Remember the "artsy" side of 80's rock? Depeche Mode, The Cure, XTC, and Duran Duran? Glisten is the love child of those adored mentioned bands, but who also yearned for more 90's style music as well. Jason Pettit does a good job recapturing those 80's New Wave vocals, combining them with the rich textures of the modern guitar lines of Travis Scott. This mixture of modern music and throwback vocals makes this probably the only retro-80's modern rock band in the Christian market. Despite the vocals sounding tiredly out-of-date after several listens, the cleverly crafted guitars must be praised, the double whammy of production by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong clearly evident. With an eye lyrically toward blatant praise and worship, Glisten will not leave anyone guessing on songs like "waiting in latham":
i am empty
and You're a million miles away
and You don't hear me
when i kneel down to pray
but You've always
been right here
when it seems You're far
You're so near
and "Honey":
without You God
i'm all washed up
without You Lord
i'm an empty cup
without my Christ
i'm burning out
without Your Spirit
i'm screaming out
While the guitars are handled quite well on the musical spectrum, the vocals will probably come across as too retro for many listeners to enjoy. An overall honest debut, but this band needs to join the times in the vocals department.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #76Reviewed by Ben MengdenDo you remember echoing vocals? What's cool about Glisten is how they can take 80's vocals and throw in modern guitars. New wave meets modern rock. The greeting is well done, a successful venture. Who would have thought? The vocals are pretty standard throughout the album, reminiscent of Duran Duran (or just about any 80's new wave / pop singer). Guitars are nice and hard to peg. They are at…HM Magazine #75Reviewed by Chad OlsonProduced by Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd, this 3-song EP is a preview of a full-length soon to come, which will also be done by Steve. Fuzzy guitars (with some lighter moments) and vocals that are melodic yet hollow pretty much characterize these tracks. Check out their song, "Spotlight," on this issue's Hard Music Sampler CD.Similar sounding releases
1996Seven Day JesusThe Hunger
2003The Prayer ChainHere Comes the Rust
2005Feersum EnnjinFeersum Ennjin
1994MortalWake
2004BriertoneConfessions of the Wicked
1999Elevator DivisionImaginary Days
