With the piano-based pop of The Straw Theory, comparisons with Ben Folds Five are inevitable; they're also largely unfair. The Straw Theory weaves complex dramas of spirituality and the human condition, a thoughtful discussion of the Christian life in modern America, and undercurrents of melancholy joy and hopeful sadness - is just fresh-sounding enough to send listeners scrambling for comparisons.
Several of the songs balance against one another, poking at an idea from more than one direction. For example, three songs are about various stages of self-esteem: The swaggering "Joker's Wilde" is about struggling with self-doubt, which can be exacerbated by an unsupportive church family; the floating "Man on the Moon," with guest vocals by Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer, dreams of the idealized self in Christ; "Star Struck" warns of overconfidence, promising to always trust in God (echoed later in "Reasons").
These are followed by the two-sided coin "Easy" and "Falling Forward" (which has Hit Single written all over it); the former warns of allowing the gifts God gives us to become idols in themselves, while the latter rejoices that God can use even our very failings to help us grow closer to Him.
Although the group sticks close to the piano, they do thicken the stew in a number of ways, including the prominence of the electric guitar (from the bracing, dark solo in "Joker's Wilde" to the rhythmic counterpoint in "Falling Forward") and the extra boost of a lush, cinematic string section.
While the complexity of The Straw Theory is artful and compelling, careless listeners may become confused. And those uncomfortable with such Bible books as Job and even certain Psalms may find sections of the album to be kind of a downer (even their romantic song is called "Mournful Love"). But those searching for a soundtrack for the whole of the Christian life - doubt and faith, worship and tears - will find something for just about every mood on The Straw Theory. Let's see Ben Folds do that.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Eric Daams"In and Out" opens this self-titled debut on a fast-paced note, with energetic piano playing and floating guitars, making for a strikingly tasteful piano-punk track. While the piano inspires comparisons to Ben Folds Five, The Straw Theory have developed an original and progressive sound. Call it alternative pop or piano rock, this album is leaps and bounds above the average CCM debut. Tyler…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by James StewartWith a list of guest musicians which reads like a who's who of left-of-center Christian music, The Straw Theory deliver a CD which draws influences from across the alternative spectrum but serve them up with a pop sheen. The energy and precision of the opening track isn't repeated, but the ideas aren't all exhausted there and this ranks with Chasing Furies' debut as proof that the alternative…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Shari LloydShades of Ben Folds Five. This album opens with an energetic piano tune and wouldn't sound out of place on their albums. Would that the rest of the album kept up this fast pace. (Of course, I have similar complaints about BF5.) "We Believe" is sure to be a hit in the CCM market with its catchy, hook-laden melody which will run around in your head for hours. The use of the piano raises this band…Similar sounding releases
2004Andy ZipfI Stole the Morning Sun
1998SemisonicFeeling Strangely Fine
2001Neil Finn7 Worlds Collide
2004The KryGod of Infinite Worth
2005Thea GilmoreSongs From the Gutter
2005Acquire the FireBattle Cry: Worship from the Frontlines
