Once upon a time, there existed a Christian rock band that went by the name of Sanctus Real. To be clear, we're not talking about the current iteration of the now pop/worship band. We're talking about *the* Sanctus Real. Back in the 2000's, these guys dominated the pop-punk / pop rock scene in the Christian industry, delivering hit after hit - before ultimately caving in to the poppier & more worshipful sounds that took from their originality, and stifled their youthful musical tastes.

Since their 2008 release of We Need Each Other, the scene has missed the edgy, yet potent musical prowess the band produced. Most of us wondered if we'd ever hear anything similar ever again.

Enter LO CLOUD. The Nashville-based rock band features the lead vocals of Matt Hammitt - who was once the superstar behind the success of Sanctus. He's joined by former Kutless guitarist Nick de Partee, and producer Jake Rye. As the band states, they look to "deliver a melodic rock sound that is loaded with 90s and early 2000s nostalgia blended with fresh hooks and stunning production."

The result? Exactly what you'd imagine. With their debut single, "Sleepwalker," the group delivers on every level. Hammitt's smooth and soaring vocals are once again paired with lighter, yet still aggressive, guitar riffs, hailing back to the glory days of his youth. The song itself focuses on the importance of not getting too comfortable in our lives - building courage to face change and adversity. If this is a sign of what's to come from LO CLOUD, listeners will be in for a real treat. The guys plan to release a 5-song EP in the coming months.

- Review date: 10/10/24, written by James Larsen of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: None
Album length: 1 track: 2 minutes, 55 seconds
Street Date: October 18, 2024
Buy It: Amazon Music

1. Sleepwalker (2:55)