Review

Hearing the words "Soul Survivor" can conjure up feelings of great expectation and much fond remembrance. Having "USA" tagged on to it gives one pause. What do you mean, "USA"? I mean, Soul Survivor spawning ground for the likes of Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Oakley, even Martin Smith. These are the stuff of legends. I'm afraid the title of the album will bring about these unfair comparisons. The inner fortitude of Ryan Townsend, Jesse Chandler-Dreher, et al, will be sorely tested. Unfortunately for them, they won't yet be able to stand with their UK compatriots. Fortunately for us, they have begun their own legacy.

I'm struck at the ever-shrinking time frame of "generations". Time was when a generation gap existed between people who were about 20 years apart in age. Now, it seems new generations are ushered in every six to eight years. Generation X is turning thirty. What was cutting edge prior to 2000 is now classic rock.

So it is with Soul Survivor USA. While paying homage to their roots with two of Matt Redman's songs, they are unabashedly original in both their content and presentation. The album opens (after a brief prelude) with "This Is Your Song" by Ryan Townsend. Most of today's newest breed of rock worship is led by electric guitars. This song is a good example of both punch and melody. And the theme echoes the cry of a passion for holiness that I find so very refreshing. As a matter of fact, this album continually drives home the ideal of giving up everything for Jesus. "This is your song sung with all my heart. I give up my life, every single part. I give you all my dreams, all my sacred things. Come take all of me".

Next are the two Matt Redman songs, "Show Me the Way of the Cross" and "What I Have Vowed". I honestly wasn't ready for the way "Show Me the Way" developed, especially vocally. It gets very raw. But it is passionate. Both of these songs continue the theme of giving all to Jesus. Great choices! And Jesse's voice is a great complement to Ryan's. He sounds eerily like John Lennon in his solo days. I think the crowning moment of this album is "O How Wonderful". This is another one of Jesse's songs. It's well crafted as a song, and well produced. There's a slide guitar thing going on which grows on me. I also love the drumming. I can't describe it correctly, but there's a timbre to it that is cool. You'll have to hear it.

Next up are two more of Ryan's songs; "God of Miracles" and "Thank You for Saving Me". "Thank You" features Amy Doctorchick on vocals, and having a female lead vocal at this point in the album really hits the mark. I have to say, though, that I wasn't prepared for the next song. "Jesus, How Your Love", written by Jesse, and sung by Rebekah Rossi-Townsend is a risk taking song. It is pure early 80's pop, complete with drum machine and effects. It's a charming song, and it may reach into places that an acoustic guitar won't. The album, as a whole, employs a good deal of effects. I personally don't care so much for it, but, again, I'm about three generations removed!

In all there are ten songs. Not everyone reading this will find songs on the album that can be used in their Sunday service, but, then again, you may find it an excellent resource to have. The album will speak to many out there. God's Church is diverse and it's good to enjoy it. If all the flowers were roses, how would we ever enjoy the hydrangea? And so, just as Matt Redman and Tim Hughes had to put out their first work and build on that, these folks are following the same path. Maybe they'll be the "classic Christian rock worshipers" to the next generation about six years from now!

Review by John Ausmus