Half Past Forever Take a Chance on Something Beautiful (Brash Music) Released July 2007 reviewed by Christa Banister

Sounds like … pop/rock in the vein of U2, Switchfoot, Daily Planet, dc talk, and at times, The Strokes.

At a glance … while the formula isn't exactly new or complex, many of the catchy songs stand out, as do the vocals of American Idol finalist Chris Sligh.

If you've been watching American Idol this season—c'mon, you know you have—then you're already somewhat familiar with Half Past Forever.

Still not ringing a bell? Well, the mastermind behind the band is none other than Chris Sligh (though he's currently not a member due to the rigors of Idol). You know, the guy who's a dead ringer for Jack Osbourne, with a quick sense of humor and a devoted fan club known as the Fro Patrol?

Before earning reserved praise from testy ol' Simon Cowell and singing covers of Mute Math and dc Talk in recent weeks, the South Carolina-based worship leader and his cohorts—including guitarist Adam Fisher and bassist Cole Edmonson—recorded a stellar debut, Take a Chance on Something Beautiful. Citing the likes of Switchfoot, Mute Math, Bebo Norman, Downhere, The Afters, NeedToBreathe, and a slew of mainstream artists as influences, the band's debut shines with plenty of frenetic energy, catchy songs, and Sligh's diverse vocals, which handle rock as well as worship.

While the project is a little long by today's standards, there's actually not a throwaway in the bunch—from the decidedly optimistic strains of "Waiting" to the clever commentary on modern society in "Hero." Keeping things varied, "In a Moment" slows things down and wouldn't be out of place on Christian radio with its straightforward message of making the most of our lives.

The biggest surprise lies in the varied production, which is especially impressive for an indie band. They go all out with strings on the aforementioned "In a Moment," while faster songs like "Naïve" and "Closer" are reminiscent of The Strokes' latest project, with a more raw, stripped-down indie feel that offers nice contrast to overproduced pop.

Though most of the songs he sings on "Idol" won't have a spiritual message, all of this album's tracks are a reflection of Sligh's faith, something that's been important to him all his life. As a child, the missionary kid wasn't allowed to listen to anything but classical music. But in college he discovered many musical styles that would prove the foundation for The Chris Sligh Band, which later became rechristened Half Past Forever.

Sligh doesn't consider himself a Christian artist in the strictest since, clarifying in a recent interview with GreenvilleOnline.com that he is "a Christian who is an artist…I think ministry is more in relationships." Indeed, and he'll have a chance to build many of those relationships thanks to the exposure he's earned on American Idol.

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Half Past Forever Take a Chance on Something Beautiful (Brash Music) Released July 2007 reviewed by Christa Banister