Sometimes it is hard to be fair to an indie band. On the one hand, indie bands often lack the advantage of high quality production, and tyrannical management that pushes them into the current (insert trend here), or the glossy stylist that make the cuteness quotient half as important as musical talent. On the other hand, indie bands are often much more genuine in their approach, and have the heart that the millionaire, shallow rock-stars have long since traded for new BMW's. With Zeal, there is a good indicator that there are better things to come. Chris Engelhardt's vocals are pleasant enough, and the actual talent is well represented, with each band member seeming to be a fairly seasoned musician. There really are not any major complaints about the sound quality, or the skill-level, in and of itself. But closely mimicking the southern-fried style of bands like Third Day or Black Crowes, there is perhaps nothing too new, or innovative about Zeal's sound. And that is where the band could definitely use room to grow.
Out of the six tracks, my favorite is "Light," which is slow and melodic, and really quite contemplative. Without seeming too much like a harsh music critic, I will say that I really appreciated the worshipful, and humble spirit that was easily palpable on the album. The lyrics are very straightforward, and praise-oriented. "And your love comes. It surrounds me. I feel your Spirit around me. And grace falls on my head. I feel the blood that I know was shed." They are making their music to bless the Lord, and sing about His love. And they accomplish that without any hangups. Given some room to grow into a sound of their own, I think they might be on to something bigger. Two and a half cows.
