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

JFH Music Review




Beanbag
Free Signal



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 57 minutes, 36 seconds
Street Date: November 16, 1999


Loud. Melodic. Artistic. Abstract. Bold. All words can be used to describe new label Inpop's first act, Beanbag. These lads from the land downunder slam to America with their funkified hard rock to deliver a much-needed message to the younger generation.

Their debut album, Free Signal, kicks off with a bold statement delivered by screaming vocals followed by infectious-groove-laced guitars for the opening line of their first hit, "Whiplash." Jesus will never let you go! sets the mood for the album and also gives the listener an idea of where the band stands.

Another album highlight, and personal favorite, follows suit with a more rap/rock setting, used to tackle a subject that's rarely touched on. In lead singer Hunz' own words, "The theme of the song is about all those people that suffer and die in the world because of things that are out of their control but the focus is on the people who have everything but choose to do nothing."

The mood and setting of the album changes as the songs get more complex and vary in styles more. "Stale" follows, starting out with merely the bass and moody vocals before breaking into more emotional vocals. "Desire of the Son of the Morning" really throws a curve ball as it starts with whiney guitars, a groove-laced bass riff followed by drums to compliment the mood and vocals that fit as well. When the chorus arrives, a haunting echoing vocal track creeps in. Later, this same effect, accompanied by another vocal track fades out in a deep droning voice creating an eerie effect that isn't all that appealing. If the song had continued how it had started out, it would have been a more solid track.

"Face I Paint" changes the albums mood, throwing in a more melodic, almost-ballad. But before the listener can sink into the comfort the melodies, the chorus comes in with angry vocals that soon return to the song's melodies. This format successfully helps the delivery of the song's meaning, creating that world that seems to be one way when it's really not.

A plus on Free Signal is the bonus track at the end of the album where the band creatively mixes 3 stellar remixes (of "Whiplash," "Bite the Hand," and "Happy Dispatch") into the appearance of someone flipping through radio stations. Where one remix abruptly ends with static as if tuning a station, followed by a hardcore, metal, or bizarre foreign music before reaching the next remix. A clever ending to a clever disc.

Beanbag creates a solid album with intricate, and down-right intriguing songs that may seem unorganized and spontaneous at first, but further listens reveal the method behind the madness. One can only listen to Free Signal and look forward to the next Beanbag project to see what else these Aussies can do.

- Review date: 1/8/00, written by John DiBiase



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Inpop Records
. Album length: 12 tracks, 57 minutes and 36 seconds
. Street Date: November 16, 1999
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Whiplash
  2. Happy Dispatch
  3. Stale
  4. Desire of the Son of Morning
  5. Obliviant
  6. Face I Paint
  7. Why?
  8. Freesignal
  9. Disturbed
  10. Bite the Hand
  11. Taste Test
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
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