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| ><> CMR Album Review <>< |
'Article One'
[Release Date: May 8, 2007] (Inpop Records)
Track Listing
1. Slow Down
2. Say It Again
3. In No Time At All
4. Hold Onto Me
5. Heaven Let Me Know
6. Still At A Green
7. So Many Ways To Say Goodbye
8. Walls
1. Slow Down
2. Say It Again
3. In No Time At All
4. Hold Onto Me
5. Heaven Let Me Know
6. Still At A Green
7. So Many Ways To Say Goodbye
8. Walls
| 3.8 |
| 2.8 |
| 2.0 |
| 0.8 |
| 9.4 |
| 94% A |
| ><> Review Written By: Jay Heilman (jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org) <>< ><> Date Written: May 21, 2007 <>< |
| [ Main Review ] |
| [ Writer's Closing Thoughts ] |
| Not Available. |
2007 marks a year of many new faces to the Christian pop-rock scene. 33 Miles, Jackson
Waters, Rush Of Fools & Echoing Angels are a few others to join the industry along with
Canadian pop-rockers, Article One. The band consists of three guys from London,
Ontario, Canada. Brothers Nathan (Vocals, Guitars, Keys) & Matt Piche (Vocals, Violin)
and drummer Dave DeSmit. The band came together in 2003, released a 5-song EP
shortly thereafter and found them selves touring with The Elms in late 2004.
I took a look at their name and wondered what did the name Article One mean? According
to Nathan, the guys were attending a U2 concert, and inspired by a speech U2 lead singer
Bono had brought during the show, the band’s name was conceived. Article I, comes from
the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ which states “All human beings are born free
and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should
act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” The band has said that Bono and U2
are one of their musical influences, so it seems to fit what the band wanted to set forth in
their music. Nathan continues to say that it is directly related to what Jesus called us to do
in Mark 12:31, which says “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Musically, Article One’s debut album is a tad different then the other pop-rock debuts of
2007. Something different about the group’s debut, to me definitely was the addition of the
violin. Matt Piche’s skills on the violin line-up pretty well with the music, in comparison
along side another great Christian violinist, Todd Agnew’s Jonathan Chu. I have to be
honest, at first listen to the album, I thought “Oh no, not another pop band”. Sorry guys, I’
m just not that big into the pop bands as I used to be. But one thing I can say is, that the
music from Article One comes across as somewhat fresh. So that was a major plus. In
Christian music, there seems to be so many musicians that sound like someone else,
which comes across as more ‘plain and cliché’ then interesting.
Lyrically, the album is pretty sound. Nathan says that although one of their musical
influences is U2, he says that “While I don’t think U2’s sound comes across in our music, I’
ve always been drawn to Bono’s lyrics,” Nathan shares. “He’s not afraid to talk about what
is on his mind. And I’ve always loved The Beatles, ever since I was little. Their music was
accessible yet clever, and I love their harmonies. All of those were things we wanted to
incorporate in our music, too.”
The first track on the album, “Slow Down” brings out an important thing to remember. Are
you going somewhere in your life in the time period and the will that the Lord intended for
you? Nathan explains “comes from seeing numerous bands spend years trying to make it
big, while getting nowhere, often because they never realize their own limitations… It’s
okay to dream big, but ask God to lead you through life. If you’re doing something and it’s
going nowhere, make sure you believe that God wants you there!” I think this is a pretty
good view. Being on the ‘other side of the fence’ along side the artists, I sometimes sense
that some may not seek the Lord’s guidance or His will. Only what they want. These are
the groups that are here today, and gone tomorrow. In the song “In No Time At All”, the
band touches on another subject that many may find their selves thinking about. Living life
day to day, appreciating what the Lord has done for us. One event can change
everything. The chorus says “In no time at all the world could fall to pieces / In no time at
all our lives could come apart / We never know where life will take us / Be ready don't hide
your heart”. I think even as Christians we take things for granted. Thinking we have all
the time in the world. But once we humble ourselves, we then realize that we are not
promised tomorrow. The bottom-line, don’t leave things undone and appreciate the day at
hand. The message of “Hold Onto Me”, Nathan credits as being inspired by the popular
poem, ‘Footprints in the Sand’. This very poem has had a profound effect on me, as well
as others I know. It’s those times in life where we go through trials and tribulations, where
it appears that there is only one pair of footprints behind you. But the Lord reminds us,
that with our faith and trust put in Him, He reminds us that during those times of trouble, “it
was then that I carried you”. It’s hard to realize that at times, but it’s true. “Heaven Let Me
Know” and “Still At A Green” hover around remembering to ask God to guide our paths
and direction in life. Remember Proverbs 3:5 & 6?
I guess I can say that I need to be a little more open to the rock-pop bands now. Article
One definitely broke me out of the stereotypical thought process I have seemed to be in
lately. It reminded me as to why I even do Christian Music Review to begin with. Focusing
more on the music was not something that I wanted to do. Message to me is more
important, and whether the artists are pop, rock, rap or Southern Gospel, I needed to
remember that. Lyrically and musically, Article One’s debut album delivers what it intends.
To guide those who are may struggling with letting the Lord take over and guide your life.
While not an easy-listening CD, the pop rock, violin-laced music will keep your attention. I
enjoyed the record and wish the band a future full of promise and blessings. The writing
and soulful vocals of Nathan Piche, accompanied by the talents of brother Matt and Dave
DeSmit are sure to keep Article One in the top bands to watch in 2007.
Waters, Rush Of Fools & Echoing Angels are a few others to join the industry along with
Canadian pop-rockers, Article One. The band consists of three guys from London,
Ontario, Canada. Brothers Nathan (Vocals, Guitars, Keys) & Matt Piche (Vocals, Violin)
and drummer Dave DeSmit. The band came together in 2003, released a 5-song EP
shortly thereafter and found them selves touring with The Elms in late 2004.
I took a look at their name and wondered what did the name Article One mean? According
to Nathan, the guys were attending a U2 concert, and inspired by a speech U2 lead singer
Bono had brought during the show, the band’s name was conceived. Article I, comes from
the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ which states “All human beings are born free
and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should
act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” The band has said that Bono and U2
are one of their musical influences, so it seems to fit what the band wanted to set forth in
their music. Nathan continues to say that it is directly related to what Jesus called us to do
in Mark 12:31, which says “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Musically, Article One’s debut album is a tad different then the other pop-rock debuts of
2007. Something different about the group’s debut, to me definitely was the addition of the
violin. Matt Piche’s skills on the violin line-up pretty well with the music, in comparison
along side another great Christian violinist, Todd Agnew’s Jonathan Chu. I have to be
honest, at first listen to the album, I thought “Oh no, not another pop band”. Sorry guys, I’
m just not that big into the pop bands as I used to be. But one thing I can say is, that the
music from Article One comes across as somewhat fresh. So that was a major plus. In
Christian music, there seems to be so many musicians that sound like someone else,
which comes across as more ‘plain and cliché’ then interesting.
Lyrically, the album is pretty sound. Nathan says that although one of their musical
influences is U2, he says that “While I don’t think U2’s sound comes across in our music, I’
ve always been drawn to Bono’s lyrics,” Nathan shares. “He’s not afraid to talk about what
is on his mind. And I’ve always loved The Beatles, ever since I was little. Their music was
accessible yet clever, and I love their harmonies. All of those were things we wanted to
incorporate in our music, too.”
The first track on the album, “Slow Down” brings out an important thing to remember. Are
you going somewhere in your life in the time period and the will that the Lord intended for
you? Nathan explains “comes from seeing numerous bands spend years trying to make it
big, while getting nowhere, often because they never realize their own limitations… It’s
okay to dream big, but ask God to lead you through life. If you’re doing something and it’s
going nowhere, make sure you believe that God wants you there!” I think this is a pretty
good view. Being on the ‘other side of the fence’ along side the artists, I sometimes sense
that some may not seek the Lord’s guidance or His will. Only what they want. These are
the groups that are here today, and gone tomorrow. In the song “In No Time At All”, the
band touches on another subject that many may find their selves thinking about. Living life
day to day, appreciating what the Lord has done for us. One event can change
everything. The chorus says “In no time at all the world could fall to pieces / In no time at
all our lives could come apart / We never know where life will take us / Be ready don't hide
your heart”. I think even as Christians we take things for granted. Thinking we have all
the time in the world. But once we humble ourselves, we then realize that we are not
promised tomorrow. The bottom-line, don’t leave things undone and appreciate the day at
hand. The message of “Hold Onto Me”, Nathan credits as being inspired by the popular
poem, ‘Footprints in the Sand’. This very poem has had a profound effect on me, as well
as others I know. It’s those times in life where we go through trials and tribulations, where
it appears that there is only one pair of footprints behind you. But the Lord reminds us,
that with our faith and trust put in Him, He reminds us that during those times of trouble, “it
was then that I carried you”. It’s hard to realize that at times, but it’s true. “Heaven Let Me
Know” and “Still At A Green” hover around remembering to ask God to guide our paths
and direction in life. Remember Proverbs 3:5 & 6?
I guess I can say that I need to be a little more open to the rock-pop bands now. Article
One definitely broke me out of the stereotypical thought process I have seemed to be in
lately. It reminded me as to why I even do Christian Music Review to begin with. Focusing
more on the music was not something that I wanted to do. Message to me is more
important, and whether the artists are pop, rock, rap or Southern Gospel, I needed to
remember that. Lyrically and musically, Article One’s debut album delivers what it intends.
To guide those who are may struggling with letting the Lord take over and guide your life.
While not an easy-listening CD, the pop rock, violin-laced music will keep your attention. I
enjoyed the record and wish the band a future full of promise and blessings. The writing
and soulful vocals of Nathan Piche, accompanied by the talents of brother Matt and Dave
DeSmit are sure to keep Article One in the top bands to watch in 2007.
9. Dream October
10. Run (Shattered and Twisted)
11. Confetti Smile
