STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 150244-21889 LABEL: StageIt FORMAT: Digital Only EP
Reviewed by Danny McMartin
It's quite the achievement to stay together as a group for over two decades, yet that's exactly what Jars Of Clay have achieved. From meeting in college to touring the world they have been a staple part of the alternative pop rock Christian music scene. To commemorate this milestone Jars Of Clay have been performing special online shows via StageIt.com for fans and this EP offers acoustic renditions of some of the songs from their classic 1997 studio album 'Much Afraid'. With many acoustic albums being presented after the original a lot can feel as if they are lacking substance and drive. Yet on tracks such as "Frail" the addition of piano brings a more accessible feel to the song. All tunes are record live and this is noticeable with the harsher and more human sounding vocals on "Five Candles". Harmonies complimenting "Fade To Grey" are a highlight capturing the sound that fans have grown to love over the years. "Overjoyed" having the new-stripped back style frees the track up to not sound as dated as the original version. In truth, this project doesn't really provide a Jars Of Clay fan with anything they haven't heard before but it's impressive nonetheless.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.