The problem with reviewing this CD is that this band is trying to actually do something a little different from most other bands. Sure, there are lots of female-fronted rock bands, but few lead vocalists have a set of pipes quite as strong as young Adrienne Liesching. Not many straight-up rock bands mix quite so much electronic noise into the songs to create a soundscape quite this lush. Producer Quinlan deserves kudos for his work on this project. Picture a harder-edged Plumb, with better singing, and you're part of the way there.
Lyrically, this album is direct and bold with its statements of hope and faith in Christ. The first radio single off this album, "All Over Me" perhaps best demonstrates the overall tone of the album.
Wave come, wave fall
Cast me on your broken shore
Sun come, sun fall
Cast me on your love so warm
Jesus' love is, Jesus' love is
All over me
There is a good use of poetic imagery throughout.
As mentioned before, there is a definite electronic influence on the otherwise fairly straight hard-rock stylings. However, one of the best tracks on the album, the sparse, beautiful "Hands" is just Liesching on voice and some piano with some minor synth work. Here the full range of Liesching's vocal expression has room to stretch in a way that the rockier stylings don't usually permit.
Other tracks which stand out include "Rush" which features Liesching rapping Psalm 1 over the end of the song, "Lay It Down" with its intense chorus, and the hidden track on the CD, which is actually worth the lengthy wait after track 12.
For an introductory album, this is an exceptional one, largely on the strength of the vocal work and the solid pop sensibilities of the music. If The Benjamin Gate continues to grow and develop, this could be one of the more important bands of the first decade of the 21st century.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2002Reviewed by Neal T. RedmanIf you don't enjoy a grittier rock sound, this album is not for you. However, the Benjamin's Gate combination of rock and techno/electronica make this a very interesting record to listen to. Also, the lyrics and singing convey a passion and depth of feeling not often heard in music these days (including Christian music), making this one worth checking out.The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstThe best word I can think of to describe Untitled, the debut project from South African rock band The Benjamin Gate, is a rather nondescript word- "cool". Yes, Untitled is very, very cool. With heavy bass and a plethora of guitar effects, the music on Untitled is melodic, and yet also very noisy. The Benjamin Gate's sound is very European, and this album is one of the freshest CD's to come out in…Similar sounding releases
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