There are probably a lot of expectations for Brave Saint Saturn, Reese Roper, Keith Hoerig and Dennis Culp's side project. Those who are familiar with Roper and Culp from the popular Christian ska band Five Iron Frenzy may be expecting a sound similar to that band, with upbeat chords and horns. Consumers who see the album cover and the band's name in the store may think of space-rock in the vein of The Prayer Chain or The Choir. Still others who read the credits may see "programming" and immediately think of a rap or techno project. So what exactly is Brave Saint Saturn? Does it meet up with any of these expectations, or even combine several of them?
Simply put, no. BSS is highly listenable (for the most part), 80s-tinged guitar pop. Sure, there are synthesizers sprinkled over many of the songs, but not nearly enough for the album to be filed under dance music. There's absolutely no hint of ska in the guitars (played by none other than Roper himself, previously known only as a singer), and aside from the lyrics on a few songs, nothing about So Far From Home really reminds me of space.
What the band does offer, however, is a list of pop hooks the size of your arm--songs like "Space Robot Five" and "Independence Day" are far more catchy than anything Five Iron's put out, and while most of the tracks don't stand up to that band's insightful lyricism and sheer intensity, the album carries its own vibe very well.
Many of the songs revolve around Roper's fiancee's unfortunate departure in May of 1999. Thus, lyrics like those of "Independence Day" and "Moon Burns Bright" are completely heartbreaking:
I can think of better synonyms for fear
I hope your life is great; I hope it's been a wonderful year
Waiting every day
Staring at the phone
Jesus Christ, I feel so empty and alone
(From "Independence Day")
She is the brightest star that's in the sky
She is the reason every astronaut would fly
I see the lighting clouds of white on Cobalt fields of blue
I close my eyes and sigh
I can't believe it's true
(From "Moon Burns Bright")
Other standout tracks include the hilarious Christian rap send-up "Shadow of Def" (including a special guest rap from 5 Minute Walk Records founder Frank "Frankie T." Tate!), "Resistor," Roper's ode to his heartbroken little sister, and "Two-Twenty-Nine," which works despite its chorus's somewhat muddy mixing job.
All in all, Roper, Culp and Hoerig have crafted an excellent pop album, perhaps not on the level of Five Iron's last release, but still very much worth the fans' time and money. Unfortunately, the liner notes hint that this will be the band's only release - with rumours of a FIF breakup in the air, fans will want any chance they can get to hear Roper strut his stuff.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #31Reviewed by David MuttilloOn the surface, BraveSaintSaturn appears to be Keith Hoerig, Reese Roper and Dennis Culp's best chance at rocketing light years away from their day job band, Five Iron Frenzy. Let's face it, the whole ska-core genre can be quite limiting, musically speaking. Nevertheless - though this semi-conceptual album isn't infused with happy-feet-beats, like most FIF material - the lion's share of its songs…ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksBrave Saint Saturn's So Far From Home is one of the most interesting and provocative albums I've heard in a while. Perhaps it's because Brave Saint Saturn isn't bound by the usual responsibilities that hinder artists--namely the need to be successful. Brave Saint Saturn is a side project from three members of Five Iron Frenzy, Reese Roper, Dennis Culp, and Keith Hoerig. Perhaps the fact that…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Amy SondovaRaw emotion, an eclectic musical mix, and cutting lyrics all come together to make "Brave Saint Saturn" a shockingly stellar album. Produced by mixmaster Masaki Liu, who produced all of FIF's albums, BSS could easily be one of the most standout albums of the year. Chief songwriter and lead singer Reese Roper tackles tough issues that Christian music has overlooked. "Under Bridges" is a song about…Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by James M. BranumMay 2000 - Exitzine.com Album of the Month A couple of nights ago, I went to pop in this CD, only to realize it was missing. Though I had only had it a week, I thought I would go crazy if I couldn't find it. I went downstairs and searched my car thinking it might have fallen out of my CD box. I searched the living room, my bedroom, and even the bathroom in desperation. Terror, horrible terror…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Chelsea LewisWhen Five Iron Frenzy's lead singer and lyricist Reese Roper started writing songs that didn't fit the usual Five Iron music style, Brave Saint Saturn was born. The side project was created by Roper as an outlet for his thoughts on subjects he thought too dark and emotional for Five Iron Frenzy. The songs deal with tragedy, sorrow, and the hardships of the world. His Five Iron Frenzy band mates…Similar sounding releases
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