Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Casting Pearls
Casting Pearls



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 37 minutes, 17 seconds
Street Date: August 16, 2005


Since forming in 2002, Casting Pearls has worked to gain notoriety on their own by releasing two independent projects and performing shows around the nation. After building a growing fan base, this threesome has now signed with Inpop Records and prepared their first major label release, simply entitled Casting Pearls. Band frontman Bryan Olesen, who operates as Casting Pearls lead singer/guitarist is currently known as the lead guitarist for the Newsboys as well.

Some may expect Newsboys, namely Peter Furler's, involvement in Casting Pearls' career to force similarities between the two bands, but Casting Pearls' project doesn't even ring of the Christian music veterans' work. Production from Jason Burkum and Nathan Dantzler may have lent a hand here though. From the start of this self-titled record, comparisons to Sanctus Real are almost inevitable. Olesen even sounds remarkably similar to Sanctus Real's vocalist Matt Hammitt several times throughout Casting Pearls' ten-song course. While the band's sound isn't completely original, somehow the record still finds itself likable.

"Weighted," the project's debut single, as well as album opener, offers the first glimpse into Casting Pearls' musical vision. This vision is consistent, too, for most of this disc. Lively, optimistic rock numbers such as "Alright" (most recently released to radio), "Wastin' Time," and "All About Love" ensue, further showcase this trio's style. Casting Pearls most fun song is, by far, "Love's Done Everything," offering upbeat musical arrangements and Olesen's enthusiastic vocals. With a few notable exceptions, this album displays mostly a guitar-driven pop/rock vibe. Tracks that wander away from this sound include "Whole World in His Hands" (penned by popular worship songwriter Tim Hughes) and "You Alone," both which lay as much more acoustic based than the rest of Casting Pearls.

Despite this record being enjoyable for the overwhelming majority, there are still a few minor slip-ups. Occasionally the band buys into familiar lyrical content such as "I am Yours/You are mine" ("Loves Done Something"). Other times, Casting Pearls musical offerings seem almost a bit rough around the edges. These things are somewhat disappointing, but considering the direction of the band, there's no doubt Casting Pearls will exhibit more creativity and artistic growth on future projects.

Considering the growing popularity of Christian rock, it couldn't be a better time for Casting Pearls to make its first major appearance on the music scene. Will Casting Pearls be a withstanding force? While it is still too early to tell, this three-piece outfit is off to a great start. With a little bit of artistic discovery and growth, Casting Pearls has potential to release projects that will please listeners even more so in the future.

- Review date: 8/12/05, written by Lauren Summerford



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Inpop Records
. Album length: 10 tracks, 37 minutes and 17 seconds
. Street Date: August 16, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Weighted
  2. Wastin' Time
  3. Alright
  4. Whole World in His Hands
  5. All About Love
  6. Focus
  7. Revolution
  8. Close Your Eyes
  9. Love's Done Something
  10. You Alone
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

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
Philip Anthony A League of My Own (ALOMO) - EP (independent)
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [Roon]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent)
Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]

SINGLES
Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax]
Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite]
Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent)
CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity]
Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent)
Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN]
Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax]
Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel]
Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic]
JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent)
Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident]
No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax]
Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax]
Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax]
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]
Madison Watkins You Won't - Single [Provident]
Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Shine n Me (feat. Edward Rivera) - Single [Bethel]

Next Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images