February, '04 Update
The Update-Feature of the month is Craig Rainey. I'd never received a "demo" CD, and still don't quite know what to think of them. This demo isn't an EP, but there's 6 tracks on it. What I heard was little aural glimpses of the songs, the longest being a minute and forty-eight seconds. The sound was great, and I'd like to hear more.
I wondered how to describe Craig Rainey's music, and while e-mailing him to let him know the review would be up in February, it hit me that I should just re-print what I sent him:
Hey, Craig,That's a nice, strong package the demo came in. It was dark when I got home from work, and after unlocking the door, I kicked the package inside --unintentionally, of course. I like your sound. It's close to some other Christian bands I like (Empty Tomb, Inner Flame, F.O.G., old Petra [their new Jekyll and Hyde is great, too], Steve Taylor, and of course, Larry Norman). The BIG trouble with getting that sound out is that most people in the 30-60 age range formed their opinion of Christian music when it was first getting popular, and that's usually that mushy Adult Contemporary or arena metal (big hair and spandex) sound. Record companies and radio stations know that, and also know it's not going to bring them lots of sales or listeners. I'd love to see radio stations do a "Dad's Record Collection Show" to catch some of that lost age-group, of which I'm part at 46, but I don't have a clue about how radio and broadcasting works around permissions, royalties, and other legalities.
(Trivia: In my CD player right now is Kutless, followed by Sarah Sadler, followed by A Room Full of Walters --I have few CDs which fit that classic rock sound) I'll have to browse your website for more stuff. Do you have a full-length CD? Is the bass recorded at as heavy a level on it? The demo seemed almost overpowering on the bass. I don't mind it, but it sounds a bit odd --might take some getting used to if it's your norm. Anyway, I'll be listening to it several times, then write up a review. You'll get to see the review before it goes live to offer input as you see fit...
Summing up Craig Rainey's sound, it's classic/blues rock. If your church or other organizations wants to feature a band to appeal to kids, and to bring in the adults, you should give Craig Rainey a try!
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