Having become something of a fixture on the live scene, As If...'s debut, Forget Me Not, garnered them some acclaim and worldwide radio play but didn't quite break them through to the top of the UK Christian music scene. This follow-up aimed for a slightly more commercial sound while maintaining their distinctive techno-pop-rock sound.
Phil Heard's percussion is supplemented by quite a selection of electronic drums. I'm not quite sure what to make of them. They differ from most recent releases, tending more towards the synth-pop end of things than the current dance scene. They are augmented by spacey keyboard sounds, guitar, bass, and a metal detector. The vocals are very flexible and are mainly delivered by Phil Goss, with some help from guest backing vocalist Nancy Sawyer. The group is officially a three-piece, with Goss playing guitars and keyboards and producing the album, Phil Heard on drums and percussion, and Steve Rothwell on bass.
Lyrically, the album is simple and direct; those looking for lyrics steeped in metaphor or poetic twists will be disappointed. There is a little interesting imagery, and unfortunately, a few couplets were misjudged, but if it's direct evangelism or exhortation that's wanted, it's here aplenty.
And now it's come to this
I don't know what's happening
I see my friends and loved ones ascend in the clouds
You can take all my money
Just someone get me out of here
God help me...
(from "Area 51")
The overall result varies in its success. "Detection of Metal Substances" is creative in its use of atmosphere, and along with the eastern sounding introduction to "Backwards," it is one of the highlights for me. I was also impressed by the backing vocals of Nancy Sawyer, whose harmony with Goss on "How I Feel" is nicely carried out. With those who enjoy this style of music I expect this to be a success, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear complaints from those outside of the scene that parts sound a little dated.
As If... can be an impressive live act and this album is sure to please their growing fanbase and help it develop further. I don't think this will be the album to break through, but it's a pleasant listen.
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinOn their second proper album and follow-up to 1995's Flame EP and 1996's Forget Me Not, As If... have blended sounds both old and new to create a brand of music rarely heard in the CCM community. Their experimental techno-pop-rock sweeps the spectrum from near rave-styled songs to more commonly accessible electronica rock hybrids. They are at their best with the latter. Actually, their songs are…Similar sounding releases
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