Though I could easily provide this album with the shortest review in the history of Puddlegum, I'll attempt to expound somewhat solely for the sake of this website's clientele. As the last track of Hooray For Now finished spinning in my boom box, I sat in pure awe. I couldn't believe what I'd just heard. Someone has done it, I thought to myself. Someone's finally done it. Viva Voce has done for the Christian music world what groups like The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana (don't be alarmed-- I'm using these names to illustrate a point) have done for secular alternative music's advancement. Rarely do I, possibly THE critic's critic when it comes to Christian music, hold any one band or recording in such high esteem. However, when a masterpiece like Hooray For Now is unveiled before the public eye, it deserves a certain amount of respect and recognition-- and this modest review doesn't even begin to do it justice.
Officially the duo of Anita and Kevin Robinson (I'm not sure what, if any, relational ties exist here), Viva Voce had me on the verge of euphoria with every song that penetrated my ears. I don't believe I've ever listened to a CD of any kind without volunteering at least a sentence of reproachful commentary; that is, until now. With high-frequency, fuzz pedal distortions dominating every line of tablature, the Robinsons capture not only alternative's truest form, but its very essence as well. The lyrics undoubtedly stem from what could be characterized as humbly broken hearts before a perfect, loving Savior. Hooray For Now unquestionably exemplifies everything Christian alternative music should resemble and strive to emulate.
So now, formalities aside, I offer my 10-cent review: PURCHASE THIS CD!!
P.S.-- My sincerest apologies to Rose Blossom Punch, a band which in a previous whirlwind of ecstasy I had ceremoniously dubbed "the torchbearer" of Christian alternative music. Their role (as that of any other Christian band or group) in the eternal scheme of things was not meant to be downplayed or diminished in any sense by the above opinions concerning Viva Voce; rather, I pray it serves as an encouragement to all and a testimony to the omnipotence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Joe RockstrohViva Voce: Italian for "by word of mouth." It seems like that's probably the only way to find out about Viva Voce, the latest offering from Cadence. This album reminds me a lot of their fellow label mates Shaded Red's debut in that this is a solid, yet unheralded, disc. Viva Voce seems to have found that perfect "alternative" niche, reminding me most of Gish and Siamese Dream era Smashing…HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernI'm sure glad this CD is finally out. This kind of heavy modern rock (tough guitars, eye-opening melodies, and strong, but delicate female vocals) continues to be popular among those who are in touch with, and appreciate, today's music scene. The band has definitely progressed since you heard their rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," that they recorded for the very first HM sampler comp.…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartAppearances can be important. The front cover of this album made me initially wary, and didn't quite suggest the brooding alternative rock sounds that its contents hold. Female vocals mixed with alternative music, the guitars are abrasive and varied; there's a slight surf feel to them in places. The vocals have a slightly chilled edge to them, and are sometimes reminiscent of Plumb's Tiffany…Similar sounding releases
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