Have you ever heard a band and just known that, one day, they'd be huge? Well, I've encountered one of those bands. I guess it helps that Jamie Rowe (known especially for his lead vocal work with Guardian) offers lead vocals and guitar in the band. Oh, and remember The Frantics? Jon Gilbert (Guitar and Piano), Matthew Martin (Bass), and Derek D. Sorrells (Drums) of the late band make up the other three-fourths of the new sensation known as London Calling.

What's really amazing about the band is the fact that their debut, The New Sensation, is independent. The production quality is top-notch, and, at first listen, I doubted the fact that they could possibly be independent. But, this is Jamie Rowe, after all. So, label or not, things are going to sound good.

But, production-value aside, this band flat out rocks. They're official site lables them as "Explosive Pop," which is fair I suppose, but the rock n' roll twinge to their sound is undeniable. All of the music on the disc is incredibly catchy. Songs like "Supernatural Girl" and "Song About Nothing" will get stuck in your head for days without finding an exit. But everything on here is so enjoyable to listen to. Jamie Rowe's vocals are a blessed union with the band's energetic rock. Everything about this disc, musically, just pieces together perfectly.

"We are a very optimistic band," says Sorells on the band's site TheLondonCalling.com, "Our musical mission is to create songs that will not bring you down or depress you." And they keep good on their word. The lyrics are basically the kind of stuff you'd hear on a pop disc, except with the needed changes (Due to the fact that this is, as aforementioned, "Explosive Pop"). Some of the songs could be taken as love songs to God, or to a significant other, but it's never really clarified.

If London Calling keeps at it and signs for a national release, I don't doubt they will become one of the big names in Christian rock. With music this accessible, London Calling is definitely one to watch for the future. It's amazing to think that The New Sensation is only the beginning...

- Review date: 9/22/03, written by Josh Taylor