Bang The Drum is a solid effort from Fighter. The band has a basic rock sound, that would appeal to fans of Petra or White Heart. One difference, though, is that Fighter splits the lead vocal job between Amy Wolter and Sean Murphy, making the band a little more diverse.
Fighter tackles some of the usual Christian topics, but an unusual subject that crops up in several songs is legalism. While most Christian rock groups have probably bumped into that particular issue at least once in their careers, it is not frequently addressed in their music. In "Try," "Bang the Drum," and "So Much to Learn," Fighter speaks to, I assume, some criticisms that they have gotten. Never arrogant or flip, they implore the listener to look at the heart, as Jesus did, and not the outside.
These songs are among my favorites, as well as "Where Can Love Be Found," a touching and effective song about a runaway. Both Wolter and Murphy have strong voices, and the playing on the album is solid. While it might not be an outstanding effort, it is definitely a good one, and would be enjoyed by most who are into the more commercial rock sound.
Other coverage for this album
Syndicate Nov/Dec 1992Reviewed by Derek Wesley SelbyWhat a dog legalism can be. Hair, clothes, speech, smell, makeup, volume, denominations, love offerings, church socials—if we look, we can see it trying to tie us up from every angle. While Christian musicians are often victims of the pressures of legalism, persecutions often come to strengthen their faith. Criticism from those "on the same side" tends to produce either disillusionment or…Heaven's Metal #37Reviewed by Joey KnightFighter seems to have come through with a very good album here. One thing that quickly grabs your attention is the great vocal work on the album, both led by Amy Walters and Sean Murphy. Though the album in general is very much pop rock, there are underlying tones of crunch on select tunes, such as "Try," "So Much to Learn" and dirty blues on "Avalanche." I personally would have liked to have…Similar sounding releases
1989MastedonIt's A Jungle Out There
1992CharizmaHeaven Can't Wait
1993PetraWake Up Call
1989GiantLast of the Runaways
1994Idle CureEclipse
1991LiaisonUrgency
