Despite its growing resurgence in the mainstream, pop/punk has yet to find a solid footing in the Christian market. Although veterans from the 90s, such as MxPx and Dogwood, continue to play shows and impress listeners, too few artists are embracing the genre today, which makes bands like At the Wayside that much more exciting. Hailing from Beloit, Wisconsin, At the Wayside plays a style of pop/punk that is at once heavy, passionate, and incredibly fun. The band's sophomore record, The Breakdown and the Fall, released through Indie Vision Music, is a strong example of the genre done right, and hopefully a precedent for more to come.
The album opens with "The Breakdown," the first of two instrumental tracks. The song pummels the listener with a crushing breakdown before diving straight into "How We Live," an enthusiastic anthem about the love of music and youthful living. This is followed by "Inside Of My Mind," a track that dials back the hardcore riffs in favor of a more straightforward pop/rock approach. Phil Carper's youthful vocals, coupled with the band's infectious energy, create a sound reminiscent of the best of Mae's The Everglow. "My Way To You" is another notable track about romantic love and chasing after a bright future. It's sentimental in the best possible way, feeling neither forced or sappy.
The album's lone ballad, "Line in the Sand," struggles a little more than the preceding numbers to maintain a credible execution. The song carries juvenile lyrics that prevent what is overwise a solid track from being an album highlight. In contrast to this, "Closer Than Close" is a fantastic rock tune showcasing a falsetto based chorus and mature songwriting. It's arguably the strongest track on the record and this reviewer's choice for favorite. A surprising cover of the classic 1907 hymn "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?" closes the album on a bouncy note. It doesn't quite fit the record's musical scope, but it's a fine way to bring this collection to a close.
The Breakdown and the Fall is just a good album. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel or present itself as anything more than a band playing the music they love. It's varied enough to avoid becoming stale, and when it does change pace, it rarely breaks its cohesion. Fans of early Relient K, MxPx, Mae, and Switchfoot will find plenty to love here. faith.
- Review date: 5/30/17, written by Lucas Munachen of Jesusfreakhideout.comRecord Label: IVM
David And Nicole Binion Release First of Three New EPs Today Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:19:00 EST |
iNTELLECT Shares How Christ Took Away His Blame On New Single Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:15:00 EST |
Spoken Worth Debuts New Double Single Bundle, "Holy Week" Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:05:00 EST |
Jeff Deyo, Brenton Brown, Charlie Hall, and More Reimagine Powerful '90s Worship Songs on "Break Through the Stars" Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:55:00 EST |
NEEDTOBREATHE's Sold Out Red Rocks Performance Set to Stream Globally May 19 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:25:00 EST |
Hezekiah Walker Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Love Fellowship Tabernacle Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:15:00 EST |
Alex Henry Foster Announces New Album, "Kimoyo" Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:55:00 EST |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |
LIFELINE CHILDREN’S SERVICES, GRUPO NELSON PUBLISHERS CO-HOST BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING FOR “WHOSE AM I?” Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:49:00 +0000 |
EEM’s Bibles for Kids Initiative to Provide 570,000 Free Bibles to Children & Teens in 2024 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:33:43 +0000 |