Best New Artists of 2007
Twelve newcomers whose debut albums left a lasting impression on us, and who we'll look forward to hearing for years to come.
by Compiled by Andy Argyrakis and Russ Breimeier | posted 1/01/2007
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It speaks well of the new artists that debuted this past year considering that we've never wrestled as much in selecting our favorites among them. Of course, that also speaks well of the future of Christian music when there are so many talented new artists emerging on the scene. So after much consideration, here are the twelve best new artists of 2007, listed alphabetically.
Between the Trees
The Story and the Song (Bonded Records/EMI)
The Killers, Anberlin, Interpol, Mae, Franz Ferdinand … we could go on all day listing modern rock acts influenced by the '80s alternative sound of The Cure, The Smiths, and New Order. But Between the Trees impresses with their much buzzed about debut as a young band already on par with their contemporaries. In fact, the quintet from Orlando, Florida, goes one step further by relying on keyboards (not just retro synthesizers) as much as guitars. Melodic hooks help vary their sound from song to song—a rarity among similar styled bands today. All this could help explain why they've gained mainstream credibility through high profile tours like Bamboozle and Warped. Best of all, Between the Trees avoids overly oblique lyricism, maintaining a successful balance of real issues and faith. The trio of "The Way She Feels," "A Time for Yohe," and "You Cry a Tear to Start a River" provides an unflinching look at the issue of cutting, written with boldness and sensitivity. It's this kind of smartly uplifting songwriting that makes this band both relatable and authentic.
Click here for the original review.
View the artist page.
Mike Farris
Salvation in Lights (INO Records)
Mike Farris
is no rookie, having bounced around the music scene since the early '90s. After overcoming a longtime drug addiction, the rock veteran is now making a lasting impression with this uplifting offering of thanks to his Lord and Savior. As the music industry grows increasingly niche-driven, there's something special about the way Salvation in Lights spans genres. Both classic and contemporary in feel, the album is equal parts New Orleans and Memphis with a jubilant blend of gospel, blues, and soul reminiscent of Eric Clapton, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Bob Dylan's gospel-blues period. And lest you get the impression that Salvation is nothing but cover songs, Farris contributes five tracks of his own; "Streets of Galilee," "The Lonely Road," and "Devil Don't Sleep" stack up admirably against standards like "Oh Mary Don't You Weep," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," and "Take Me (I'll Take You There)." This guy has always been an impressive singer, but now that he's truly found his voice (stylistically speaking), we're hoping this disc represents the start of a long string of neo-gospel-blues projects.
Click here for the original review.
View the artist page.
Grey Holiday
The Glorious Revolution (Essential Records)
Pounding rhythms and electronic touches propel the Brit rock of Glorious, and thus the world was introduced to Grey Holiday. With an approachable and melodic pop/rock style reminiscent of Ruth (maybe too much so), the band sounds more confident and experienced than they really are—two of them never picked up an instrument before joining. There's some solid songwriting, too, based on the six cuts heard on this EP, a throwback to the energetic Christian rock bands that made their debut in the mid-to-late '90s. "Let Go" challenges us to yield control of our lives to the Lord, and "Where You Want Me" is a cry for us to accept life on God's terms. And thanks to Essential's marketing campaign, the disc is packed with bonus features that allow the listener to get to know the band better. The Glorious Revolution is not a perfect album, but it is a near-perfect introduction for a promising band that leaves us wanting more as they prepare their next release for 2008.
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