Duvall is one of those bands that has great crossover potential, with a modern rock sound that would fit in well on a variety of radio formats. Eventually, after a few hits, they would have to deal with the same controversy that surrounded Creed and Evanescence -- whether or not they were a "Christian" band.
While the concept of music being "Christian" or "secular" seems ludicrous, it is probably better to focus on Volume and Density. Sonically, they make me think of Wisconsin band Huddle at times, at others pretty much anything on adult alternative radio. The Caterer's guitars (Josh and Eli Dixon Caterer) stand out throughout, particularly on "Gimme Some Light." Other tracks of note include "All in Your Hands," "Where I Belong," and "Jesus Never Leaves Me."
I'm still laughing at the choice to cover Spandau Ballet's "True," but Duvall infuses it with a harder sound, while still remaining faithful to the original. Some major potential here.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2004Reviewed by Matt ModrichDuvall started in 2001 after Josh Caterer quit his old punk band The Smoking Popes since becoming a Christian in 1998. Duvall picks up where the Popes left off with their first full-length project Volume and Density. Caterer has the mark of a true Christian -- humility. In the first song off the new record "All in Your Hands" he talks about failing God, which makes him unworthy of God's love and…Decapolis November 2003Reviewed by Joe GiacheroWe all know the crossover-artists well. Bands start out by selling their product in the small community of Christian music, and with luck break into the buzzing city of mainstream rock. Most of us rally for those bands, and cheer them on, knowing the progression well; the spiritual lyrical content of the music typically becomes ambiguous or simply falls by the wayside and if the artist is lucky,…ReAL Magazine 2003Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksDuvall is making faith-influenced rock that... well, rocks. The band has a stellar sound, a driving energy, and that signature emo voice. What they don't have is slick Christian marketing, trite lyrics, or a weak sound. It began with the rising success of The Smoking Popes, who emerged onto the growing emo scene and toured with Weezer and Morrissey. But lead singer Josh Caterer converted to…Similar sounding releases
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