“With You”
Anchor Worship
(Dream Records)
The early Protestant missionaries brought Christian music to Hawaii almost 200 years ago. Traditional Christian music addresses mankind. “Amazing Grace” tells how the amazing grace of Jesus Christ “saved a wretch like me.” “Crying in the Chapel” sets forth the singer’s faith and invites the listener to also “get down on your knees and pray.”
The modern Christian genre of “praise songs,” represented in first-rate form here by Anchor Worship, departs from that tradition but is no less heartfelt. In a typical “praise song” the writer/singer is addressing Jesus rather than other mortals, and telling Jesus how wonderful Jesus is. From a lyric perspective, that can make praise songs akin to eavesdropping on someone else’s conversation. However, when set to music that is written and arranged with the depth and imagination of Anchor Worship, they create a glorious listening experience.
Singer/musicians Trevor and Tait Ferge are Anchor Worship’s primary songwriters and vocalists. Their work arcs impressively through several styles of contemporary music. Singer/writer Sabrina Coulson is the featured voice on “Heart Cry Out,” a stirring anthem that departs from the “praise song” format; she’s speaking to us about Jesus’ greatness rather than telling Him about it.
Christians do not make Christian music for the purpose of winning secular awards, but “With You” is worthy of consideration for a Hoku Award in 2017.
Visit myanchor.church/withyou.
“Broken Promises”
82Fifty
(Lab Munkeez Records)
82Fifty’s second album didn’t win the 2016 Hoku Award for Rock Album — Stuart Hollinger won the category for the second time — but the quartet’s performance during the live telecast should certainly give them an edge next time. In the meantime their heightened visibility will rekindle interest in this one.
The quartet — Jessie Campania (lead vocals, guitar), Ryan Dela Cruz (bass), Zach Manzano (lead guitar, vocals) and Max Paguio (drums) — play solid original rock. Several songs incorporate Afro-Caribbean rhythms. On one or two others the guys slip in melodic nods to other artists. They are also adept lyricists; “Songs About You” will speak for many men, young and old alike.
Many genres of modern rock aren’t known for whimsy or playfulness, but 82Fifty incorporates elements of both in “Rain.” Getting caught outside as the rain is falling hasn’t sounded this therapeutic in a long time! Reggae-style rhythms percolate through “Runaway,” an original that’s no kin at all to Del Shannon’s musical signature, and also in “No No No.” The latter turns out to be positive and celebratory despite its title.
82Fifty’s first album, “Take a Chance and Let the Music Play,” was a finalist for Rock Album in 2008. Now they’ve been “close but no cigar” twice. Their third album should get them to the podium.
Visit 82fifty.com.
