Brave Saint Saturn features members from Five Iron Frenzy and began as the side project of FIF frontman Reese Roper. This is their second release.
Brave Saint Saturn has often been claimed to be the "darker side of Five Iron Frenzy" and for the most part, that is true. BSS, through Roper's lyrics explore themes that, while present on many a FIF record, come through much more prominently on this album. Thematically, this record touches on feelings of loss, the darker sides of love, and conveys a general sense of melancholy. Through this, there is a continual emphasis on the spiritual, the sacred, the Christian faith. Refreshingly, BSS purports their Christian message without resorting to cliche and they should be credited.
Musically, despite press which has lauded BSS for exploring a "new" musical genre called "astro-rock" this album is not all that original. Where their last album, "So Far From Home," seemed fresh and unexpected from members of FIF, "The Light of Things Hoped For" feels repetitive. Moreover, the idea of "space rock" is probably nearly as old as rock and roll itself; for more "underground" types, the memory of Man or Astroman? has lingered long to keep BSS from receiving credit as the creators/founders of "astro rock."
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Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by John WilsonFive Iron Frenzy is disbanding after this year's touring, so it's good to see that Brave Saint Saturn, the side project of Frenzy members Dennis Culp, Reese Roper, Keith Hoerig, and Andrew Verdecchio is still going strong. With the release of sophomore project The Light of Things Hoped For, BS2 shows growth while still staying close to the formula that made their debut, So Far From Home, somewhat…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Olin JenkinsAfter a near three-year absence, the side project from Five Iron Frenzy's Dennis Culp, Keith Hoerig, Reese Roper and Andrew Verdecchio continues the Brave Saint Saturn ventures across the galaxy in The Light of Things Hoped For. This time around, the sound and lyrics appear to be a bit more universal (pun intended), and I hope the band continues to work together -- and work together more closely…Similar sounding releases
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