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

JFH Music Review


Everfound, Resolution: Christmas EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Everfound
Resolution: Christmas EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Christmas / Pop
Album length: 5 tracks: 20 minutes, 31 seconds
Street Date: November 11, 2014


Everfound's self-titled label debut last year demonstrated that the four Russian brothers have the potential to make big waves in the Christian music industry. Only one year after their debut, the Odnoralov brothers, now down to three (musically-speaking), are presenting us with a five-song Christmas EP entitled Resolution. Their fusion of high energy alternative pop and Christmas music proves to be quite a unique combination.

Starting the album off in a monumental fashion is the instrumental version of "Carol of the Bells." The song is comprised of heavy synths and electric guitars that are seamlessly blended with organic strings and a piano in sweeping and dramatic movements. Just as ambitious is their creative take on "O Come O Come Emmanuel." The drum loop in the verses bear a R&B vibe, while the lavish synths in the chorus showcase an electronica sound. To add to the eclecticism of the song, horns are used in various spots. This fusion of sounds works surprisingly well, resulting in an album highlight. Also, Nikita Odnoralov's vocals are spot on here as he sings with both reverence and passion.

The first three minutes of "Silent Night" are pretty laid back as one might expect with this carol. In the second verse, Nikita sings in Russian with a tenderness and purity that creates quite a beautiful moment. It is a nice reminder that Jesus' birth is celebrated around the world by many cultures. Unfortunately, the song goes downhill in its last two minutes. There are simply too many instruments at play and they are all equally prominent, creating an overwhelming feeling. This could have been corrected with better mixing, highlighting some of the more interesting instruments, like the accordion and the strings, while pulling back some of the others, like the kick drum and synthesizers.

In general, writing original Christmas music is a tricky task. On one hand, you are pinning new songs against carols that have stood the test of time. On the other, not writing new material runs the risk of looking lazy. Everfound takes a stab at two new songs on Resolution. There is not much to "Resolution" other than its danceable beat, but it works as a fun and catchy holiday song. The EDM chorus and lyrics make you think more of New Year's Day than Christmas, but it still fits well on this diverse EP. The poppy "I Want Christmas Back" fairs a lot better as Nikita opens up about how the past is holding him back from experiencing the joy of Christmas: "I'm tired of the dark memories the season harbors / so lead me back to the light the season brings." Neither of these songs are particularly spiritual, but anyone who is looking for a fun holiday dance song or a hopeful anthem may find these to be right up their alley.

Resolution: Christmas is proof that Everfound is not one to stick to the formula, even their own. If you like your Christmas music with a lot of energy, this EP is definitely for you. If you are just looking for some new Christmas music, you may want to try Aaron Shust's Unto Us instead.

- Review date: 11/9/14, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Word Records
. Album length: 5 tracks: 20 minutes, 31 seconds
. Street Date: November 11, 2014
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Carol of the Bells (Instrumental) (3:34)
  2. Resolution (4:08)
  3. Silent Night (5:19)
  4. O Come O Come Emmanuel (3:46)
  5. I Want Christmas Back (3:44)

 

 

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

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