DecemebeRadio Satisfied
by Mike Debbage
Staff Writer
Contemporary Christian music is well known for promoting mainstream pop artists such as Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant and the likes but not so much with Classic Rock artists. OK, so there has been occasional success story such as Petra, Guardian and even the melodic metal visual group, Stryper. Otherwise, this genre is rather barren in religious circles, especially in recent years, which is why the sound of DecembeRadio, though familiar, is so refreshing. Classical rock fans will be more than just satisfied with their latest offering.
The band is your straight forward four-man band with drums, bass, dual guitar and vocals with a nice clear and tight production sound from Scotty Wilbanks, who also provides the intermittent keyboard arrangement. The band’s impressive self-titled debut came out in 2006 and was Grammy nominated. They have further expanded their sound with an even greater emphasis on the melody though the open distorted guitar chords on “Better Man,” which would certainly suggest something completely different. Similar arrangement effects can be found on the pulsating and driven “Gasoline” with the ambitious lead vocals of Josh Reedy and Brian Bunn’s lead guitar. Then slam bam in the middle of the song we are exposed to is a children’s choir and strings, creating a very interesting twist as the song returns to its burning pace, keeping you transfixed to the composition.
Otherwise, DecembeRadio is rooted in the straight forward Classic Rock sound with huge melodic anthems whether they are the outright rockers such as “Satisfy” or “Falling For You” or the moving ballads such as “Look For Me” and the stirring “Find You Waiting.” The latter includes some stellar soulful background vocals, Hammond organ and some stirring guitar work. Of course there is the mid tempo rockers or ballads, depending on your vantage point, found in the Gospel-tinged “Believer” and the atmospheric “For Your Glory.” The disc also includes a hidden track that is essentially a loose jam session as well as visual footage showing some insight on the making of the album.
When you think of December, one thing that comes to mind is Christmas and the birth of Christ and lyrically DecembeRadio shows no apology but never with the cram-it-down-your-throat approach. Musically, the songs are commercially viable, which may explain the radio portion of their name. So whether you are a fan of the likes of Petra, Guardian, Black Crowes or Bon Jovi, along with their own slant on Classic Rock, DecembeRadio are more than capable of succeeding both as a Christian band as well as a crossover success into the mainstream market.
Web: www.decemberadio.com
Track Listing:
1. Better Man
2. Satisfy Me
3. Believer
4. For Your Glory
5. Gasoline
6. Falling For You
7. Look For Me
8. Love Can
9. Peace Of Mind
10. Be Alright
11. Powerful Thing
12. Find You Waiting
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10