In Fireflight’s new album, the band proves that real power doesn’t require bionic limbs — just faith.
The title track from “Unbreakable” has hit No. 1 on the Christian rock radio charts — no doubt aided by exposure it received when it was used to promote NBC’s “Bionic Woman” in November.
In the single, vocalist Dawn Richardson sings about standing against the forces assailing her, strongly declaring: “No one can touch me. Nothing can stop me.”
It’s a theme that carries throughout the Orlando, Fla.-based band’s sophomore release.
“I’m thinking about the overall theme of the album and the one word that really encompasses it is the word ‘triumph,’” Richardson said before a trip to Germany in December. “I feel like these songs are songs about conquering, not only struggling with what you have going on but overcoming it, and being the victor over the things that have ruled you.”
Another great rocker is the hope-filled “You Gave Me a Promise,” which resolutely declares trust in God although “waves are crashing down on me.” Once again Richardson’s penetrating vocals energize the song. Similar struggles are highlighted in several other tracks. The upbeat “Brand New Day,” which describes moving beyond depression. “Forever” mixes pleas and praise for God amid loneliness.
“Unbreakable” offers deeper lyrics and richer music than the band’s excellent debut album, “The Healing of Harms.”
“We felt like we kept the same sound but I think the music has just matured,” Richardson said. “There are a lot more levels to it and a lot more going on in each of the songs.”
One of the best examples of this is the closing track, “Wrapped In Your Arms.” In this ballad, Richardson softly sings of the comfort and confidence of being connected to God.
Such messages flow from the band’s own experiences, Richardson said.
“We feel the reason that we have the energy and strength to continue down this path is because we feel that God has empowered us,” she said. “Most of all we believe that God loves everyone so much and we want everyone to feel that love as well.”
On the Web: www.fireflightrock.com
Stellar KartWith so much pop and punk-pop cropping up this season, it might seem impossible that there’s more out there. But now there’s Stellar Kart’s “Expect the Impossible.”
The band’s third studio album opens with relentlessly upbeat tunes like “Innocent,” which expresses a desire to regain lost innocence, and “Automatic,” which explains how God wants relationships, not robots. They’re not terribly deep, but they are catchy.
The album is best when it offers a bit more complexity. “Pray” explores prayer, hope and change and gets a bit deeper lyrically and richer musically, even introducing strings into the mix. That’s followed by “Shine Like the Stars,” which calls young believers to match their actions with their beliefs. This aggressive rocker points out “compromise only satisfies the dying part of you.” The ballad “Letters” speaks of separation and hope — offering hints at a military connection.
Overall, Stella Kart offers a bit of insight and a lot of fun. I can see it as the soundtrack to plenty of youth events this spring.
On the Web: www.stellarkart.com
Today’s Praise is a roundup of news and reviews from the contemporary Christian music industry.
