One of the most energetic concerts I went to this year was Pillar playing at a local club. I met their lead singer, Rob Beckley, before the show, and found him to be a quiet and reserved individual. Of course I was astonished when their set started and Beckley was jumping around all over the stage. This was before they released Above, and naturally I became curious to hear how they would sound on CD. Often I find myself disappointed with the CD compared to a live show. Fortunately I was not disappointed. They manage to capture their spirit and energy on CD, making Above one of the most exciting new CDs that have come out in a long time.
Pillar combines a variety of musical elements along with bold lyrics that make for an interesting musical assortment. Beckley combines unique harmonies with rap over the harder and chunky instrumentals. Using a variety of musical techniques, this CD appeals to a wide audience. Pillar has been compared to P.O.D., Beastie Boys, Project 86, and GRITS, just to name a few. Songs range from darker songs like 'All Day Everyday' to serious, worshipful songs like 'Father,' to lighter, quirkier songs like 'Original Superman.' One highlight is the guest appearance of rappers Knowdaverbs. What weaves all their songs together is a profound commitment to living for God.
The message of this CD is clear: All honor, glory, and praise belongs to Jesus. In a time where many artists in the Christian music industry have made the gospel message seem forced, Pillar comes out as a fresh reminder of our roots as Christians. And not only do they do this, but they skillfully contextualize the gospel message to make it relevant for today's generation. This vibrant, promising band is committed to capturing their audience in a way that few bands have been able to do-appealing to them with their high energy, their musical variety, and their strong commitment to Christ. Pillar is a band that truly stands out "above" the rest.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoEven before being signed by Audio Adrenaline's new record label, Flicker Records, this edgy rock/rap/funk group from Hays, Kansas was hooking fans and sparking the notice of the music industry. And for good reason. Since the release of their first indie album, Metamorphosis in June of last year, and the subsequent release of their sophomore indie album, Original Superman, Pillar has been getting…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Matthew RiddleEach time a style of music gains popularity on the backs of its forefathers, a plethora of similar bands flood the market. Trendsetters like Rage Against the Machine, 311, Korn, and EDL (on a smaller scale) paved the way for hugely successful artists like Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, and P.O.D. Of course, they also paved the way for the wave of wannabes that invariably follows. Does Pillar,…Similar sounding releases
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