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 Wednesday, October 8, 2025
SINGLES
Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)

This Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]
Myles Maestro Dead End Road - EP [Syntax]
Make Sure Starry May Morning (independent)
SNT. VINCENT Final Greetings [Syntax]
Razzie Digital Psalms - EP [Syntax]
Josh Wright LEAD (Deluxe) (independent)

SINGLES
Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
EJ Swavv & Jeff Knox Deja Vu - Single [Syntax]
Kelo Memory Lane - Single [Syntax]
MAYIA Pass Me Not - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Like You - Single [Syntax]
Jeannie Ortega Decipher - Single [Syntax]
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]

Next Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images