Divine Right
Powerchange
Reviewed by Maury Millican
Attention metal guitarists: you will especially enjoy this remarkable performance. While the quality of the tape is under par (the project was recorded on an 8-track Fostex), the musicianship definitely makes it worth the extra hiss. Kevin Brandow delivers outstanding performances on guitars, vocals, and bass guitars, and even plays keys and drums. Dave Hoffis, the only other performer on the tape, assists on vocals and production. The stacks of vocals on this tape are amazing, in light of the fact that they used only 8 tracks. (Must have been lots of ping-ponging going on during the recording sessions.) Musically, the songs are well written. Good hooks, catchy choruses. Lyrically, there's a real joy expressed in the songs. However, the lyrics are all very much oriented toward the individual. Everything's first-person. There's more to Christianity than just "me and Jesus". Maybe Brandow will consider this point on future recordings, which are sure to come (Mr. Van Pelt informs me that Brandow is now signed with Frontline). Despite the poor quality of production, I still highly recommend "Powerchange". Available through Spring Arbor.