Apparently, there’s something in the water in Toledo. Or at least something that sparks a particular brand of creativity, as this Ohio city is not only the home of successful pop rockers Sanctus Real, but ForeFront Records’ latest act This Beautiful Republic. And much like Sanctus Real, who’s been around for more than five years now, good things are bound to be in store for TBR, if its debut disc serves as any indication.
Like Sanctus Real, Starfield or the soon-to-be-defunct Audio Adrenaline, TBR’s music has that diverse, span-the-genres sound that’ll attract a variety of fans. Polished enough to be a surefire hit on Christian radio, songs like the spunky opener “Casting Off” and the catchy, hook-laden “Going Under” also have that mainstream flair that should sound pretty sweet live, thanks to memorable lyrics and high-quality production.
But after getting off to such a strong start, the disc lags a little in the middle with more clichéd fare like “Jesus to the World” and “Right Now.” While the messages conveyed are certainly timely, it’s so predictable both lyrically and sonically that it makes it difficult to distinguish TBP from a slew of its peers.
With “Black Box,” though, things pick right back up as the band kicks it up a notch, providing one of the most rockin’ moments of the disc. It’s here where the audience finally hears frontman Ben Olin really flex his vocal muscles to surprising effect. And while he handles slower tracks with aplomb, too, it’s clear that he does better with rock, which is what I’d like to hear TBR do more of next time around. But that minor gripe aside, Even Heroes Need a Parachute is a promising introduction to a band you’ll certainly be hearing more about in the coming year.
To read Christa A. Banister's bio, visit our About page.
Copyright Christa A. Banister. All rights reserved.
