Number One Gun - To the Secrets and Knowledge

Producer: Jeff Schneeweis
Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Website: http://www.myspace.com/numberonegun

A few years ago - Number One Gun (a promising young band on the rise in Christian music) went their separate ways.  Lead singer and primary artistic force for the band - Jeff Schneeweis decided to pick the name back up and released 2007’s The North Pole Project.  That album was well received by both fans and critics with its smathering of pop/rock and emo gems.  Schneeweis, as Number One Gun, is back with yet another album of strong pop/rock tunes.  Schneeweis is doing it all on his own this time.  In addition to songwriting and singing, Jeff wore the producer’s hat this time around as well (he’s also produced acts like Hawthorne Heights and Secret & Whisper).  If you’re predicting more of the same then from Number One Gun - you’d be right.  But what you’re also getting is an even more confident songwriter and musician this time around out of Schneeweis.  To the Secrets and Knowledge is another album full of catchy rock tunes with emo and electronic flairs.  Fans of bands like Mae or The Juliana Theory will sure like most of what they hear on this record.  Things never really get too heavy handed - “White Lies” has a sparse track, while the opening track “The Victory” features a more full, layered sound instrumentally.  “Big Machines” features a more straight ahead rock sound, while “Noises” has a more experimental vibe to it with - you guessed it - noises filling up the void spaces.  “Try It” is an aggressive rocker that shows off Jeff’s quite impressive vocals.  “Look to Pass” is an instrumental piece sure to please fans of indie rock and emo.  Schneeweis’ cover of the Journey classic “Don’t Stop Believing” is actually a strong cover - though there’s not much new energy thrown in.  Jeff seems to have copied the original very well - but lacks to show any of his own personality in the song.  Lyrically, To the Secrets & the Knowledge, like past Number One Gun releases, is not heavy handed in the spiritual matters.  Overall, Number One Gun has released yet another strong album - whether it’s the full band or not.  Jeff Schneeweis has turned into not only a fine singer and wordsmith - but also a pretty great producer.  Not many artists can boast all of those things.

Track listing:
1. The Victory
2. Big Machines
3. Forest
4. Noises
5. Hey Stranger
6. The People
7. White Lies
8. Look to Pass
9. Try It
10. Don’t Stop Believing