Whether it's been through a shameless endorsement through Mac Powell of Third Day or hearing their hit single "Turn" on the radio, chances are you've probably already heard about Paul Colman Trio. Hailing from Australia, pc3 (as they also go by) release their first national album to the States with New Map of the World on Essential Records. New Map is a listener-friendly pop record with catchy rhythms and simple lyrics. But you may also get that feeling that you've heard it before somewhere...

The album highlight is the opening track "Turn," which also had firmly secured a spot at number one on many of the Christian pop radio charts. Driven by guitars and vocal harmonies, the style bares a striking resemblance to, ironically, PfR. While it's not so similar that you can place a finger on a specific song, but the style and feel is similar. "Run" continues the vibe as an upbeat track serving as a prayer for God to touch a life and bring wholeness to it. "Sun-Stars-Moon" is a more melodic song about humbling ourselves to our Creator. The pop ballad has an FFH feel with Paul's vocals even being a little reminiscent of Jeromy Deibler.

Pc3's album is solid musically but lyrically tends to fall a little on the simpler side. But this isn't always a bad thing. With artists like Big Tent Revival, bands are able to turn the simplicity to their advantage in getting their message across to the masses. Stylistically, it'd be nice to hear pc3 venture out a little more into rock. You get a slight taste of it towards the close of "Turn," but to really stand out different from others in their genre, they just don't seem to experiment vocally or musically enough. With all that aside, New Map of the World is a good start to what looks to be a really good career.

- Review date: 7/11/02, written by J.D.