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

JFH Music Review



Over the Rhine
The Trumpet Child



Album length: 11 tracks
Street Date: August 21, 2007


Until recently, Over the Rhine was a band I was not too familiar with. I had heard good things about them over the years and had heard a song or two, but my knowledge was limited. In order to better acquaint myself with the band, I purchased Discount Fireworks, OTR's collection of songs taken from all the albums spanning their prolific career. What I found was a true diamond in the rough, a band whose members are overflowing with talent. Needless to say, I was highly anticipating The Trumpet Child, OTR's latest offering, and I am happy to say it did not disappoint.

At the center of OTR is married couple Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist. Throughout The Trumpet Child, the two work together to create memorable melodies and cheeky lyrics. The album begins with "I Don't Want to Waste Your Time," an honest confession in which Berquist sings, "I hope this night puts down deep roots. I hope we plant a seed. Cause I don't wanna waste your time with music you don't need." Berquist's voice is enchanting and is reminiscent of legends Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday as well as a touch of Fiona Apple ala Extraordinary Machine. OTR uses horns, strings, keys, and woodwinds among other things to create a mix of jazz, folk, alternative, and indie that is truly unique.

The songs on The Trumpet Child seem more upbeat than some of OTR's previous work. The music is smoky and sultry, especially the playful "Trouble" and the smooth "Desperate for Love." Each song carries its weight and none should be skipped.

Lyrically, the album is mostly about love and affection in the same vein as the biblical book, Song of Solomon. Some may find a few of the songs a bit suggestive, but if taken in the marriage context they are beautiful expressions of love. The band also shows its lighter side on the ode to Tom Waits, "Don't Wait for Tom," in which Detweiler lends his voice for some spoken word fun. "If a Song Could be President" touches on politics, wistfully imagining what it would be like if the government were made of up songs and songwriters. Those wondering about the band's faith need look no further than the title track in which Berquist sings a haunting song about Jesus.

Over the Rhine is a flash of lightening in an industry covered in clouds. Their songwriting and execution is flawless, and The Trumpet Child offers further proof of this. The album is smart, sassy, and - dare I say it on a Christian website - sexy. Those looking for a superior listening experience should do themselves a favor and check out Over the Rhine. The band should be huge, and why they are still under the radar is truly a mystery.

- Review date: 8/31/07, written by Laura Nunnery



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

 


. Record Label: Great Speckled Dog
. Album length: 11 tracks
. Street Date: August 21, 2007
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. I Don't Wanna Waste Your Time
  2. Trouble
  3. I'm On a Roll
  4. Nothing Is Innocent
  5. The Trumpet Child
  6. Entertaining Thoughts
  7. Who'm I Kiddin' But Me
  8. Let's Spend the Day In Bed
  9. Desperate For Love
  10. Don't Wait For Tom
  11. If a Song Could Be President

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, October 29, 2024
SINGLES
Pipe Bomb Hate Club - Single [The Charon Collective]

This Thursday, October 31, 2024
ALBUMS
Neon Horse Habit of Creature - EP [Velvet Blue Music]

This Friday, November 1, 2024
ALBUMS
AWZY Sinners and Saints - EP [DREAM]
Forrest Frank Child of God (Deluxe) [river house]
Future of Forestry Symphonic Christmas (Live) (independent)
Influence Music It's All About You (independent)
The Kingdom Heirs No Better Time [Sonlite]
Limoblaze Young & Chosen (Power Pack) - EP [Reach]
Paul & Hannah McClure Christmas Morning (Re-Release) [Bethel]
Planetshakers Winning Team: Songs For Church (Live) [Venture3Media]
Skillet Revolution [Atlantic]
Sam's the Hero Charlie Cox - EP [Small Step]
Jim "Soni" Sonefeld Light of Joy - EP [Vere]
Ivan Theva Waiting Here for You - EP [Descendent/Provident]
John Van Deusen Anthem Sprinter [Tooth & Nail]
Phil Wickham Hallelujah! It's Christmas! [Fair Trade]
YWAM Kona Music Missionary Anthem - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
Ayo Shamir, YP aka Young Paul Aaron Judge - Single (independent)
Gabby Barrett O Come, O Come Emmanuel (feat. The Piano Guys) - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Brennley Brown Mary, Did You Know? - Single [Provident]
Lauren Daigle Then I Will - Single [Centricity]
Dreamers The Reason - Multi-Single [DREAM]
EJ Swavv I Hate Lucy - Single [Syntax]
Jess Ford This is My Jesus - Single (independent)
FYR FYTR So Simple - Single (independent)
Michael Monroe Pour It Out - Single [Provident]
Seph Schlueter We Sing (Joy To The World) [feat. Leanna Crawford] - Single [Provident]
Skye Peterson, Ben Shive Keep the Feast - Single [Getty]
SNT. VINCENT Confession - Single [Syntax]
Cyndi Thompson Silent Night - Single [County Line]
Thrive Worship Hark - Single [Integrity]
Tauren Wells Making Room - Single [Capitol CMG]

VINYL
Skillet Revolution Vinyl [Atlantic]

Next Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]



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