Above the Golden State - Above the Golden State
Producer: Information not provided
You know it happens all the time. You hear what is supposed to be the next great band only to become frustrated with the fact that there is nothing that separates that band from anyone else on the scene. Thus is the case with new Sparrow Records band Above the Golden State. The band is made up of three guys who have had their fare share of experience - playing with acts like Shawn McDonald, Kutless, Falling Up, and others. After their demo ended up in the hands of an A&R director at Sparrow - the band was quickly scooped up. Now releasing their debut, self-titled record, the listener finally gets a chance to hear what Above the Golden State is all about. To simply put it - the band says they exist for no other reason to glorify God. That’s great - now how do they stand up against other acts today? Well, about the same. Above the Golden State has a nice, solid pop/rock sound - not unlike what you’d hear from other good bands like The Afters, Starfield, or a softer Switchfoot. There’s a lot to like here - catchy hooks and sing-a-longable melodies - most notably on tracks like the first single “Sound of Your Name” and album opener “Loud and Clear”. Musically, the band is at their best on the driving “Comeback” and folky “The Haunting”. Lyrically, the band isn’t quite living up to the potential they could be - especially on cliched tracks like “Love/Chapter 13” and the aforementioned “Sound of Your Name”. There’s nothing overtly wrong with the way the songs are written - it’s just that the listener has all heard all of these topics before - and many times before. It’s not all a typical Christian cliche - “Real to Reel” is a fantastic representation of the potential this band possesses to create topics and imagery in a new and visionary way. Overall, Above the Golden State’s self-titled debut is a strong introduction to the band even if it is a bit overdone at this point. They’ve got a fantastic sound that is sure to please fans of catchy pop/rock.
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Well, based on how much airplay that song “sound of your name” is getting, you might find yourself being a little too reserved in your opinion. Already a top 20 new artist that seems to be rising pretty fast on the charts, I don’t think they’ll be a flash in the pan. For a first effort, I think it’s a hit well north of California.