Cush

Item: Cush
Author: Kindred Winecoff

(2000)

Reviewed by Kindred Winecoff

Discogs Bandcamp

Label Northern RecordsBandoppler2000

alternative rock dream pop indie rock shoegaze

Earlier this year, the Christian music world went nuts when early reports of the formation of Cush surfaced. A new band featuring members of The Prayer Chain, Mortal, Fold Zandura, Adam Again, Lost Dogs, Honey, Lassie Foundation, and Starflyer 59 with Michael Knott (L.S.U., Aunt Bettys, Bomb Bay Babies, Lifesavors) singing lead vocals. Cush is a veritable superband of alternative and independent Christian artists, and their debut full length on Northern Records, run by Mikee Bridges (TOMFest, Tragedy Ann) and Eric Campuzano (Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation) became one of the most heavily anticipated records of the year. And when Knott distributed a Cush song on his tour-only version of Things to Come, Things I've Done, message boards erupted with discussion of the song and expectations of the record. And when the album (and the band) premiered at Cornerstone this summer, their show was one of the most heavily attended shows at the entire festival, even though they were playing against Daniel Amos. And at TOMFest Northwest, questions regarding the nature and philosophy of Cush were answered by a Manifesto pamphlet passed around the festival.

But what really matters is the music, and as far as that goes, believe the hype. Cush blends elements of the artful, mellow pop of Lassie Foundation and Fold Zandura with Knott's versatile and soulful vocals to create an atmospheric sound sometimes reminiscent of mid-80s U2. The sound is layered, but not cluttered. The guitars are tasteful, inventive, and never boring. And Knott has never been one to deliver candy-coated, trite lyrics. These lyrics are sometimes sweet, sometimes full of emotion, but always substantive. There's really nothing more to say about this album. It's well done in every aspect — a record that deserves to be heard.