From South Carolina comes a new face in the pop/rock scene. Overflow brings forth their debut release, A Better Place (executive produced by Mac Powell of Third Day, no less) on Essential Records. Perhaps they're a "new face," but not necessarily a "fresh" one. On the contrary, these guys take all the pop/rock of the last few years (from True Vibe to Matthew West) and put it in a blender. What comes out is a cliché-ridden piece of work entitled A Better Place.

Overflow is a bit too rock oriented to be considered a pop band, yet too pop oriented to be considered any sort of rock band. Indeed, pop/rock is the fitting title. The genre is arguably the most populated territory for clones and "look-alikes" in the music industry, and Overflow is no exception. Tom Pellerin's vocals even seem to replicate normal CCM fare.

This is not to say that there is nothing to like about Overflow. But, alas, those instances are few and far between. "Forever" and "Cry on My Shoulder," speaking of the infinite love of God, are probably the high points of the disc, but even they are laced in un-originality. Still, both are lovely ballads that avoid being, to any extent, cheesy.

Sticking with the usual pop/rock formula, the lyrics don't dig very deep. Subjects of God are common, and the messages are clearly presented, but it would be nice to go a little beneath the surface.

Overflow has talent, no doubt. But the way in which they display that talent leaves a lot to be desired. The Christian market is flooded with bands that look just like the last ones. Originality is a must, and originality is something Overflow possess very little of, if any at all. Only serious pop/rock fans need apply here.

- Review date: 08/18/04, written by Josh Taylor