Who says good music has to be complicated? The boys from Cadet have set out to answer that question with their self-titled debut on BEC Recordings.
Cadet doesn't always stick to easy-to-follow lyrics, but these guys definitely have fun making music together, with songs like 'GodMan,' which I would normally hate, but somehow, these guys pull it off without annoying the heck out of the average listener. Sure, it's not Emily Dickinson, but how can you turn down "Jesus is my superhero?" I know I can't.
Even though Oregon isn't exactly known as the prime surfing spot in the U.S., Cadet has latched onto the surf music sound that was made popular with many of the groups in the 60's, like Dick Dale and even a little Beach Boys action (Don't worry--no high harmonies. Well, okay just in one song).
At first glance, the music of Cadet might not appeal to anyone over 18, but I think that's okay--for a couple reasons. Right now there's a lot of crap in the secular market that grabs teens' attention much more than Michael W. Smith or Point of Grace ever will. Too often, Christians are left with no alternatives, or sometimes, contrived alternatives (see Stacie Orrico or dc Talk after Jesus Freak).
Cadet very well may be that alternative for people who want fun music with a solid faith base that doesn't just settle for trite expressions about Christ and God's love.
The second reason I like what Cadet has done is they admit they're not perfect. Song topics include struggling with waiting for the one person God has picked out for each of us, hesitation in committing ourselves fully to what God has in mind for us, and even surfing.
It's not always the best thing for a new album when the best song is a cover song, but 'I'm a Believer' is the best cover I've heard in a long, long time--the guitar breakdown at the end is great. Peter Tork must be rolling in his grave (What? He's not dead? Oh… just his career.).
The lyrics are fairly decent as pop/punk/surf/Beatlish music tends to go. For worship, nothing beats 'Beyond' and 'Land of the Living.' There's also a word of warning to anyone about the dangers of dating and moving too fast in the relationship--not physically, but mentally--something that can get ignored in 'Fantasy.'
Overall, this disc is highly listenable, and I would recommend it to anyone who is young, or wants to feel that way.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Bert GanglThe Cadet story traces its origins to Oregon State University where songwriter and guitarist Ryan Smith quit his post as worship leader for Campus Crusade and turned his attention to forming a band. Smith's group began playing concerts in their home state and eventually placed their demo in the hands of BEC founder Brandon Ebel's younger brother who was attending OSU. The band signed with BEC…Similar sounding releases
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