Pillar Confessions
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
On their latest studio release, Confessions, Christian rockers Pillar manage to pull of something that very few other “Christian” bands have been able to do – produce a musically solid album with a positive and uplifting tone without being preachy or “holier-than-thou,” or even focusing on religion itself. Simple upbeat songs with an emphasis on finding the strength inside yourself to deal with life’s issues are the bread and butter of Pillar, and will easily allow the band to cross into mainstream markets. Musically these guys don’t pull any punches – they can mix it up with the best of them, blending metal with post-grunge alternative and straight up rock.
Pillar is a quartet of very talented musicians based in Tulsa, Okla. Each member brings a nice arsenal of musical tools to the table, and they blend together well. Musically, the band builds around the incredible smooth rock voice of Rob Beckley and the driving rhythm guitar lines of Noah Henson. Beckley has a great voice and a decent range. He can sing softly and clearly, and then crank it up to a full-throated scream giving the band a bit of a Bullet For My Valentine feel at times. Henson is a fine rhythm guitarist, and that is where he focuses most of his talent. The few lead breaks or solos are simple, subtle and well crafted, but the band lives on his rhythms. Rich Gilliland (bass) and Taylor Carroll (drums) are the new boys in the band, and a very solid bottom end. They work very well together and lay down some great grooves no matter the style of song, and neither dominates.
The CD opens with “Fire On The Inside,” a heavy, pounding track allowing the rhythm guys to shine – good bass, drums and guitars. “Whatever It Takes” follows and features great lyrics, fine vocals and a nice simple musical line that moves from the heavy opening to an open conventional rock line. “Secrets and Regrets” also features fine lyrics and musicianship and a very hooky, Harem Scarem sound and groove. “Better Off Now” is a very mellow rock ballad with a great drum line and floating orchestral melody – a little syrupy sweet, but a decent track. “Not Without a Fight” is a great attitude song with a fine rolling bass and drum line, and “Will You Be There” is the classic ballad love song. Pillar does a good cover of Collective Soul’s “Shine”, and it is the one song in which Noah Henson really cuts loose with the guitar solo. “Call to Action” would be a great arena rocker, all the elements are there – a catchy chorus, simple lyrics and great bouncy beat. “Lose It All” is another smooth ballad track with a great vocal line, while “You Are Not the End” is a very Linkin Park sounding track – and a good way to wrap a solid album.
The production and engineering are outstanding, and the balance of the sound always appropriate for the song style. The vocals are clear and crisp, the instruments well balanced and the overall sound works well. As one listens to the album it becomes obvious that there are no egos involved here – the band plays fully as a unit, tighter than most.
All in all, Confessions is a refreshing album, different from the seemingly endless supply of today’s negative, angst-filled music. Always melodic and never preachy, the overriding theme of finding strength from your heart rather than from a bottle or pill is a needed one in today’s dark times. Pillar speaks of confessing your weaknesses, finding hope and changing things without saying “read the Bible”, “go to church”. They make human music, not just “Christian” music.
Highly recommended!
Label: Provident Records
Web: http://www.pillarmusic.com/ , http://providentpress.com/artists.php?id=12 ,
Track Listing:
01 – Fire On The Inside
02 – Whatever It Takes
03 – Secrets and Regrets
04 – Better Off Now
05 – Not Without a Fight
06 – Will You Be There
07 – Shine
08 – Call To Action
09 – Lose It All
10 – You Are Not the End
HRH Rating: 9/10