Mellow, indie, pop/rock. Wilderness of Tekoa produces a chilled out style that flows smoothly from upbeat to peaceful on their Northern Records debut The Skies Pale In Comparison. Although they maintain basic originality and a commendable level of unpredictability throughout the bulk of the album, they bring nothing particularly innovative to their fairly familiar sound (Downhere, Leeland, Coldplay, Sanctus Real, and Edison Glass lead a long list of similar bands).

The project's first song, "Elevate," is not the typical high-energy opener, but it effectively ushers in the listener with a relaxing tempo, abnormal rhythm, and brilliant vocals. A similar feel is reflected later in "Slow Down The Trend" and "The Least Of These," all three being prominent contributions. The most peaceful moments are produced in "Teach Me To Break" and "Your Place in the Ground," while "Poetry", and the most obviously catchy "One At A Time," represent the edgier, more energetic portion.

The clear and honest messages in the lyrics of The Skies Pale In Comparison are a beautiful and undeniable asset to the album. A major theme is the natural tendency of humans to stray into temptation from what God wants for them, "I'm playing the fool I'd like to be when no one's listening. I'm constantly stuck behind your sinister mastermind. I'm begging you to stop begging me," "Will we all believe? I want to. To the least of these, he'll run to. Will the record keep him from you?," and "Believing everything that screams. Ah yeah speak up!" These words implore God to remain near and in control, "I call on your name," "Please don't leave me now!" The verses speak of the hopelessness we have in ourselves, and the hope we have in the Holy Spirit.

They are nothing atypical or extraordinary, but it's hard to find fault with Wilderness of Tekoa's music. Each song carries its own musical identity and lyrical message, and there is a fusion of catchiness, subtlety, and diversity throughout the album that keeps it from getting stale after a certain number of listens. Each musician contributes an appropriate balance of creativity and commonplace in his field so that every moment feels natural.

The biggest let down existent in this record is that there is nothing irregular or special about it. There are dozens of other Christian pop/rock bands who play this style as well or better than Wilderness of Tekoa does, and nothing in this offering is new or even somewhat rare to the genre.

Aside from that hardly incriminating objection however, it is only fair to call The Skies Pale In Comparison an impressive album. Any fan of this style will find pleasure in this notable new band.

- Review date: 12/17/06, written by Tim Harro