Customer Reviews

Falling

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Atlanta-based trio Seven Stories Up exists for one reason: to proclaim the message of hope and restoration in Jesus Christ. Lead singer Andy Rocker states, "It's not about us; it's not really about the music...[We've] been given a message..." This mindset shows on their 6-song EP debut, where the lyrics are blatantly worshipful, and layered atop catchy, albeit mostly generic, pop/rock tunes. The result is a solid, enjoyable collection, but likely not one that will stand out from the crowd of CCM bands churning out "worship rock."

"My King" begins lyrically exactly where you would expect given Rocker's above quote. As he sings, "I give my life for you. My all, my world for You. May it crumble in the hands of the great I Am." If Switchfoot were less subtle in their lyrics, this might be the result. "Taking Over" follows, where a very bland pre-chorus leads into probably the catchiest choruses on the EP.

The piano-driven "Hallelujah" was probably my favorite, and it would likely sound great sung congregationally. The piano riff is combined very well with guitars that sound somewhat inspired by a band like Angels and Airwaves, building to a driving chorus. Subtle strings are added towards the end while Rocker sings of Jesus' imminent return to earth. This is a very solid worship song.

The rest of the songs on the EP are mostly forgettable, with your standard variety worship lyrics, formulaic song structures (with some catchy hooks), and mostly generic pop/rock sound. Shifting between sounding like Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, Leeland, and others, Seven Stories Up really hasn't crafted a sound of their own. They have a knack for writing catchy, easy-to-sing songs that would mostly work well in congregational settings, but you get the feeling there is untapped potential here. It just feels like they are capable of more than a generic sound, and the lyrics, though unabashedly praising Christ, are less than spectacular.

Honestly, it comes across as though they were trying so hard to present the message of Christ, that they haven't yet developed a musical identity as a band. They've just borrowed bits and pieces that seem to work for others. I'm not against bands deciding their music will be a conduit for a message, but when the music is lacking, the message gets muddled as well, not to mention potentially ignored.

It's hard to get a full picture of a band from an EP, but the potential is there for these guys. Hopefully, they will get the chance to put out a full length project, and will take the opportunity to stretch themselves a little more. They've played it a little safe on this EP.

What the CD may lack in tracks, it picks up in wonderful quality content! I got a chance to see the band live this past weekend and immediately picked up the CD for my family! The music mixes the best of rock and worship in one tight package!
If you are into secular music I would compare their sound to the Plain White T's. They present a good strong message while not feeling pushed or contrived.

Their song "Falling" has immediately become a family favorite and my 5 year old sang the song through much of the weekend after his initial listen.