B.Reith - Now Is Not Forever

Producer:  Bryan Lennox
Record Label:  Gotee Records
Website:  http://www.breith.com

First off - let’s get a few things straight.  It’s pronounced B. Reeth not B. Rithe - and no - he’s not that guy from That 70’s Show.  Those are two things made abundantly clear on B.Reith’s hit and internet buzzworthy “Go On”.  That song, found on B.Reith’s debut EP from last year The Forecast help set the stage for his debut full length CD with Gotee Records.  After being found by Gotee founder tobyMac - B.Reith was picked up by the popular label (known for launching the careers of acts like Relient K, Out of Eden, John Reuben, and GRITS).  However, like tobyMac, B.Reith’s sound is pretty undefinable by traditional methods which may be hard for Reith to attract the kind of audience he deserves.  There’s a lot to like on his debut full length record Now Is Not Forever - but even Reith himself finds it hard to describe his sound - as the first full track “The Comeback” tells the listener of their schizophrenic future listening pattern with this album.  Now Is Not Forever covers a multitude of genres - most notably pop-laced hip-hop a la tobyMac or KJ-52 on cuts like “The Comeback Kid,” “My Story,” and catchy “Old School.”  He also channels Jason Mraz on the more r&b vocal performances on songs like “Rain Down,” “Mess,” and album highlight “Antidote.”  Lyrically, B.Reith is also all over the map - covering things like his own ability as a musician (“The Comeback Kid,” “I Know”), worship (“Rain Down”), love (“Wish That”), and personal time with God (“Just For You,” “Breathe”).  B.Reith is an incredible vocalist - and this record shows that off very well.  Unfortunately, the mish-mash of styles will probably turn off more people than not - though those that appreciate the smathering of styles will love what B.Reith brings to the table.  B.Reith’s quirky lyrics and catchy melodies should attract a lot of people - unfortunately fringe artists like B.Reith have, historically, been hard sells for the general buying public.  This reviewer, however, will keep his fingers crossed for B.Reith - he’s a breath a fresh air in an all-too-familiar pop/rock Christian music scene.  Hopefully, this won’t be the last we’ve seen from Mr. Reith.

Add Comments

Name:
Email:
Location:
URL:
Comment:
	Remember my personal information
	Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please enter the word you see in the image below: