Minnesota seems to be the Christian coffeehouse, underground capital of the world for some reason. If you like acoustic guitar, harmonica, and a double espresso, I've got a new CD for you.
Blaine Howard of the band Trace has released a six-song EP entitled One Step Back. Featuring his wife Leah on backup vox, and the multi-talented Matt Patrick on a plethora of instruments, Howard has crafted the beginnings of a project that makes me look forward to the finished project.
"Ocean Honey", the opening track, is a Paul Simon meets Bob Dylan number that details people who look for comfort and peace in knowledge, philosophy, and art, while missing the need for Christ. This is followed by "As if You Were Iron," a tale of a student earnestly trying to do what is right by protesting evil and seeking truth in philosophical theory and "higher learning." The observer in the song encourages her to look for the answers in God, and the rest will fall into place.
"Stars on a Clear Winter Night" is a country-flavored highlight, while in "Angry Child" Howard describes a person who needs God to intercede before their rage gets out of control.
This CD is for fans of T-Bone Burnett, VoL, Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, or coffeehouse stylings in general. In the liner notes, Howard promises that he would send interested parties the completed album if they e-mail him - I can safely say that that he will hear from me.
4 tocks
