Caedmon's Call, which garnered the respect of being one of the top independent bands in `96, finally found a home with Warner Alliance Records and released their self-titled nation-wide debut early this year. For three years the band played the "college scene" at colleges like Duke, the University of Georgia, Tulane, Texas A&M, Clemson, Baylor and Wheaton, among others. Their two self-released indie albums have sold in excess of 30,000 copies. Displaying a acoustic sound, much akin to Jars of Clay's debut, yet mixed with more original folk music that very relaxing and is the kinda music that you could put on quietly in the background after having a hectic day.

The band weaves its way throughout their debut with haunting acoustic ballads like "Center Aisle" and more folk/rock songs like "This World" and the late Rich Mullin's remake of "Hope to Carry On." Their first hit single "Lead of Love" has a very Jars-ish sound using metaphor and word pictures like: "looking back you know, you had to bring me through...though i questioned the sky now i see why, had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view, looking back i see the lead of love."

The debut is a strong release and definitely puts the band in the running for New Artist of the Year at the Dove awards. However, the album does suffer a little from a lack of under-production (the band produced it themselves and could have used a little help from someone like Charlie Peacock or John and Dino Elefante). My recommendation, if you like folk music, check out this band! They offer up some of the best in the business.

- Review date: 10/24/1997 by John Thompson of Jesusfreakhideout.com