Grey Holiday, "The Glorious Revolution" Review

JFH Music Review

Grey Holiday
The Glorious Revolution

Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 7 tracks: 34 minutes, 57 seconds
Street Date: September 25, 2007

After 2 EPs, indie rock quartet Grey Holiday is ready to release their Essential Records debut entitled The Glorious Revolution. Shockingly enough, this record could pass as an EP, considering it contains only 6 tracks. But with this minor difference swept under the rug, one can hope that the album expresses the talent and energy needed to be remembered.

"Glorious" starts out the album as a fast-driven opener, combining infectious melody with a bold illustration of how we need to realize that we live and walk among the presence of Christ. "Let Go" depicts the tendency we have as Christians to clutch all of our hopes and dreams ("I've been holding on to things like dreams that never seem to die"), and how we need to just let go and let God ("What I need is faith"). The slow-paced ballad "You Belong To Me" has somewhat of a Third Day feel musically and vocally. The message of this track is best summed up by lead vocalist Matt Minor in an interview featured on the disc: "It's just about coming back to the Father after straying and our ultimate place is to be back with the Father."

"Revolution" is what you would label a full-fledged anthem cry directed toward this generation to stop riding the "carousel" of the world ("The time is now when we've got to get off this revolution"), and to make a spiritual impact in the world for Christ ("This is our time"). "Where You Want Me" has a Classic Crime-esque mood to it, whereas "Low" closes the album with a beautiful piano piece.

The Glorious Revolution is also part of Provident Music's test of the idea to have new music more often, with this disc only offering six songs plus a slew of digital goodies and the goal to release another album of all new songs within six months or so. Although these records are basically EP's in length, they're intended to pass as full-length albums, and the bonus content on the disc includes extras like a songwriting journal, two music videos created by the band ("You Belong To Me" and "Where You Want Me"), video outtakes, video "shorts" (like Krystal Meyers buzzing a band members hair off), a photo gallery and more. For fans interested in learning a little more about the band, it gives some fun behind the scenes insights, but for those who rather have a full album of music in its stead is a bit out of luck (but thankfully the abbreviated album is getting price placement more so as an EP than an LP).

When you think of an oustanding indie rock album, the following elements may be found: catchy guitar hooks, quickened drum beats, and mellow vocals that stick in your head long after you have finished listening. This record has all of these elements blended in, which unfortunately also shows a lack of originality. And yet, the compilation contains a vital part that gives it an advantage over most others: lyrics that proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.

- Review date: 8/21/07, written by Laura Sproull

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