I’m not religious. I used to be when I was a little kid, but twenty years of heartbreak, reading actual history books and cynicism has changed that. Attempts to take me to prayer groups, meditation and spiritual healing sessions have all been rebuffed with splendid apathy. My grandmother’s persistent efforts to drag me to her church group so I can meet ‘a nice Christian girl’ to settle down with is a more horrifying prospect than filling out my tax forms. So imagine my apprehension when tasked with reviewing Rivers In The Wasteland from Christian rock band Needtobreathe. But thankfully the band have recorded an album that even a lay man like myself can appreciate.
Religious or not, Needtobreathe have crafted a solid country rock album and their charitable spirit is nothing short of admirable.
There weren’t even any annoying Spotify ads playing every three songs when I first listened to the album. The Lord truly works in mysterious ways. As much of a non-believer I may be, I found myself tapping my feet occasionally as I listened to Rivers In the Wasteland, and for the most part the band have pulled together a decent country rock album. Which is a nice surprise for me as the term ‘Christian rock band’ reminds me of Eric Cartman’s Faith + 1.
Needtobreathe have been doing their thing since 1998 and as is are pretty set in their ways. Which by no means is a bad thing. Five albums in and they’ve settled into their groove and it works. I don’t expect bands within this genre to do anything particularly groundbreaking, and in this case Rivers In The Wasteland continues to build on the foundation set by their previous work. The result is an album that remains true to their country rock roots with some excursions into more experimental territory. Songs like The Heart, Rise Again and Wasteland are the standouts in this respect. Bear Rinehart’s vocals are strong, each track a vehicle to showcase his raspy, passionate voice.
It’s on the more adventurous tracks that I find myself more invested in the album. Multiplied has that new-era Coldplay vibe to it. Which isn’t my jam either, but it helps shake things up. The atmospheric drums serve as a wondrous backdrop for the inspired plucked guitars and organs, Rinehart’s swelling vocals again stealing the spotlight. Meanwhile State I’m In features some swinging doo-whop vocals that had me thinking I was listening to The Beach Boys. It catches you off guard (well, not now if you’re reading this review first) and makes for an interesting listening experience.
Needtobreathe are embarking on their maiden Australian tour in February as a part of World Vision’s concert fundraiser series. The Make A Difference tour will seeks to be an interactive and inspiring way to raise awareness of World Vision’s mission to fight poverty. Regardless of your faith that is something worth getting behind. Maybe you’ll see me there with my nice Christian girlfriend.
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