On the surface, BraveSaintSaturn appears to be Keith Hoerig, Reese Roper and Dennis Culp's best chance at rocketing light years away from their day job band, Five Iron Frenzy. Let's face it, the whole ska-core genre can be quite limiting, musically speaking. Nevertheless - though this semi-conceptual album isn't infused with happy-feet-beats, like most FIF material - the lion's share of its songs are from the easily recognizable pen of Roper. "Under Bridges," for example, is a vehicle for his socially conscious side, "Independence Day" is another boyfriend/girlfriend breakup song and "Shadow Of Def" (featuring a fun bit of rapping by 5MW head Frank Tate) showcases an always-present sense of humor. Even though these three space cadets are dressed in NASA travel garb, only a few of these songs actually address otherworldly travel directly, including "Space Robot 5" (which adds a spiritual element to David Bowie's song "Space Oddity") and a remake of Michael W. Smith's "Rocketown" (appropriate in this context).
There's more programming and keyboards on this release than you're likely to hear on any FIF project, but for the most part, these guys stick to earthy rock 'n' roll. While the creativity on this album doesn't quite reach to infinity and beyond, the large amount of talent fueling its engines ensures sky-high flight most of the time.
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksBrave Saint Saturn's So Far From Home is one of the most interesting and provocative albums I've heard in a while. Perhaps it's because Brave Saint Saturn isn't bound by the usual responsibilities that hinder artists--namely the need to be successful. Brave Saint Saturn is a side project from three members of Five Iron Frenzy, Reese Roper, Dennis Culp, and Keith Hoerig. Perhaps the fact that…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Amy SondovaRaw emotion, an eclectic musical mix, and cutting lyrics all come together to make "Brave Saint Saturn" a shockingly stellar album. Produced by mixmaster Masaki Liu, who produced all of FIF's albums, BSS could easily be one of the most standout albums of the year. Chief songwriter and lead singer Reese Roper tackles tough issues that Christian music has overlooked. "Under Bridges" is a song about…Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by James M. BranumMay 2000 - Exitzine.com Album of the Month A couple of nights ago, I went to pop in this CD, only to realize it was missing. Though I had only had it a week, I thought I would go crazy if I couldn't find it. I went downstairs and searched my car thinking it might have fallen out of my CD box. I searched the living room, my bedroom, and even the bathroom in desperation. Terror, horrible terror…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerThere are probably a lot of expectations for Brave Saint Saturn, Reese Roper, Keith Hoerig and Dennis Culp's side project. Those who are familiar with Roper and Culp from the popular Christian ska band Five Iron Frenzy may be expecting a sound similar to that band, with upbeat chords and horns. Consumers who see the album cover and the band's name in the store may think of space-rock in the vein…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Chelsea LewisWhen Five Iron Frenzy's lead singer and lyricist Reese Roper started writing songs that didn't fit the usual Five Iron music style, Brave Saint Saturn was born. The side project was created by Roper as an outlet for his thoughts on subjects he thought too dark and emotional for Five Iron Frenzy. The songs deal with tragedy, sorrow, and the hardships of the world. His Five Iron Frenzy band mates…Similar sounding releases
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