Reviewed by Shelby Foster

It is difficult to get excited, or even gently ruffled, about this release. All music is, essentially, a reinterpretation of what has gone before. But some, like that on offer here, sounds like a dead language. Seventh Day Slumber create a sound that is undeniably American Christian AOR-cum-grunge, which is initially surprising for a band that sport nu-metal goatees and dreds. This isn’t P.O.D., but a collection of big, acoustic flavoured AOR anthems. Granted, the guitars occasionally rock (“Running Away” and “Innocence”), but they rarely manage to ROCK. The vocals are very strong - no problem holding a tune - but lack real distinctiveness. This should not inhibit success on Christian radio though, since it thrives on inspirational rockers with clean, smooth vocals and faith-affirming lyrics. “Innocence”, a darker, heavier number dealing with sexual abuse, probably won’t make it, but a number of others have the potential. Most notably, album closer “When The Children Cry” with its frothy, tear-jerking melody and lyric, "When the children cry, let ‘em know that we tried/When the children sing, then the new world begins." Maybe this song is more subversive than its polished façade suggests though, as another lyric looks forward to a day when there will be "No more Presidents, and all the wars will end." A political statement, or just a coincidence?

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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