|
| Christian news worldwide |
 Home |
 Archives |
 Subscriptions |
 Adverts |
 Find a church |
 About us |
 Contact us |
 Site Map |
 PrintableVersion Switchfoot - Learning to BreatheSwitchfoot - Learning To Breathe Their first two albums received critical acclaim for their musical dynamism and lyrical depth. This, their latest offering caused quite a stir when it was re-leased in the US recently. How will they do in Britain? With minuscule budgets and no plans for a European tour, combined with the reluctance of British Christians to buy anything other than worship recordings and Delirious albums, the answer is probably not all that well. That's a shame since, like so many Christian bands out there, Switchfoot make art as good as anything secular bands are producing. Jars of Clay and PFR are obvious sound-a-likes. There are also moments of Pulp (Innocence Again) and the jangly guitar-driven sounds of The Rembrandts ('Friends' theme!) in Playing For Keeps. This is polished but by no means clinical, straight-down-the-line modern rock. From the raw driving guitars of You Already Take Me There to the atmospheric opener I Dare You To Move, this is an album of contrasts within a closely defined genre. Jon Foreman's lyrics are a good balance of clarity and subtlety. Not so 'in-yer-face' that they're cheesy, but not so vague as to be uninspiring. There's plenty to discover every time you hear the album. The Loser explores what it means to gain life by losing everything. I Dare You to Move is a challenge to come and receive God's forgiveness and mercy: 'I dare you to move / I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor / Maybe redemption has stories to tell / Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell / Where can you go to escape from yourself? / Salvation is here'. Switchfoot has produced an album that communicates great spiritual truths of grace and redemption in a highly contemporary form. Check out their website for MP3s and more information: http://www.switchfoot.com Jon Mason© Evangelicals Now - March 2001 |
|
