Imagine if you will, a rock band formed in a middle-America youth group. What might it sound like if that young group came about influenced more by Christian rock than secular music? How would a natural acceptance of and frequent exposure to rock-worship music affect the mix? Wonder no more, because Columbus Ohio's Everyday Sunday is the answer.
This, now college-aged band scored a Christian rock radio hit off of their indie debut, Sleeper, and parlayed it into a record deal with the pop-heavy Flicker Records. Combining basic modern rock songs with sometimes-formulaic guitar-oriented radio pop, and adding in an almost awkward dash of serious rock and roll, Everyday Sunday comes across as just what you might expect — a great youth group band. The net result is a sound that hints at the more commercial side of Dashboard Confessional, the post-punk-pop of Sum 41 and the lyrical approach of Audio Adrenaline.
Stand Up is not a bad record, and the idea of a youth-group tailored rock band is certainly not a failed concept. With a youthfulness that the industry craves and an unabashed love of bands like MxPx, dcTalk and Newsboys, Everyday Sunday might be exactly what Christian radio programmers and youth leaders coast to coast are craving. Having some nice safe entertainment that confidently relates a Christian worldview might be a great tool for certain purposes. Everyday Sunday is not what most would consider a particularly original band, and their songs don't challenge any conventions, but for a debut Stand Up isn't a failure. There are moments, like the sure-fire Christian rock hit "Wait," and the chest-thumping worship anthem "Stand Up" that will score big with the Con Dios crowd and there's enough talent and musicianship to bode well for the band as they mature.
Editors' ratings — Doug 2.5/5, David 2/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Brian A. SmithEveryday Sunday follows the model of Jars of Clay, Newsboys, and The Waiting -- mix a little rock with some lighter tunes designed for the adult contemporary/crossover crowd and try to produce some radio hits in two different audiences, thus generating more album sales. "Stand Up" is being marketed as the AC single. It is a Jars soundalike that is a vow to follow Christ to the end, regardless of…Similar sounding releases
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