Not Bubblegum Power Pop: Blackjack Power Pop
Myriad self-contradictory elements of Evanescence and their debut full-length release, Fallen, are destined to alienate legions of potential fans. They're a Christian-rock band. How well does that play in today's overwhelmingly secular music scene? A Christian-rock band that, in their stand-out track "Tourniquet," deals frankly with suicide. Did I just hear a few thousand Christian-music fans spend their money elsewhere? Add to that a talented lead vocalist, Amy Lee, going through a distinctly Goth-rocker fashion phase, orchestral arrangements not unfavorably reminiscent of Jethro Tull, and some strong piano work that harks back to Meatloaf's heyday. It's obvious that this Little Rock, Arkansas, quartet definitely has something different going on. And that's another thing: Little Rock? Arkansas? When did the last rock sensation hail from Arkansas? Could it have been, way back when, Black Oak Arkansas? (Topical side note: These days, former Black Oak guitarist Harvey Jett also works in contemporary Christian music.)
Evanescence impresses most in its straight-forward layering of Ben Moody's powerful, if relatively simple, lead-guitar work beneath Lee's resonantly memorable vocals, stippled with a modicum of electronica-inspired sonic footnotes. Bass work is solid, just enough to put you in the occasional head-banging mood, even if you forewent that sport at your last concussion. Perhaps "Bring Me To Life" best showcases the band's range in a tight, four-minute bundle, leading with a piano melody and Lee's vocals, transitioning to a guitar-heavy, nicely orchestrated rock anthem featuring some of Moody's 311-style, white-boy-metal rap, which succeeds better than you might imagine. "My Immortal" is the most balladic track on the album. Again, arrangement and orchestration are fine work; Lee shines through as usual, but she hints at greater emotional range.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Eric Olsen
Very interesting S, thanks. I was in the studio yesterday with the reformed (after 30 years) Glass Harp, with outrageous guitar talent and CCM star Phil Keaggy. "Christian" music comes in every flavor these days: the best is "music" first and "Christian" second.
2 - kathode
The album is currently #4 in the country. Obviously, the mythical Christian-rock label didn't hurt them. Where did you get that label from, anyway? If you want to be respected for your reviews, realize that the band's hometown doesn't have a lot to do with their music. Also, you need to do your research. Moody does not rap. That is Paul McCoy of the band 12 Stones in a guest appearance.
3 - The Theory
Phil Keaggy is my man... puts on one of the most real concerts I've seen.
peace.
4 - Sanford May
Indeed, after another perusal of the liner notes, the 311-style, white-boy-metal rap should be attributed to Paul McCoy. At the least, he is credited with additional vocals on that track.
I stand behind all else. After all, written criticism is merely exalted opinion.
I'd love to have a source for that #4-album-in-the-country bit. I'm unable to confirm that via Billboard.
5 - Amber
For those of you that didn't know, "Tourniquet" is a cover of a Soul Embraced song (www.soulembraced.com, www.bloodandinkrecords.com). Rocky Gray, who's playing drums for them, also was a longtime guitarist with Christian metal bands Living Sacrifice and Soul Embraced.
6 - Amber
And why should a Christian rock label scare anyone away? I don't assume a record sucks because the band is agnostic or atheist or heck, Satanist.. why should people assume that it might be substandard because they're a Christian band?
Ehh whatever. I don't like the record anyway, just a thought.
7 - pooky
I think Evanescense is a great band. Tournquet to me is about straddling the fence with your beliefs. Also this cd is great for everyone and doesnt matter if it is christian or what-not. THe songs actually have a meaning.
8 - Lord Mazer
All I have to say is that this group stinks b/c they spike the kazaa pool with their purposely corrupted songs. Down with Evanescence long live the Napalm Destiny.
9 - CatholiK
Hey, yeah, Tourniquet was written originally by the death metal band Soul Embraced and it was called My
Tourniquet from "For The Incomplete".
The song is about someone who has just commited suicide and is regretting his decision and is begging God to come back to him and save him from damnation.
I have'nt even heard evanescence's version, but the original was amazingly melodic and brutal at the same time.
Rocky also plays guitar for another band called Kill System and is Thy Pain's producer.
10 - Sephiroth
well in response to the first comment on this board... I think it should be Christian first then music... but thats just my point of view.
I really think that Evanescence is an amazing band! The band I wanted to create was always revolved around the type of music they ended up producing! only one problem now... theyve gone big and well... I havent... MEH! THESE GUYS ROCK!
Christ forever :P
11 - Matt
This band has totally blown me away. I am surprised to read in this review that the "Christian" label would hurt them. It seems to me that "Christian" bands are slowly breaking onto the scene and people are just looking for good music after years of bland, uneventful stuff.
Did the Christian label hurt P.O.D.?
12 - Joshua
The majority of highschool kid's arguments to there parents is. "I don't listen to the lyrics...I just like the beat." There is a higher calling and that is GOD. If these kids by listening to evanescence will ask the questions of themselves that Amy Lee sings about in her songs. They will find there is more to life than boyfriends and girlfriends. It is about the higher calling, and if Evanescense can get God out there to the secular world than that is awesome!!
I love Evanescence
Rock on
Joshua
13 - Padmé
I think the band's doing pretty good. When i first heard "Bring Me to Life" I felt something really weird about the song.
Somehow the song called me to listen, the lyrics are quite powerful. Then there it was someone told me they're songs are in Christian themes. Wow.. Songs are moslty bout crying out to God, each of the songs will remind of the pit and life without direction.
Hands down to the band and to the one who sent you *looks up*. I'm sure you'll be growing and even mature with ur music. By the way I am a Jesus Freak.
Padmé
http://www.padmeonline.tk
14 - andy
I happen to agree w/ Eric's comments about music first, Christianity second. I'm a "born again" Christian, I'm also an artist. In my life, Christ comes first in all things, but I expect that my music will be judged on the musical aspect first and not my personal belief system. My music will always reflect what I believe(as all music reflects the creator's beliefs), but Christianity is a "religion", not a genre of music. That's why I avoid labels like "christian rock"
15 - herbert
Evanescnes just declared that they're not even a christian band. one of the band members, Moody, even took Christ's name in vain multiple times and used F words frequently in their interview with Enterntainment Weekly! check this out:
http://1077theend.com/listingsEntry.asp?ID=87209&PT=musicnews
16 - Nicole
Evanescence is an awesome band whether or not they are Christian! If any of you get a chance, go see them in convert, they kick ass!!!!!
17 - kaye
I'm only 13 but I understand what's going on. personally I'm disappointed but oh well that's life. I'm a Christian so it's been kinda hard for me to understand but even if they WERE an underground Christian band they may not be now (even though personally I kinda think that's bull) but they shouldn't be surprised b/c of some interviews they've done in previous yrs talking about how much they love God and stuff and also their drummer used to be in the Christian band Living Sacrifice who recently broke up and then he went to play in Soul Embraced + Evanescence so the fact that Soul Embraced and Living Sacrifice are Christian bands would kind of give a signal ya know?
18 - john
I started listning to Evanescence about 4 months ago, and I just love them. When I found out about the controversy about the christian lable, I looked into it, but I could not see (didn't want to see) them as a christian band. So when they came out and said they are not, I was so happy. Being christian narrows the scope of a band's lirics so much that it just gets pointless. Think about it... what do christian bands sing about? god, jesus, being saved, worship, etc etc. Thats the lable that Evanescence does not want. So, in short, having a lable like that is not a positive thing. POD and Creed... damn, sing about someting else. Just have to love the saying... even jesus hates creed. lol. I'm going to see Evanescence two times over the summer; I read that Ben wore a Tool shirt at a few concerts! hell yea! rock on, Tool is my all time favorite band.
peace- and remember... abort babies, not war
19 - Chris
Just bought fallen album, i think it's quality whether the artists are Christian or not. Wht is their faith such a big issue, if you like their music, butit and enjot it, if you don't like the music buy something else. Daniel Beddingfield is a full on Christian yet his music is so clever and he's doing better in the USA than Nobbie Williams - if you've got talent use it - if not then just dis someone who has, Jealous?
20 - Corlin Dekont
I'm what most would consider to be a witch. I don't follow anyone particular religion. If anything a wiccan/pagen eclectic. I however do not believe in the Christian teachings. I have been more or less forced to Christianity through my family. I feel someone should choose what they believe for themselves. And not what someone else tells them to believe. Eh-hem, anyways, Evanescense is not about the God they follow or that they are Christian. They are about great music with deep emotion and meaning, if one where to take the time to remove themselves from the obviousness that society puts them in, they would realize what the songs mean, and what they are talking about.
Don't think about the music, feel the music. You'll enjoy this band much more that way.