Two or More's latest project proves that Christian bands can still produce powerful instrumental tracks. But along with this is a lyrical depth to important messages for both the church and the world at large.
Three brothers, Eddie, Renatto, and Walter Aquas, comprise Two or More. They began their rock music careers back in high school with friend Lance Mowdy who witnessed about Christianity to the brothers until finally they were singing about God. Mowdy left Two or More after the release of their first project, Life in the Diamond Lane, to go on staff at a church leaving the three Aquas brothers to carry on in this their second release.
The first half of the project is a mix of slower songs intertwined with the energetic beats that made their first project such a success. Many of these songs sound like a subdued version of Dire Straits, INXS, Stryper, Cyndi Lauper, Eddie Money or possibly even Crosby, Stills & Nash. In fact, the song where the band's talents seem to shine through the most is a remake of "Hole Hearted," put out in the late 80's by a group called Extreme. The first six songs could all be classified as praise on the theme God and his grace, delivered with elation.
The next song, "Forefathers," pivots the entire project into a different mood, one of worry for a world gone wrong. They say:
Our forefathers knew what they were doing
Our forefathers pledged allegiance to you
They birthed a nation with your holy book of truth
We've thrown it out of school now who is gonna make the rules.
The record ends with three slower songs that unfortunately do not show the true strengths and abilities of this group. They are overproduced, placing more focus on the sound of the music than the meaning of the songs and the vocals. The one bright spot on this last group is "The Reign is Over" thanks to a fun, catchy chorus and rousing drumming. While the project is fairly decent overall, it's a shame they couldn't continue the feeling of the first half into the second.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #73Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThis slick-sounding band has a sound that marries arena rock with the CHR (40 year old female Christian radio listeners) genres. With a vocalist who sounds uncannily like John Schlitt at times, this former Star Song outfit produces a clean and melodic sound not too unlike The Brave or Def Leppard - mostly the fore-mentioned bands' quieter moments. One of the highlights here that will probably get…Similar sounding releases
1998FFHI Want to Be Like You
1997PetraPetra Praise 2: We Need Jesus
1997Rick EliasBlink
1998Ralph Van ManenVessel of Weakness
2001Caedmon's CallIn the Company of Angels
1994Randy StonehillLazarus Heart
