Radial Angel put out an album, and I hate it. Clarification: I don't hate them, just the music that they make. This band sounds like a more Christian version of Creed, not only because they sound alike (though Creed is more metal, sadly), but because this band musically and lyrically matches the pretentious pompous simplicity of Scott Stapp's unwarranted powerhouse. This is a mediocre recording of mediocre songs. The outstanding thing about this album to me is how obnoxious it is at all moments.
Phew. Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I'll be a bit more quantitative, albeit editorial. Radial Angel writes bad lyrics. Not bad content-wise, or even message-wise, they are just poorly written. Case in point, the second track starts "Falling down. Down to the ground," followed by some rather trite overtly Christian lines, seemingly this band's cop out. Think about that. "Falling down. Down to the ground." Does this sound like elementary school poetry to anyone else? These are easy, unevocative lines thrown together into a song that just doesn't hold water. Above all else, the delivery is even worse; poor melodies with an overdeveloped sense of the dramatic, all the while remaining painfully derivative. Even if the lyrics were worthwhile, the presentation would kill them for me. "Love is my friend?" An angry first person note to Satan? Come on, guys.
Onto the music. The recording is decent, not great. The mix could be better, but at least it isn't overproduced. If it were, I would be forced to burn this album immediately. The most noticeable element of the sound is the guitar tone, overdriven in a very 1994 kind of way. If not grungy, the tone switches to some extremely cheesy sounding effects (the wah is especially vicious). The riffs and hooks are underdeveloped, often finding bits of the melody to repeat or follow rather than doing anything innovative. Several times the requisite power ballad-esque acoustic guitar and sampled strings make an appearance, further marring the sound. These guitars would have sounded relevant and worthwhile 7 years ago, and even then I might not have liked them. Even the rhythm section is lacking. The drums are contrived and unimaginative, and were not well mixed. They, like the rest of the music, sound like they were copied and pasted from the "Cheese Rock" hits of the last decade.
I can't explain how frustrating it is to hear "Christian" music done like this. This album is clichéd and overdone, despite any amount of sincerity on the band's part. Of course the message is appealing to a "Christian" market- this sounds like every oversimplified Wednesday night sermon I've ever heard. It's the perfect example of trying to be forceful and ending up using every worn line and banal plea imaginable.
For about 1800 years, art produced by Christians was some of the most pioneering and original in Western Civilization. When did we go from the brilliance of Handel to the derivation of Radial Angel? When did we lose it? When did we start to suck? If anything, this album should act as a warning to musicians who are Christians to not fall for the idea that saying "Jesus" in a song makes up for writing a terrible song. "Christian" music should be about excellence, and this album is not.
I'm sure there will be fans of this album, and of this band. I'm sure there are people that can separate intent and sincerity from presentation and originality, but I can't. This album sounds like every "Christian" rock cliché mixed with the bombast of "Human Clay," and I cannot stand it. It lacks any real depth or subtlety, opting instead for stock, corny, pedestrian instrumentation and lyrics. Listen for yourself if you want, but I'll continue to consider the release of albums like this as the death knell of good "Christian" music in the mainstream.
D-
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2003Reviewed by Josh HurstRarely does an album fall into the hands of this reviewer that he considers to be perfect. The average record is a product of pros and cons, an imbalanced bag that often has its fair share of ugly bombs and true gems. Sometimes the strengths are so bright that the weaknesses can barely be seen. Other times the music is so blemished that a streak of talent or creativity is hard to spot. Perhaps…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Josh McConnellThe debut album from Squint Entertainment's newest band, Radial Angel, hit store shelves March 11th, and while not many may be aware of the group, rock fans should definitely consider checking the album out. The band has had great independent success, so it comes as no surprise that they've finally been picked up by a label. One More Last Time, ventures through some well written [but bold] lyrics…Similar sounding releases
2004Poor Man's RichesEnergy
2002Our Lady PeaceGravity
2002KutlessKutless
2001IncubusMorning View
2003SpitalfieldRemember Right Now
2003The Juliana TheoryLove
