Since forming in 2002, Casting Pearls has worked to gain notoriety on their own by releasing two independent projects and performing shows around the nation. After building a growing fan base, this threesome has now signed with Inpop Records and prepared their first major label release, simply entitled Casting Pearls. Band frontman Bryan Olesen, who operates as Casting Pearls lead singer/guitarist is currently known as the lead guitarist for the Newsboys as well.
Some may expect Newsboys, namely Peter Furler's, involvement in Casting Pearls' career to force similarities between the two bands, but Casting Pearls' project doesn't even ring of the Christian music veterans' work. Production from Jason Burkum and Nathan Dantzler may have lent a hand here though. From the start of this self-titled record, comparisons to Sanctus Real are almost inevitable. Olesen even sounds remarkably similar to Sanctus Real's vocalist Matt Hammitt several times throughout Casting Pearls' ten-song course. While the band's sound isn't completely original, somehow the record still finds itself likable.
"Weighted," the project's debut single, as well as album opener, offers the first glimpse into Casting Pearls' musical vision. This vision is consistent, too, for most of this disc. Lively, optimistic rock numbers such as "Alright" (most recently released to radio), "Wastin' Time," and "All About Love" ensue, further showcase this trio's style. Casting Pearls most fun song is, by far, "Love's Done Everything," offering upbeat musical arrangements and Olesen's enthusiastic vocals. With a few notable exceptions, this album displays mostly a guitar-driven pop/rock vibe. Tracks that wander away from this sound include "Whole World in His Hands" (penned by popular worship songwriter Tim Hughes) and "You Alone," both which lay as much more acoustic based than the rest of Casting Pearls.
Despite this record being enjoyable for the overwhelming majority, there are still a few minor slip-ups. Occasionally the band buys into familiar lyrical content such as "I am Yours/You are mine" ("Loves Done Something"). Other times, Casting Pearls musical offerings seem almost a bit rough around the edges. These things are somewhat disappointing, but considering the direction of the band, there's no doubt Casting Pearls will exhibit more creativity and artistic growth on future projects.
Considering the growing popularity of Christian rock, it couldn't be a better time for Casting Pearls to make its first major appearance on the music scene. Will Casting Pearls be a withstanding force? While it is still too early to tell, this three-piece outfit is off to a great start. With a little bit of artistic discovery and growth, Casting Pearls has potential to release projects that will please listeners even more so in the future.
- Review date: 8/12/05, written by Lauren Summerford
|
|
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 |