The album starts with two solid tracks in "The Sun Hides" and "Far Away," but begins to get more interesting with "Paradise." In the chorus Adrian sings, "I made a desert of this paradise You gave. Behold the Lamb, behold the monsters that He saves." Following "Paradise" is the first true taste of the classic rock influence in "Blue/Black." The more folk-inspired "Company" introduces a piano and some rather impressive female vocals. "No Enemies" changes it up a bit more with a country inspired number, complete with a fiddle. Adrian flexes his lyrical muscles again on this with the second and third verses. An example is the third verse's lyrics, "I am promised to a bridegroom; I will have my wedding dress. And one day by the sea of glass, when the table has been set, the last thing on my married mind will be your feeble threat." Softly picked guitar comes back for "Slow Bones" and carries the album to its conclusion with "The Water," picking the pace up only slightly.
Rise Anew is full of songs about grace and mercy, beautiful imagery, thought-provoking lyrics, and personal stories. Adrian Mathenia has done an excellent job in crafting this wonderful piece of art. This album just continues to show proof that some of the best artists out there today are in the independent scene. Fans of folk music, or just acoustic music in general, will likely find a lot to love about Mathenia's second album. It's a true singer/songwriter album and sounds great. "Far Away," "Paradise," Black/Blue" and "Company" are excellent starting places if you're looking just to get a small taste of what Adrian has to offer. Overall, Rise Anew is on point for all aspects: Musical, lyrical, and vocal. This one is unquestionably worth checking out.
- Review date: 3/31/16, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.comRecord Label: None
JRA Heads Into Its 40th Year Of Serving Today's Christian Artists and Speakers Tue, 14 May 2024 14:10:00 EST |
Skillet's Seth Morrison and Wife Announce Pregnancy Tue, 14 May 2024 14:05:00 EST |
Redemption Praise Unveils the Heartfelt Story Behind Single, "Jesus" Tue, 14 May 2024 13:30:00 EST |
Mat Kearney Performs In Studio on Live with Kelly and Mark on Tuesday, May 14th Mon, 13 May 2024 17:30:00 EST |
AWHKN Campaign for Redemption Through Christ With New Project Mon, 13 May 2024 16:15:00 EST |
Rockers AsFireFalls Grieve a Blighted Relationship with "Know You" Fri, 10 May 2024 18:05:00 EST |
Convictions Releases Powerful New Single Fri, 10 May 2024 17:55:00 EST |