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Marvel Review

2002-04-02 - Lads are definitely not a very well known band, but this is a stand-out release well worth checking out.

The Lads are a highly unique find, with their second album for US label Cross-Driven Records of Here To Him Music. Originating from New Zealand, Lads have had phenomenal success in their home country, and with any luck, this album will be well received in North America. In short, this CD is a freshly-crafted pop statement recognizing God's salvation in every day life. Combining typical pop/rock electric sounds with sharp, ambient drums, horns, techno and hard rock effects, acoustic guitars, and solid vocals, Lads should definitely be on your list of new CDs to check out.

Track two 'Creator' is a great example of the Lads' insightful lyrics and incredibly fun musical style. Running electric riffs flow under lead vocalist Mark Millard's enthusiastic, open delivery: 'My best friend's the creator of the universe (x2) / Although He's bigger than the milky way (echo) / He wants to know about my life today.' The theme of this song is evangelistic, emphasizing God's greatness and asking 'What if it's all true? / What if God loves you? / What if He was your best friend?'

The catchiest track here is 'Freedom,' with a unique drum sound and great group vocals in the comfy pop chorus: 'So many words to say / How can I ever pay / For You to be my freedom / Nothing that I can bring / You give me everything / You give to me this freedom.'

Track four 'You're A Star' is the one human love song on this CD. Backing vocals, a spacey bridge, and positive lyrics make this a great track: 'You're a star / There will never be one like you / You're a star - look to shine / Would you be mine?' A smooth rocker on this CD is track six 'Warm.' A minute into the track for the verses, a great synth atmosphere is created overwhich are laid intrusive electric riffs. The catchy pop chorus is reassuring: 'They say that there's a place / Where it's safe and warm (echo) / Shelter from the storm / Inside, a house upon a hill ...'

You may find the best tracks on this CD are the slower, worship tracks with really honest lyrics admitting the fragility and failures of humanity and the overwhelming greatness of God. With that perspective it doesn't take much to find yourself in a position of worship. Track five 'Call My Name' opens minimalistically and continues gently with acoustic guitars, piano notes and airy electric riffs: 'Lord I have failed You / Every day that I remember / I've brought upon Your shame / And tarnished Your good name ... Anyone but You would walk away / Oh, if they really knew * You call my name (x3) / And I'll never be the same.'

Wrapping the CD are again two slower tracks. 'Open' takes airy snyths and poignant clean electrics and wraps them up with a great beat and a message about letting Jesus into our fears and pains: 'I've been scared to show / Let anybody know / What's been going on inside / For oh so long.' The closing track 'Island' is the best on this CD and one of the best songs of 2002. It combines the best of The Lads' ambient instrumentation, echoing, soft percussion, gentle acoustic rhythms and crystal clear lead and backing vocals. It's the most intimate song on this album, with beautiful melodic depth and simple, disarming lyrics: 'You take me to an island / Far from all my cares / Not really a place, more / In my heart somewhere * When I look into Your eyes (x2)'

Lads are definitely not a very well known band, but this is a stand-out release well worth checking out.

Review by: Brandon Klassen.