` Jesusfreakhideout.com: Chives McAlister, "Refrigerator Worthy - EP" Review
Get the new FREE JFH METAL MP3 compilation -- Vol. 3!
Get the new FREE JFH METAL MP3 compilation -- Vol. 3!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Chives McAlister, 'Refrigerator Worthy - EP'
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE


Chives McAlister
Refrigerator Worthy - EP

Street Date: November 10, 2023
Style: Pop Punk
Buy It: AmazonMP3
Buy It: iTunes



Small Step Records has risen in the wake of IVM's Record label closing shop and has given a home to several faith-based pop-punk bands. One of such bands is Chives McAllster -- the solo project of Erik Williams [Cold Weather Kids]. This debut EP is entitled Refrigerator Worthy and features five tracks of emo tinged pop/punk tunes -- including the unlikeliest of pop/punk covers: "You Are My Sunshine."

You may be a little confused by the opening track. Why would a song about heartbreak be titled after a bible verse!? The title, "Psalms 34:18," is more referencing the hope that is given in that scripture than the actual scripture itself: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (NASB). Williams sings, "I'm finding hope in everything, in everything You've said" to close out the song. It's a cool take on the verse and a solid opening track. From heartbreak to a love song, "Butterflies" follows and hits that emo influence just a little harder. The third track shares the name of Williams' former band, "Cold Weather Kids." The lyrics are hopeful here as well. Despite struggles and feelings of loneliness, God is there -- even when you don't exactly know where. Next up is the classic country song (and one of Louisiana's state songs), "You Are My Sunshine." I've never thought of this song as a pop/punk anthem, but it works so well. It also serves as the perfect song for his newborn baby. The EP closes out with another love song in "I Can't Wait." This closer is exactly what you want from a pop/punk banger. The fast verses and the choppy chorus are textbook, and fuel all your pop/punk needs. It's a great song and a fantastic ending to the EP.

Refrigerator Worthy is a quick in-and-out as it doesn't even quite reach the 16-minute mark in total runtime. However, a lot of goodness is jammed into this short period: hopeful lyrics, an unexpected cover of a classic song, and a great mix of pop/punk energy with some emo flavoring. Small Step Records have been producing some great music during their brief time on the scene, and Chives McAllster is no exception. Punk heads and emo fans should give this one a listen. This reviewer is already looking forward to new music.

- Review date: 12/14/23, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Listen to the debut EP from the band Hopeful.!






JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: Small Step Records
. Album length: 5 tracks: 15 minutes, 44 seconds
. Street Date: November 10, 2023
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: AmazonMP3

  1. Psalm 34:18 (4:25)
  2. Butterflies (3:19)
  3. Cold Weather Kids (3:41)
  4. You Are My Sunshine (1:25)
  5. I Can't Wait (2:51)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Listen to the debut EP from the band Hopeful.!

Search JFH




This Friday, April 26, 2024
ALBUMS
Mack Brock Time and Time Again - EP [Centricity]
Aaron Cole Sorry, I Changed [RCA Inspiration]
Alex Henry Foster Kimoyo [Hopeful Tragedy]
Gileah Taylor Slow Parade [Velvet Blue]
Various Artists Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack (Digital/CD) [Girder]

SINGLES
Joe L. Barnes Hide & Seek - Single [RCA Inspiration]
Canyon Hills Worship Surely - Single [DREAM]
Colton Dixon Rest of My Life (From the Original Motion Picture SIGHT) - Single [Atlantic]
James Fortune For A Long Time (Live) - Single [MNRK]
gio. reality - Single [Capitol CMG]
Grace Graber Grace of God - Single (independent)
iNTELLECT, Mitch Darrell Limitless - Single [Polished Arrow]
Mat Kearney Drowning in Nostalgia - Single (independent)
Limoblaze One Day (feat. KB) - Single [Reach]
My Epic Northstar - Single [Tooth & Nail]
Open Heaven Releases Everything - Single [DREAM]
Nate Parrish I'm Alright - Single [Fair Vaux]
Matt Redman 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) - Single [Integrity]
Transformation Worship Yahweh - Single [Represent]
Unspoken What He Says About You - Single [Centricity]
Uche Agu & Revival Today Worship Miracles Are Happening - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Various Artists Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack [Girder]

DVD
Travis Tritt Country Chapel DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, May 3, 2024
ALBUMS
Soweto Gospel Choir History of House, Vol. 1 EP [Gallo]

SINGLES
Coquí Today - Single [DREAM]
Brandon Heath Highly Favored (feat. Ryan Ellis) - Single [Centricity]
Bay Turner Brand New - Single [Centricity]


For all release dates, click here!
 



Listen to the new EP from Saved By Skarlet!




Listen to the new Album From Tim Juillet!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images