While the neatly trimmed BGV's remind me of the band's Southern pop past, this record, appropriately titled Amplifier, displays a harder side to the music of BTR. Imagine the band in recent years, with hands and faces pressed against the classroom window, longing to get out and play in the sun; longing to rock. Though the complete package stays on the safer side of the playground, school is certainly out. Steve Wiggins' voice can take on an edge when he wants it to, making me wish he'd done this all along. Just listen to "Real Thing," which is heavier than anything you've ever heard from this band. Also enjoyable is "Rivalry," which confronts some fans' promoting a competitive attitude between the individual ministries of Christian bands. The lyrics state, "Call it crazy, call it pride. I like to think we're on the same side."
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Janet FriesenFor several months the guys of Big Tent Revival have been saying that their new project, Amplifier, would really "RAWK!" And they do not disappoint! Since the success of their song "What Would Jesus Do" (from the compilation of the same name) and four previous hit songs from the album Open All Nite, the band seems more confident and willing to stretch. Amplifier is a more mature and well-rounded…Similar sounding releases
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