Solid Rock
Real to Reel
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Solid Rock is a Weatherford, Oklahoma-based band of seven years. They've recorded two previous albums, the last of which received a little press attention. They've toured over most of the mid-West and opened for such bands as Sweet Comfort and Mylon LeFevre. The band consists of: Kevin Bartel on bass and vocals; Jerry Johnson on keyboards and lead vocals; Stan Mathis on lead guitar and vocals; Larry Percy on drums and vocals; plus newcomer-to-the-band, Scott Jay on keyboards and vocals. They are a band that's serious about Jesus, as well as serious about their music. It's not metal, but it's no wimpy. "Uncommon Valor" and "Blind Lead the Blind" are the two rockiest numbers. As you can guess, by the fact that they have two keyboardists, they have pop tendencies. They're creative and a fresh break from the constant head-banging of metal. I'd compare their sound to the Cars' first album or anything by Cheap Trick. "Plastic Love Affair" and "Alien" are social commentaries on the issues of worldly love and abortion from a biblical perspective. A child's voice comes in at the end of "Alien" and says to his mother and father outside the womb: "Mommy, please wipe these tears from my eyes/ It still hurts, even if you can't hear my cries./ Daddy, just give me a chance." I've heard this song at least six times and every time I've cried. Hopefully it'll make the airwaves. If you'd like this good album, it's available through Spring Arbor distributors, which means your local bookstore can get it. You can contact the band at Solid Rock, Ltd. P.O. Box 1710, Weatherford, OK 73096.