The moment I saw this band perform on TV last New Year's Eve I was hooked. Starfield (Tim Neufeld, Jon Neufeld, Dave Miller and Adrian Bradford) pulls together songs of worship in a way a vast audience can appreciate. It's not like the band has overly preachy songs like some might think when they hear music described as "worship," but the lyrics are so meaningful and touching that once one listens to the CD he or she will be hooked, as well.
The first track, "From Now On," is a perfect song to begin the CD. Through a catchy beat, touching lyrics and powerful voices, it grabs the listener's attention and retains one's attention. The next song, "For the Cross," is an upbeat tune with fast guitars and tempo, blending acoustic and electric guitars, resulting in a strong chorus one can't help but sing along with.
"Someday" is my personal favorite from the album. It has a bouncy drum beat in the background, beautiful harmonies created by the Neufeld brothers in the chorus as they sing "Hey, everything's gonna be ok. All of this is gonna make sense some day." It's one of the most uplifting things anyone can listen to. "Drowning Out the Melody" begins with a bit of a heavier feel with the intro complete with electric guitars, which carry on throughout the song. It is another upbeat tune that will make you move, whether you want to or not.
Their cover of Charlie Hall and the Passion Worship Band's "Better is One Day" rivals my favorite, "Someday." I've heard "Better is One Day" sung in churches, but no other version compares to this version. The chorus is so uplifting, with lyrics: "Better is one day in your courts, better is one day in your house. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." With those being sung with the oh-so attractive vocals of the band, coupled with the acoustic guitars and drums, it's really quite overwhelming. "Love of Another Kind" is a more quiet song, focusing more on Tim's vocals and guitar, accompanied by Jon's harmonies. To me, it's a perfect love song to God. As he writes, "Your voice is the wind blowing through the trees. Your kiss is the rain and it brings me to my knees. Into the courts of praise I have come to find the love of another kind." The song ends with powerful guitars and vocals saying, "To love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, and all your mind, is the love of another kind."
"Quiet Waters" brings the listener back to a lively beat that is quick to please. In "Be Thou My Vision," the vocals are shared with guest Malynda Zacharias -- a nice addition to the album, as her voice is a marked contrast with Tim's. The results are quite dramatic. "Returning" features a slower pace with lyrics that are incredible. "I love the way the father waits though met by arrogance and hate. How fire does fall and quench their yearning. I love to watch the lost returning." The band brings this song to perfect closure with compelling harmonies and instruments.
The pop tune, "Make Some Room on the Floor," took me by surprise at first. It seems quite out of context for this band. Complete with handclaps, funky electronics, "na na na's," and an incredibly low "ah yeah, we're kickin' it old school, here we go, everybody sing--grunt--", it is a completely different sound. I haven't yet decided if it actually works with Starfield's sound. I'd love to see them play it live to see if they can pull off the same style in concert. The album draws to an end with the acoustic, raw, take of "Love of Another Kind." Both versions on the album are equally good.
Overall, Starfield never ceases to amaze me with the band's vocal performance. It's as if they're effortlessly perfect. Tim's clear, strong voice, along with Jon's equally compelling backing vocals that blend perfectly, achieves the best duo of voices you could ask for. This band is exceptionally talented in their performances, dedication and faith (and not to mention one of the nicest groups of guys I've ever met). It's only a matter of time until everyone else catches on and recognizes it.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2004Reviewed by Burton WrayAfter a great deal of independent success in Canada, Starfield (comprised of brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld, as well as John Andrews and Shawn Huberts) was signed by Sparrow Records. As an independent group, they were nominated for a Juno Award (Canada's equivalent of the Grammy Awards) and won five Vibe Awards (Canada's equivalent of the Dove Awards). One would think that any group with…Similar sounding releases
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