STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 107683-17828 LABEL: Kingheir Music FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Ewan Jones
Having played such a huge part in shaping the Christian rock genre, producing dozens of albums, establishing one of Nashville's most prolific recording studios and recording a number of solo albums, you would be forgiven for thinking that John (along with his brother Dino) might be putting his feet up for a bit of a breather. He tried. But it didn't work and after a couple of quiet years he is back with a reformed version of Mastedon, the band that he formed in the late '80s. And neither has he relinquished his sense of musical ambition. Pounding stadium anthems ("Slay Your Demons"), big ballads ("Nowhere Without Your Love"), cavernous drums, sweeping synth strings, soaring vocals and rollicking solos are all on offer here and are begging to be belted out at full volume. 11 minute epic "Down By The Lake" is prog-tastic and boasts a collaboration with Elefante's Kansas bandmate, guitarist Kerry Livgren - this reunion marks their first time playing together since the height of Kansas' success. Given these links, be in no doubt that what you will be getting here is retro, classic rock of the highest calibre - and given the recent resurgence of bands such as Journey the genre seems alive and kicking. With its polished and unapologetic '80s vibe Elefante is an artist who still has much to offer - a lesser artist would record such an album with tongue in cheek but this whole package is so heartfelt and genuine with Elefante clear about his faith in Jesus throughout the positive and affirming lyrics. Reminding me of early Guardian and, of course, Petra, this 2010 release is a fine genre album that deserves to be well received.
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Posted by John Roeper in Belleville, Ontario @ 03:23 on Apr 15 2011
If you are a Kansas fan, or simply a classic rock fan, this
album is a must have for your collection. Reminiscent of
Boston, Foreigner and Journey, this CD is packed with tons
of punch. It reminds you of the first time you dropped the
new Boston album on the record player adn were amazed by how
well crafted every song is. To boot, you get the epic song
One Day Down By The Lake, a Kansas lovers dream. Co-written
with Kerry Livgren, John's old Kansas band-mate, this 10 and
a half minute masterpiece takes you right back to the late
70's listening to Song for America. There is not one bad
track on this CD, do yourself a favour and get a copy. You
won't regret it.
If you are a Kansas fan, or simply a classic rock fan, this album is a must have for your collection. Reminiscent of Boston, Foreigner and Journey, this CD is packed with tons of punch. It reminds you of the first time you dropped the new Boston album on the record player adn were amazed by how well crafted every song is. To boot, you get the epic song One Day Down By The Lake, a Kansas lovers dream. Co-written with Kerry Livgren, John's old Kansas band-mate, this 10 and a half minute masterpiece takes you right back to the late 70's listening to Song for America. There is not one bad track on this CD, do yourself a favour and get a copy. You won't regret it.