After forming in grade 10, winning a Best Band contest beating out 75 other hopeful groups, and with three previous indie releases under their belts, Ohio-based Sanctus Real released their debut album Say It Loud (under Sparrow Records), gaining immediate raving acclaim. And it's no wonder why…this album is full of rocking ear candy from beginning to end!
Sanctus Real is made up of Matt Hammitt (vocals, guitar), Chris Rohman (lead guitar), Steve Goodrum (bass) and Mark Graalman (drums) - four guys who have proven they know how to make good music with a positive and mature message. Though the immediate draw to the album is the attention-grabbing music, there is, especially, a wonderful message that is clearly presented through the band's inspiring, open, and honest lyrics; which give a clear picture of the faith and passion for Christ - and the enthusiasm to share His word to others - that these guys obviously possess. And though the songs are personal in creation, anyone can connect to them, which is a great quality always sought after in any band.
Kicking off the album with the guitar-driven, drum slamming, "Sink or Swim," the pace is set and the characteristic style of the band is shown, sure to hook you immediately. A majority of the album is, in fact, this heavy guitar-based, percussive, all around explosive sound - heard through songs such as "Captain's Chair," "Inspiration," "Audience Of One," "The Way I Feel," "Nothing To Lose," and "After Today."
Their first, and already eminent single, "Say It Loud," is a perfect example of their distinctive style. Through the fast pace, aggressive guitar and drum work, and strong (though quite melodious) vocals, this song notes the attractive characteristics the fans and media alike have very quickly come to love!
"All I Want" is another impressive song that really shows the depth to this band's lyrical talent. The song is about their "hearts desire to see people turn to the love of Christ… a cry out to non-believers to soften their hearts and accept the [same] love and peace that God has for them."
There's also "Won't Walk Away." A song that, at first listen, is distracting through its vigorous guitar work, but once looked at deeper is recognized as a song about God's overwhelming faithfulness to His children.
Mixed in throughout these louder tunes are a couple of slower songs, such as "Hey Wait," "I Love You," and the closing "After Today." Though they are not as energetic, they're still noteworthy parts of the album that really add to the overall creative flow of it.
In fact, because the songs are slower and a bit easier to listen to, the lyrical content really shines through them as well. Like "I Love You," which is a beautiful song that is, in essence, a praise-filled love song to Christ, that is wonderful to just kick back and meditate on. Or "Hey Wait," which was written to show how much God calls His children to Him, and how much we need Him amidst heartache and hurt to find peace in Him. Again, these are songs that are personal in creation… but a wonderful example of something anyone can relate to in their own lives.
Overall, Say It Loud is simply an amazing album. It's got all the factors that one looks for in a band - great style, talent, lyrics, connection and sheer enjoyment to listen to. These are four guys having fun, obviously doing what they love to do - and in the meantime are presenting the gospel in a way most teens today can most easily relate to.
I highly recommend this album to any Christian music fan out there. You won't be disappointed!
