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

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Move

Chris Bernstorf
Move

Street Date: October 3, 2012
Style: Spoken Word
Website: Facebook
Buy It: Amazon.com

The art of spoken word was something you didn't hear too much about in Christian entertainment for a long time. In the last decade, though, we've gotten excellent artists to have offered up their talents in the field, such as Bradley Hathaway, Levi the Poet, and Propaganda. At the same time, thanks to the internet, which gives anyone, anywhere, and at anytime the power to do whatever they want, we've also gotten loads of people who have a passion for spoken word, with more failures than accomplishments. Enter Chris Bernstorf and his new album Move. I'd be hard pressed to call Bernstorf a failure by any means, but from the very beginning of Move and for its duration, he does very little to distinguish himself from acclaimed yeller Levi the Poet. From the harsh emphasizing of seemingly random words, to the intermittent quick, deep breaths, to the speech patterns, laugh-talking, and out-of-nowhere singing of lyrics; it's nearly identical to Levi's method of performing. If played in the background, you may not be able to tell the difference. It's because of this that I have a hard time listening to it without being annoyed. The words Bernstorf speaks have good intentions that reveal his authentic desire to be a great spoken word artist, but a lot of what he says feels like he may just be trying a little too hard. "O Exuberant Death" is a good example, as he says "O exuberant death, I know your secret, the truth upon which you've woven your pathetic web of farce. You sham, death, you mockery. I know you and your worthless game. You are but a moment, a miniscule speck in time. You are no eternity, no fate to fear, no cause for trepidation." I like the idea of looking at death as just a passageway into eternity instead of something to fear, but the inclusion of bigger, more profound adjectives really only aids in sounding more pretentious than eloquent. "Eschatology and Autopsies" is similar, in that the idea is good - presenting the idea that, upon death and looking at our insides, we can't be told apart from anyone else, be they a terrorist or a nun - but again, it's the words themselves that are lacking. Bernstorf goes on and on a little too long with naming all of the people that one may or may not find to be a "good" or "bad" person on the outside. This continues through all of Move; good ideas with an execution that could be stronger. This style of art is a very acquired taste, so this will appeal to a select few. If you're already a Levi the Poet fan, you may enjoy some of what Chris Bernstorf has to offer, but then again, you may (like myself) find the blatant similarities a little hard to ignore. Either way, this is available for free download from his Bandcamp page.

- Review date: 10/26/12, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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



 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

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

Search JFH



This Tuesday, September 9, 2025
DC3 Bake Off - A COLORS SHOW - Single (independent)
Former Ruins In Your Field - Single (independent)
John Van Deusen Hallelujah Story - Single [Anotherland]

This 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)

Next Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Joel Vaughn TBA [DREAM]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]


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