Music Reviews

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Cloudchase is pleasantly pleading, clear and gimmick-free female vocals set to alternative/rock/pop instrumentals. This four-song EP is one of the few dud-free additions to my collection. All I knew was that I liked it! Aside from Plumb or Tiffany Arbuckle, I didn’t know who Cloudchase compared to, so I asked.

A co-worker listened to the CD to let me know who Cloudchase sounds like. She’s lots more up on her mainstream female vocalists, so I figured she’d be a good one. She came back with a report that she’s not really into rock, but “the vocalist sounds a lot like Avril Lavigne –a LOT!” Later, I asked my son for a comparison, and after just a few measures, he snapped, “Avril Lavigne.” I guess those two answers, and my “Best Answer” on a Yahoo.com question, “What Christian artist sounds like Avril Lavigne?”, it’s pretty safe to use her as a comparison. I suggested Plumb and Cloudchase as Christian alternatives to Ms. Lavigne.

My first impressions were good ones. There was no period of letting the artist grow on me. Track one starts with a nice rumbling bass, which instantly grabbed my attention. Then the bass player’s wife began singing and I knew I’d found another favorite. And yes, I like to hear about husband/wife and family teams in ministry.

The message on track one, “Another World”, is about everyone’s God-shaped hole. It’s a nice, relaxed heavy rock with a slight musically-dark flavor. “In the Middle”, the second track lightens up a fair amount. Its message is despite being overwhelmed by depressing earthly news, God can and does help us. The third track, “Mystery”, goes to a lighter pop style. It sings of finding comfort in God’s mystery. Track four, “Here”, acknowledges we’re not really ourselves without God. The style takes on an almost punk, pop sound.

My old boss at work, who I let listen to the CD first, said, after she’d given her comparison, that her favorite track was the first one. I'll agree with that first track assessment, but go on to say all the tracks are chart-worthy on pop or rock charts. So get out there and start requesting Cloudchase on your Christian radio stations! This band really deserves to be heard more.

Always let your music help keep your focus on Jesus!

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