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In 2006, pop rock foursome Sanctus Real released the emotional journey otherwise known as
The Face Of Love, mixing honest and personal lyrics with radio friendly melodies. Now, almost two years and
the addition of a guitarist later, the band releases their fourth studio project, We Need Each Other -
a diverse collection of signature Sanctus anthems presented
in what may be their most organic form yet.
A record's opening can make or break the album. When the delectable wailing guitars of the rocker
"Turn On The Lights" peel out, an infectious energy erupts and listeners are treated to one of the strongest opening tracks
in recent memory. As the songs trickle down the slim, ten-count track list, a further sense of growth - even from their impressive last record -
can immediately be detected. While the gears shift to a more pop-based approach for the title track, a bold and monumental anthem
for the importance of companionship and communication, the band maintains a sound that is altogether a progression
forward, but unmistakably remains Sanctus Real. And the fact the band now features another guitarist in Pete Provost to aid
original member Chris Rohman in the riff-making, the maturation and luscious songwriting comes as no surprise.
The record continues its strong opening with the raw, rock sound of "Black Coal," a song about finding ourselves as treasures
in God's sight, but reveals its softer side with the dramatically more subdued "Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly)." It's with
tracks like the latter, as well as "Lay Down My Guns," and "Eternal" that Sanctus offers some of their token, spiritually meaty pop/rock
ballads, but also creates the only potential problem in that they feel at greater contrast with the album's rock numbers because those songs are that
much livelier and fuller hear than ever before. Still, each track has a charm and worth all its own, and those wondering where
the more upbeat songs went to will find "Leap Of Faith" to be a deliciously delivered (and slightly darker) call to anyone
running from the Truth to take a chance on Him. Sanctus executes this rock track with such finesse that it seems a bit of a
tease when it's followed by a string of considerably more restrained songs.
On each of Sanctus Real's previous three studio albums, the band has offered at least one heartfelt and authentic
worship song while keeping it true to the band's stylings. The title track from The Face Of Love was
probably the band's best to date and "Sing," on this record, comes remarkably close. "Sing" aims for a more communal use,
and the simple but exuberant chorus does the trick nicely, "Sing, oh, sing with one voice / How sweet it will be when we sing /
One church under one King / And we will sing!" It's so refreshing to hear a song that's undeniably worship yet, at the same
time, doesn't feel like you've heard it countless times before. You have to give the guys props for accomplishing that.
As the album draws to a close, the standout ballad has to be one of the band's most unique songs for them yet - a shot
at more of a folk sound. "Half Our Lives" dives headlong into something you might expect from Sixpence None The Richer
before Sanctus Real, as the band enlists the help of Nashville vocalist Katie Herzig to duet with Sanctus frontman Matt
Hammitt for this ode to childhood summertimes. The sentimental look back is a nice prelude to the grand finale, a thoughtful
look ahead in "Legacy." The anthemic rock song takes the record out almost as memorably as it begins, and leaves the listener
thinking about what kind of legacy they might leave on this earth when their time has passed. Hammitt's vocals soar as
he cries, "Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered / More than just a memory that fades away / Because we only, we only get
one life."
Last year signaled the end of an era in Christian rock with Audio Adrenaline's retirement, leaving a great void
by such an inspiring group of guys with a keen sense for writing pop/rock tunes to impact abroad. Sanctus Real's fourth
album We Need Each Other is one of the first albums to really show the kind of caliber in songwriting that bands
like AudioA have exhibited before them, and it looks like Sanctus Real could be ready to fill the void they left.
Whether or not that's true, We Need Each Other remains a solid collection of pop/rock songs with heart and soul like
few albums seem to be able to capture these days. There's no going-through-the-motions here.
We've come to expect great things from Sanctus Real, and with another applause-worthy
album under their belts, it's great things they continue to produce. Truly a wonderful way to kick off a new year of music!
- Reviewed: 2/10/08 (PReviewed 12/25/07), by John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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We Need Each Other doesn't waste any time getting down to business. Sanctus Real's fourth
studio album kick starts with "Turn on the Lights," which is probably one of the best tracks by any band in recent
memory and definitely a highlight in this quintet's career. Frontman Matt Hammitt lays down a strong, commanding rock
vocal while lead guitarist Chris Rohman supplies plenty of thick, powerful riffs. "Leap of Faith," "Black Coal," and the
title track keep up the energetic pace. Even with several excellent straight up rock tunes, Sanctus Real makes room for
some softer songs such as "Something Heavenly" or the gorgeous "Half Our Lives" featuring Katie Herzig, whose voice
perfectly compliments that track.
This could possibly be one of the best records of 2008. Producer Chris Stevens
does an excellent job of capturing the energy of the now five-piece band. Each song is individually and carefully
crafted with its own unique flavor. Somehow, Sanctus Real has the incredible capability of improving their skills, refining
their sound, and breaking new ground with each record and We Need Each Other is no exception. This is one disc
any music fan won't want to miss!
- Lauren Summerford
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