For those who are unaware of the recent drama surrounding the rise and fall of Christian rock band We As Human, I won't go too much into the details. The chronicles of those events are easily discoverable via the Internet, but suffice it to say that the remaining members have experienced a lot of hurt, pain, and frustration. Out of those ashes, however, comes a new project formed by the remaining members, As We Ascend. Aptly named, the band's debut LP, Farewell to Midnight, explores some of the emotion experienced over the past year.
Prior to listening, it should be noted that As We Ascend consists of a seasoned band, sans lead vocalist. While the current members have experience in gang or background vocals, they started off in an odd place. In a roundabout fashion, this actually works for them, allowing for a more gritty, '90s garage band experience, but with the professionalism to keep it on track.
The album's opening track, "Hatchet," serves as a good representation of the rest of the album. The lyrics echo a weighty amount of frustration, culminating in the clever line, "it's hard to bury this hatchet when it's in my back." The track "Tell Me" goes even further in voicing anger and addressing the circumstances which led to the dissolution of We As Human: "It was the late night whispers over the phone / it was the secret meets where no one would know / sleep with one eye open when all eyes were closed / you destroy your kingdom while you cling to your throne / I'm onto you, I'm onto you."
At this point, it becomes apparent that the tracks have some issues with distinguishing themselves, though this isn't a fatal flaw. A personal favorite is "End Of Me," which features Zach Myers of Shinedown. This track's quirkiness, along with the dual vocals (and sick guitar riff), helped create a much-needed texture for Farewell to Midnight. "Wash Away" was an enjoyable track and one of the best on the album, coming in right before the album closer, "At My Door." This song features Brad Arnold (yes, of 3 Doors Down), and is a great piece, well-worth checking out, even if you're just browsing the latest in Christian rock. The lyrics seem to offer some topical closure, "Will I let go of the past and live for tomorrow? / Will I curse the hourglass as it bleeds through the night?/ Can I sing for the memories without words of sorrow? / Sing for the hope I have when death comes knocking at my door?" The final line, "when Jesus comes," echoes these questions, serving to frame the album in a redemptive light, and perhaps shedding some on the album's very title.
Ultimately, Farewell to Midnight is a quality rock offering which, while stable, at times struggles to find its own identity. This is to be expected given the circumstances, and shouldn't be too difficult to iron out over the course of a few future releases. Regardless, this album is a worthy project, and the band deserves a hearty kudos for their effort in putting this together.
- Review date: 4/11/17, written by David Craft of Jesusfreakhideout.com
NEEDTOBREATHE's Sold Out Red Rocks Performance Set to Stream Globally May 19 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:25:00 EST |
Hezekiah Walker Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Love Fellowship Tabernacle Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:15:00 EST |
Alex Henry Foster Announces New Album, "Kimoyo" Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:55:00 EST |
Barbara Mandrell's 'Precious Memories: 20 Hymns and Gospel Classics' Tops Christian Albums Chart Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:15:00 EST |
Patrick Mayberry Earns First No. 1 At Radio With Psalm 23-Inspired "Lead On Good Shepherd" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:10:00 EST |
Atlanta, GA's Grungepunks To Release "The Fall Blues EP" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:00:00 EST |
Ryan Stevenson Delivers Summertime Vibes with "Just As You Are" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:30:00 EST |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |
LIFELINE CHILDREN’S SERVICES, GRUPO NELSON PUBLISHERS CO-HOST BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING FOR “WHOSE AM I?” Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:49:00 +0000 |
EEM’s Bibles for Kids Initiative to Provide 570,000 Free Bibles to Children & Teens in 2024 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:33:43 +0000 |