Music Review: Abandon-Control

The Christian group Abandon, who signed onto ForeFront Records in late 2007, just recently released a new album. Control, the band's sophomore album, hit iTunes on April 19, 2011. The new band has enjoyed much popularity, in and out of Christian circles. Their new album is packed with incredible songs from start to finish; from track 1 to track 13. The band's sound has been compared to the group The Killers. How true this is, I can't really say, because I haven't heard much from that band. One thing I can say is how much I love this album. By now, you're probably wondering why. Well, let me tell you.

The album Control has a contemporary, clean sound to it. Not a lot of heavy sounds, but plenty of upbeat synthesizer mixes. It's a sound that just about anyone can enjoy. Let me give a little breakdown:

Guitar: Light, clean; few effects.

Bass: Often prominent, impressive.

Drums: Relatively simple beats, nice sound.

Synthesizer: Light, clean; prominent; well-put together.

Vocals: Very nice leads; good backgrounds; nice harmonies.

All these instruments come together to form a good sound reminiscent of your favorite alternative-type band. Definitely a good sound. It all works very well together.

The songs as individuals are impressive. Each song is a hit, and I enjoy every one. The best, by far, is Feel It In Your Heart. An upbeat call for us to mean what we say and say what we mean, and feel our commitment to God in the depths of our heart.

Other favorites are, in chronological order, Live It Out, S.O.S, Your Love Goes On, and New Year's Day. All these songs infuse alternative-type rock with positive lyrics urging us to be closer to God. That definitely seems to be the overall theme of this record; repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual closure with our Lord. I find it inspiring as well as fun. Definitely worth listening to. Why not give it a listen?

~Ian James~