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Column 5

© Paul Landkamer

Blake Crawford claims that the album is Sci-Fi. I think it hits too close to home to be really fiction. Look at the UGO (United Nations), and his Public Church. Even now, legislation is passing which greys the blacks and whites of Christianity. Challenging the public display of Jesus, tolerance of abortion and doctor-assisted suicides, cloning, political correctness, and the idea that any belief is good, so long as it doesn't offend anyone but the Christians, are all too prevelant these days to call the PC futuristic. Then again, 2079 isn't all that far off. That's a sign of good writing --be creative, but believeable.

Well, I popped the CD into the player for the first time and in a couple notes, a beautiful synthesized bass note blared. I smiled, and thought, "Hey, I'm gonna like this." I don't listen to this style much, but it's very reminiscent of Kraftwerk. Does anyone remember Autobahn? That was one of my favorite albums. I need to get a copy on CD --and it's still available, but not cheap (oops, getting off track here).

The lyrics are strong, and unlike lots of other story-albums, these songs could stand alone fairly easily and retain their meaning. The vocals are "different". They suit the style quite well, but are almost non-musical. That's not supposed to sound negative, but it's about the only way I can describe it. They're pleasant vocals, and somewhat futuristic-sounding. If Column 5 takes off and gets popular, they really can't afford to lose Mr. Davis, as those vocals are very distinctive.

The style remains fairly constant throughout the album with little change to match different moods. It's a long CD (70:58), so maybe more sound-variety could help in their next project. (I had to work to come up with that comment, because I really enjoyed the CD.) Column 5 has a very interesting sound, I could see them going on to do more. Pick up one of their CDs to show support and give encouragement. I think you'd enjoy 'em too.

Here's some trivia: I listened to the CD today while shelving books. The motivating beat had me smacking books against the heel of my hand to the beat, while looking for their appropriate places. I'm just glad I was in the warehouse building and not in the main library with my headphones on.