Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 02/12/2008
The introduction of this Canadian quartet's soulful "speakeasy
gospel" could hardly be a more welcome contrast to the derivative
pop and
rock that was dominating
CCM radio at the time of their self-titled release. A delightfully rhythmic blend of '50s-style
soul, '70s-style
funk and '90s-style jam
rock,
Newworldson's debut hinted at their dynamic live shows. Vocalist
Joel Parisien, drummer
Mark Rogers, bassist
Rich Moore, and guitarist/vocalist
Josh Toal originally met in a
jazz club. As they welded together a fusion of
roots rock,
blues,
jazz, and
old-timey gospel, they gained a steady following that eventually resulted in a deal with
Inpop Records. It wasn't too much of a stretch to compare the group's transformation of Christian hit radio to the way that the
Dave Matthews Band spun alternative music on its side in the mid-'90s. Like
Matthews,
Parisien had a recognizable voice and a uniquely talented rhythm section that kept the music from ever taking itself too seriously. The transient
"Citybus Lovesong," for example, employed a kazoo solo. This didn't mean that the music lacked substance, however. Each song evoked a passionate
gospel witness with heartfelt storytelling and admissions of dependence. Such personalized handiwork helped make
Newworldson's debut one of 2008's most enjoyable, well-written albums.
~Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
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