Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review



Ashmont Hill
Ashmont Hill



Album length: 10 tracks: 48 minutes, 32 seconds
Street Date: May 13, 2008


Birthed in Boston, Massachusetts, and taking their name from a suburban community there, Ashmont Hill is the latest in a string of groups seeking to make an impact in the Adult Contemporary genre (following in the footsteps of the most popular headliner, Casting Crowns). Consisting of Phil Thompson, his two sisters April Joy Thompson and Deborah Bullock, and Deborah's husband Wil Bullock, Ashmont Hill drop their Axiom Records debut on May 13.

Honestly, of all the AC artists currently making waves in Christian music, these guys are one of the best. There's a freshness to their sound, an energy and soulfulness that translates well to both Top 40 charts and Sunday morning worship services regardless of the predominant ethnicity of those congregations. The vocals are crisp and well delivered, carrying with them a sense of humble expertise. And while the music is most assuredly grounded in gospel music tradition, they delve into popular territory more than a few times.

A perfect example of this merging of two musical themes is on the opener, "I Give You Worship." Opening with a very church-styled organ, the drums kick off an electric guitar riff, which builds before crashing into the verse head-long. Personally, I had a blast listening to this sort of marriage, probably because I had no clue when it would pop up next. The only downside to the entire track would be the lyrics - which brings me to my next point…

Lyrics like those found in this album are a dime a dozen. Anyone can write them, regardless of age or personal experience, because they are firmly grounded in the "buzzwords" of Christianity - a mish-mash collection of clichés and ideas so prevalent in congregations and on radio that one can predict what they're going to say long before they say it.

It's a pity, really. This group has loads of potential, a fact I've steadily grown to accept regardless of how lazy these lyrics come across. In fact, it could be argued that it's a greater testament to Ashmont Hill's talents: that I was persuaded against skipping tracks due to an appealing musical context and obvious chemistry among band mates. And that's not to say there are no highlights. "Gifted Response" and "Your Right Hand" serve as promises for a better follow-up release. Those stronger points are just so far away.

While there are definitely some benefits to giving this album a chance (particularly for a worship leader looking for a few new additions to their congregation's songbook), I still can't recommend purchasing the whole thing. It would seem best to wait for a sophomore effort, hoping, of course, that they learn from their mistakes this time around.

- Review date: 3/23/08, written by Johnny Wofford



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Axiom Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 48 minutes, 32 seconds
. Street Date: May 13, 2008
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. I Give You Worship
  2. You Proved Your Love
  3. Praise His Name
  4. I Won't Be Afraid
  5. Blessed Be Your Name
  6. Song Of Glory
  7. Gifted Response
  8. I Live To Worship You
  9. Restore Us Again
  10. Your Right Hand
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images