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| REVIEWS |
Identity
Hope and a Future
(self
released)
It is strange to think that faith has become a commodity deemed
difficult to sell. From popular artists and musicians having
to deny their beliefs or denounce it as a driving part of their
craft, it is about as distressing as the apparent attempt at
etching the word ‘God’ out of popular American culture.
Why is it so many fear this? Catering to those who do not follow
a specific religion isn’t a problem, but to deny those
who do in moderate circumstances is beyond ridiculous. It is
however a two-sided coin – those who strongly follow such
creed often find music with, how we say, “less pure”
influences as unacceptable and in turn, chastise these musicians
as being vendors of the devil’s work. There really is
no give with this sort of thinking; and the loop of silly argument
is endless.
Most of your diehard religious music (as in found in the “Religious”
section) is often conceived as “hokey.” It’s
understandable; some of the zealous lyricism and overtly preachy
tone is an easy turn-off. No one wants to be told what to think,
certainly not judged by the beliefs of others. This is perhaps
why it is such a difficult genre to sell – America’s
giant melting pot just won’t allow it. Ohio’s Identity
does nothing to hide their Christianity; and from this six-song
release, it is clear that their faith plays an important part
of their music, at least lyrically. They spend most of their
words dealing with the personal topics of being Christians (“Make
my joy infectious / help others to see / that you are alive
and living in me”), but do so in a more uplifting, solidifying
manner instead of sermonizing specifics and values. The sense
of spirituality and wellness is the overwhelming quality in
their work; and the feelings are genuine. From the adult-contemporary
pop balladeering of “You’re My Rock” to the
rock pastiche that is “Easy”, this female-led troupe
make well on this short release, just grazing the lines of cheesiness.
The track “Little Jack Horner” is worth an extra
mention however, easily reminiscent of Save Ferris’ pop/rock
flair – the outings most accessible and fresh effort.
Perhaps there is too much fuss about faith in music –
sometimes it’s just nice to hear an elevating tone behind
the sounds, no matter what genre it happens to be. And in a
sense, while their music may be grossly unhip, Identity is just
simply put: nice.
Reviewed by
Billy Maulana
February 11th, 2004 |
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