With a list of guest musicians which reads like a who's who of left-of-center Christian music, The Straw Theory deliver a CD which draws influences from across the alternative spectrum but serve them up with a pop sheen. The energy and precision of the opening track isn't repeated, but the ideas aren't all exhausted there and this ranks with Chasing Furies' debut as proof that the alternative Christian music scene retains a few young hopefuls. With production from Terry Taylor, contributions from members of Common Children, the Prayer Chain, the Choir and vocals from Leigh Nash, this is an album and a band with a lot of promise.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Eric Daams"In and Out" opens this self-titled debut on a fast-paced note, with energetic piano playing and floating guitars, making for a strikingly tasteful piano-punk track. While the piano inspires comparisons to Ben Folds Five, The Straw Theory have developed an original and progressive sound. Call it alternative pop or piano rock, this album is leaps and bounds above the average CCM debut. Tyler…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Shari LloydShades of Ben Folds Five. This album opens with an energetic piano tune and wouldn't sound out of place on their albums. Would that the rest of the album kept up this fast pace. (Of course, I have similar complaints about BF5.) "We Believe" is sure to be a hit in the CCM market with its catchy, hook-laden melody which will run around in your head for hours. The use of the piano raises this band…7ball #27Reviewed by Chris WellWith the piano-based pop of The Straw Theory, comparisons with Ben Folds Five are inevitable; they're also largely unfair. The Straw Theory weaves complex dramas of spirituality and the human condition, a thoughtful discussion of the Christian life in modern America, and undercurrents of melancholy joy and hopeful sadness - is just fresh-sounding enough to send listeners scrambling for…Similar sounding releases
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