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Ashmont Hill
Ashmont Hill
Album length: 10 tracks: 48 minutes, 32 seconds
Street Date: May 13, 2008
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Birthed in Boston, Massachusetts, and taking their name from a suburban community there, Ashmont Hill
is the latest in a string of groups seeking to make an impact in the Adult Contemporary genre (following in the footsteps of
the most popular headliner, Casting Crowns). Consisting of Phil Thompson, his two sisters April Joy Thompson and Deborah
Bullock, and Deborah's husband Wil Bullock, Ashmont Hill drop their Axiom Records debut on May 13.
Honestly, of all the AC artists currently making waves in Christian music, these guys are one of the best. There's a
freshness to their sound, an energy and soulfulness that translates well to both Top 40 charts and Sunday morning worship
services regardless of the predominant ethnicity of those congregations. The vocals are crisp and well delivered,
carrying with them a sense of humble expertise. And while the music is most assuredly grounded in gospel music tradition,
they delve into popular territory more than a few times.
A perfect example of this merging of two musical themes is on the opener, "I Give You Worship." Opening with a very church-styled
organ, the drums kick off an electric guitar riff, which builds before crashing into the verse head-long. Personally, I had
a blast listening to this sort of marriage, probably because I had no clue when it would pop up next. The only downside to
the entire track would be the lyrics - which brings me to my next point…
Lyrics like those found in this album are a dime a dozen. Anyone can write them, regardless of age or personal
experience, because they are firmly grounded in the "buzzwords" of Christianity - a mish-mash collection of clichés and ideas
so prevalent in congregations and on radio that one can predict what they're going to say long before they say it.
It's a pity, really. This group has loads of potential, a fact I've steadily grown to accept regardless of how lazy these
lyrics come across. In fact, it could be argued that it's a greater testament to Ashmont Hill's talents: that I was persuaded
against skipping tracks due to an appealing musical context and obvious chemistry among band mates. And that's not to say
there are no highlights. "Gifted Response" and "Your Right Hand" serve as promises for a better follow-up release.
Those stronger points are just so far away.
While there are definitely some benefits to giving this album a chance (particularly for a worship leader looking for a
few new additions to their congregation's songbook), I still can't recommend purchasing the whole thing. It would seem best
to wait for a sophomore effort, hoping, of course, that they learn from their mistakes this time around.
- Review date: 3/23/08, written by "Johnny Whoa" Wofford
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 Record Label: Axiom Records
Album length: 10 tracks: 48 minutes, 32 seconds
Street Date: May 13, 2008
Buy It: JfH Music Store
- I Give You Worship
- You Proved Your Love
- Praise His Name
- I Won't Be Afraid
- Blessed Be Your Name
- Song Of Glory
- Gifted Response
- I Live To Worship You
- Restore Us Again
- Your Right Hand
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