Psalmistry have finally released the album their fans have been waiting for. In contrast to their previous low-budget recordings, this one is far more professional and convincing than anything they've done to date. For most of the album they retain their familiar hard-edged sound (somewhat akin to Prodigy or Chemical Brothers), while adding spacey synths, strong female vocals, and the odd hint that the more jazzy approach of some of their fellow Bristol area acts has been an influence.
To really appreciate this album a good quality hi-fi, or at least a pair of headphones, is required. There's a lot going on in most of the mixes and the band make extensive use of stereo imaging. Extra vocal layers are often placed some way back in the mix and the beats are also heavily layered. Funky hip-hop vibes add diversity and keep a number of tracks driving, and the rapping is among the best of any Christian dance album.
Lyrically there is a little more here than expected. Many songs have a strong worship focus, and others are directed at those who are either not Christians or are lukewarm in their faith. The band thankfully avoids the cliches common in evangelistic music, and the tracks do stand on their own strength. Personally, I find "Jesus Armchair" to be the most interesting track lyrically as it questions how easily some Christians sit back and accept what they're told as truth without actively exploring it. This laid-back track is akin to Massive Attack in some ways and is one of the stand-outs for its simplicity.
The frenetic energy of "Hectic" makes it one of the most engulfing tracks, while "Didgereborn" is perhaps the most interesting, taking an unexpected look at world music faintly reminiscent of a harder version of Hydro's Aborigination. Ethnic vocals and didgeridoo work seamlessly in this album--something the band will hopefully continue to do.
Towards its end, the album loses some focus. The punk of "Paul Daniels," while well executed, doesn't feel quite right in this context and the rap will not be to everyone's tastes. Yet this is still one of the finest hard-edged dance albums to emerge from a Christian label and well worth the wait.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Linda J. T. LaFianza / Shari LloydArmchair Rebellion puts the listener on the dance floor with one of the most exciting bands playing in the name of Jesus. Here Jesus is Lord and worthy of your praise. Any Christian DJ can slip this CD in at a secular gig without embarrassing himself. This album is top notch praise and worship. Armchair Rebellion is a biting indictment against complacency which makes sub par praise and worship…Bandoppler 1998Reviewed by Sucré MusiqueThis is a bloody good album! Psalmistry integrates influences from five Bristol residents, each contributing their own little tidbit in the mix. And the recipe for success consists of equal parts of the following: Matt Wilshire's "love of Latin Jazz percussion," MC Edi Johnston's rapping, the tricky loops spliced together by Tony Silcock, the ethereal vocals of Lucy Britten and Helen…
