May, '04 Update
This article started out as a regular monthly Update, but I misplaced the notebook which contained my comments on some of the new stuff I've been hearing. I had Steve Hindalong, Crashdog, Nicole Nordemann and a few others. Three new artists did, however, request reviews. Two of 'em got me a bit out of my regular listening rut. Granted, Crashdog and Nicole Nordemann did too, but two of the three for this month --well, let's say I probably wouldn't have picked their stuff out at the library.
There are firsts for everything. This first first is in dealing with a band's agent and not the band itself. This agent is enthusiastic and eager to positively publicize his band. So, with no further ado (whatever "ado" is), agent John Locke gets the band Craig Watson and U.4.E.A. (yup, "euphoria") a review here, and hopefully some good exposure.
John sent me a CD and I e-mailed him with initial thoughts. He quickly replied and sent three more CDs. The first CD was on the mushy-sweet and heavy-on-the-cliches side of rock. The others showed lots more life.
Craig Watson and U.4.E.A. presents a straight forward, no-question-about-it message of salvation. There's nothing cryptic in their singing of salvation's being a free gift of God for anyone willing to accept it. This power-message is presented in a quality musical package.
Craig Watson's experience as a Las Vegas performer shows through in U.4.E.A.'s work. The band plays a distinctive late '70s and '80s style arena/nightclub rock in a very polished manner. Their sound covers from soft MoR to harder stuff bordering on metal. Their message, carried on Craig's beautifully-clear vocals, cuts through any objections a Christian rock skeptic might have.
Craig Watson and U.4.E.A. rocks hard, but stays musical and theologically strong enough that they'd make for a good choice to perfom at any Christian venue --even one populated with rock-bashers and skeptics. These guys are good at what they do!
Much edgier is def12. Def12 is a younger band than Craig Watson and U.4.E.A. Their message is nearly cliche-free, but still packed with strong Christianity. Def12's musical style is modern rock with lots of heavy artsy retro influences. Beau Cornett's vocals sound very similar to Ozzy Ozbourne with occasional Cat Stevens coming through. I even heard a little David Bowie. (Sorry, def12, about using all those old-timers to compare. Aside from Christian artists, to whom many readers might not relate, oldies are all I've got.) Is retro-progressive an oxymoron? If I can use that term, consider it def12's describer.
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