Don't you just love when a band you don't like reinvent themselves into a band you can appreciate? Well, maybe this isn't exactly an everyday occurrence, but it is very much the case here. They were once a pop/rock clone known as Phat Chance, but are now the amazing and jaw-dropping rock 'n' roll act known as Stereo Motion. They are, in every sense of the word, extraordinary. Traces of Phat Chance can still be heard, but, really, that is the only complaint I can legitimately think of on this self-titled debut.
Stereo Motion touches on a number of different topics. Of course, themes of God are present, as well as romance, but they also speak of the power of a kind word to someone hurting ("Tip of My Tongue") as well as materialism (On "The Revolution Times," where they boldly proclaim "Don't listen to their spells, because their fashions are from hell"). But, lyrically (As well as musically, due to the accompaniment of violins), the best moment of the disc is found in the form of the song "Ghost." It deals with the times in life when it doesn't seem God is anywhere to be found. The chorus simply states, "Sometimes it's like You're some kind of ghost. But I can't lie. You're light to my soul." It is an amazing song that will probably never get the credit it deserves, but it will certainly blow away all those who hear it. Bryan Nance's vocals especially shine on this track, but they are incredible on all of the disc's twelve tracks. Another beautiful track is "Moonlit Sky" which speaks of love for a special girl. But the song is actually addressed to the Lord, "I pray You'll shed the light of Your love on me tonight. I need to show her how I can love her like You love me now."
Other songs on the disc deal with love. Though, in places, it's not exactly clear whom the love is directed toward; or whether it's a song of gratitude to a friend or to God. On "The Sweetest Sound," Nance sings "I need a friend who isn't fake. And then you come my way. No there ain't no sweeter sound then when you say my name." "Still a Little Shaken Up" appears a little more direct as it seems to be about the hangover effect of an experience with God. "Loving Every Minute" is a love song in which Nance says to his special girl "I'll be loving every minute of every day that has you in it."
As above stated, this disc is all-out rock 'n' roll. It finds itself filed in the same drawer as Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus (Whom, ironically enough, they will be on tour with this fall). Is it, perhaps, that rock 'n' roll is going to become a living genre in Christian music? If either of these bands are any indication of what could be next, let's pray this notion becomes a reality.
It's only common sense to think that a band that isn't that great can't really just change genres and become something to drool over. But guess what? Stereo Motion is one of the best discs of this year, and I can't even begin to fathom where they will go next with this new sound.
Here's to hoping they don't feel they need to reinvent themselves again, cause now it's all good…
- Review date: 8/27/03, written by Josh Taylor
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