Searchlights by Abandon

Reviewed by Steve Husband

Set to support Fireflight on America's The Hope Tour which began this month, this young band from Texas have come up from church worship roots and developed into a five piece rock outreach and performance band. Consisting of two brothers and two cousins plus an old friend, they signed with Forefront Records in spring 2008 with an EP release in April 2009 and have been working hard ever since to get their music out via church and club events in their immediate areas. This has lead to several accolades from organisations and radio stations alike with a sound that has been likened to popular bands U2, Coldplay, The Killers and some elements of Mutemath. This 12 track full album certainly gives good value for money and shows some degree of versatility in a blend of non-alienating spiritual commentary and artistic relevance. Produced by Chris Stevens (Sanctus Real, Delirious?), the songs convey classic Bible truths such as "Providence", relating to Peter's denial, and fashions vulnerable prayers into memorable, soaring alternative pop songs like "Be Alive In Me". Each song stands well as a single but if there is a down side to this young band it is in the lead vocals from Josh Engler. Josh can certainly sing and there are very few missed notes but this is achieved by an almost shout style of singing on most of the tracks which becomes wearing by about track four. This probably gets lost in a live concert but becomes a problem listening to the album in a calmer atmosphere. That said, track five "Here We Are Now" is just sublime and I hope as the band matures they can iron out the lead vocal stylings.