going to give it another listen; because their new disc "AMERICA" is simply infectious. The liner notes are cool, the snapshots in the cd booklet are cool, and oh yes, the music is pretty cool as well. I'd call this free form, progressive roots music. AMERICA is a tour chronicle of sorts; a travelog if you will, in 24 seperate little vignettes, of their thoughts and feelings while surveying this beautiful land that we call home. I sense real inspiration when I listen to this music; from the raging samba sound of "Puerco Chico", to the surrealist spaghetti western flashback of "Dark Skies", to the punky bluegrass of "Flower of the Desert", this is like psychedelic Appalacian front porch music. It's as if someone took THE GREATFUL DEAD, THE BAND, and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, put them in a blender, set it to "mexicali mish-mash", and let it fly. Out comes AMERICA.... I like it. GRADE:++++ SONGS:24 RUNNING TIME:74:04
(Grrr) GRRR
(Giant/Warner Bros.) When you're addressed simply as OWSLEY, and your press kit makes mention of the fact that you're a shirt tail relation to famed 60's acid chemist Stanley Owsley, we can almost guess we're going to hear something psychedelic. That's exactly what we have here; pure psychedelic radio pop. Masterfully crafted singles, full of multi layered vocals and tracks and tracks of quirky guitars. And not only quirky guitars, but this guy can tear it up when he feels like it. OWSLEY has been compared to Paul, but I hear more Lennon than McCartney; and more Ty Tabor than either one. (Would someone please agree with me that Paul really is dead?) Stylistically, Owsley is very similiar to the late PFR, and at his heavier moments sounds like KING'S X. All that being said, even a masterfully crafted pop single can get old when it's done to death. And Owsley does it to death. I wish that he would have used his obviously remarkable talent to create a more multi-dimensional work. It's only his first go as a solo act, so he's got plenty of time to expand his horizons; let's hope next time out he breaks form a time or two. GRADE:+++1/2 SONGS:11 RUNNING TIME: 42:27 To find out more about Owsley, go to SEND REVIEW PRODUCT
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