Sounds like … Ben Folds crossed with the alternative worship musings of Phil Wickham and the classic song craftsmanship of Rich Mullins

At a glance … one of Canada's rising stars cranks out a magnetic vertical collection, encouraging listeners to consider a life of missions

Through the last seven years, Arthur Wachnik has worn many hats including worship leader, youth worker, missionary and even a professional actor in his home country of Canada. All the while, he was passionate about making music, which he delivers here with fervency, riddled with inspirations from a few of those other fields.

The most prevalent theme comes on tracks like "Praise and Adoration," "Holy," and "Our God Reigns," praises to the purest extent, coupled with skillful word phrasing gleaned from Rich Mullins' poetic playbook. Though it's hard to match Mullins' proficiency, Wachnik comes close, though he could also be considered a piano pop contemporary of Phil Wickham.

While Wachnik's primary focus is worship, he also challenges believers to leave their comfort zones and consider a life of mission work. For those whose circumstances don't allow such a step, songs like "Don't Waste Your Love" call listeners to reach out to the less fortunate among us. Although it's unclear if Wachnik wants to pursue a full-fledged career in Christian music, it sounds like he's found his most fruitful calling.  

More: myspace.com/arthurwachnik

Others worth noting:


Parker Theory
A Reason to Believe
4 Stars

Style: power pop/modern rock; Jimmy Eat World, This Beautiful Republic, Future of Forestry, Switchfoot

In a nutshell: This California act follows in Switchfoot's footsteps with surging power chords, surf-pop sounds and unforgettable melodies that could fill a stadium. From a lyrical perspective, the band ponders the meaning of life in a seeker-friendly manner, but always come to a hopeful, spiritually-anchored conclusion.

More: myspace.com/parkertheory

Lee Williams & the Spiritual QC's
Fall on Me
3.5 Stars

Style: gospel; Blind Boys of Alabama, Al Green, The Canton Spirituals

In a nutshell: Vintage gospel rave-ups and more modernized spirituals are the highlights on this quartet's latest live CD. Though some of the ballads meander, the group gets some serious praise on in the album's more soulful material.

More: spiritualqcs.com

Andi Oakes
Close to Me
3 Stars

Style: adult contemporary; 4HIM, Clay Crosse, Bryan Duncan

In a nutshell: With smooth vocals and breezy beats, Oakes delivers an amiable and comforting listening experience. But he needs more energy and variety if he wants to reach anywhere near the top of the pop crop.

More: andioakes.com


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Christian Music Today's "Indie Spotlight" C/O
Andy Argyrakis
465 Gunderson Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188

Least of These
Our Rating
4 Stars - Excellent
Average Rating
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Release Date
July 7, 2009
Label
CDBY
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