Artist Info:Discography Album length: 12 tracks: 48 minutes, 17 seconds Street Date: October 23, 2007
Connersvine first began when singer songwriter Chris Wilson teamed up with Hunter Smith of the Indianapolis Colts to lead
worship for a young adult ministry on the Southside of Indianapolis. Now with their debut, self-titled release on INO Records, the
acoustic pair are taking their Christ-centered music to the masses.
The first thing listeners may notice about Connersvine, from the opening track "Glory Be," is a sense of familiarity. While Smith's
vocals are strong and emotive, the song's components follow a distinct pop-worship formula popular on radio and even in many churches.
The duo's playing instrumentation is solid, but there isn't much about the way they write or play to distinguish
their songs from an array of other artists. "Lay Down" feels like a possible Third Day b-side, while "Live For You" offers the kind
of by-the-book worship fare with touches of Kutless's worship material and the ever-popular Casting Crowns. In fact, Smith's vocal
delivery throughout the record can probably be most often compared to that of Geoff Moore than anyone else. But when the guys do
decide to diversify, they're able to touch on a little folk ("Overflow") and a hint of rock, even if it is a bit reminiscent of
Lifehouse ("Come Alive").
Connersvine actually seems at their best when keeping things more simple, like with the folksy "Overflow," which also allows the
group's vocal strength to show through. When the band's southern roots leak in, it seems to be when they sound most comfortable.
"Sacred Mystery" is also among the album's standout moments as it offers a bit of a retro, soulful feel, while the rest of the
album doesn't offer much more than slightly above filler material to complete the disc.
Although not much about Connersvine sets them apart from their sea of counterparts, there's a still a passionate display of
worship and adoration for their Savior, with hints of potential for greater things to come from the duo in the future. In the meantime,
Connersvine are likely to catch the attention of the fans of any of the artists mentioned above as well as appeal to the daytime radio crowd,
but for those expecting something a little different or unique, the first release from the pairing of Smith and Wilson probably
won't be enough.
- Reviewed 10/22/07 by John DiBiase
Record Label: INO Records
Album length: 12 tracks: 48 minutes, 17 seconds
Street Date: October 23, 2007
Buy It:JfH Music Store
Record Label: INO Records
