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More than eight years ago, a label by the name of Vertical Shift Records formed with one goal in mind, to uplift and honor the kingdom of God through modern, contemporary, and sometimes electric guitar savvy praise and worship music. Some of their earliest signings have included Lincoln Brewster, David Prosch, and even former Maranatha worship leader Darrell Evans when he ventured out as a solo artist. Lately, Vertical Shift has gone the extra mile by looking for and signing more rock driven bands who still share a deep passion for praise and worship. Indie alternative act Ever Stays Red is one of the label’s newest signings and one of the more critically acclaimed rock worship bands of 2008.
Following two previous independent releases (I’ll Tell the World and These Words Become Us), Ever Stays Red has finally received their big break and have released their major label debut “On the Brink of it all.” Having garnered critical acclaim from Billboard Magazine, producer Ken Mary, and even Chris Rohman from the band Sanctus Real, ESR is one band worth lending an ear to. There is plenty to love about “On the Brink of It All,” easy sing-a-long choruses, tight melodies, and crisp and clean vocals to round out the album as a whole. Frontman Dustin Carlton has unique vocals that at times draw comparisons to David Crowder, but still remains a stand out amongst other worship oriented artists. Highlights include the smooth uptempo feel of the title track, the Run Kid Run-esque vibe of “Love So Loud,” and the more aggressive “Run.”
Not to be left out are the band’s lighter moments as “Bright Eyes” is a gentle ballad that should make fans of Audio Adrenaline smile and speaks of finding one’s true identity and living life as God meant it to be. Another mellow track is “Look to the Hills,” a song about redemption through grace and faith. Other stand outs are in the form modern rock driven songs like “To Shine For You” and “Say What You Will,” leaving the listener wanting more by the album’s end following the alternative rock closer “Letters,” which musically might remind one of the band Anberlin.
Nearly a worshipful rock masterpiece from start to end, Ever Stays Red have arrived on the Christian music scene at the right time where bands like David Crowder, Casting Crowns, and MercyMe continue to dominate the CCM music charts. These Mesa natives may have only been around for a few years, but with “On the Brink of it All,” they show that their melting pot of sonic rhythms and heart-felt harmonies are just the beginning of what could be a long standing career for the band. Ever Stays Red is undoubtedly one band to keep an eye out for within the coming years.
| Production | 9 | | Lyrics | 9 | | Message | 10 | | Overall Quality
9 |
Release Date: March 11, 2008
Label: VSR Music Group
Track Listing
1. Rocks and Reeds
2. On the Brink of it All
3. To Shine for You
4. Can't Explain
5. Run
6. Love So Loud
7. Bright Eyes
8. Life in the Fire
9. Glorious
10. Say What You Will
11. Look to the Hills
12. Letters
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