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UNITED STATES:
This disc has a theme throughout every song, which is the word STAND. Not too many groups have an album like this. Very big sounding, positive messages, reminds me of some of the better music in the late ‘80s (Shooting Star and Jim Steinman in particular. Remember Jim Steinman? Meatloaf!)
This music is so full of excitement, something always happening, and the progressions are not all standard and obvious. I like that. Makes me want to listen more. Lots of harmonies and wordings that are just not what you’d expect. This is a very original disc. I’ve liked every song so far (I’m halfway through the CD).
The musicianship here is top-notch! Marq Andrew Speck is lead vocalist supreme, and he covers the bass and keyboard duties quite well. He has a beautiful high tenor voice which soars over the artistic painting of music below. Very lifting and enlightening.
Bill Blatter sings harmony vocals and covers all guitar work. Best word to describe his playing – wow! It just went right to my soul, and touched a nerve in a good way!
Steve Wieser plays all the drums and percussion here. A nice mix of acoustic and electronic drums. Well done – hard to do that in today’s music. The recording and production of this disc is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time – even the live track is incredible (kind of ELP-ish!) Sorry, don’t mean to compare.
The guru Gary Spaniola mastered the CD. Always a good choice for final touches. Well done, gentlemen. I was thoroughly impressed, and felt included in your music. Highlights are the entire disc. If I had to pick? “Do You Believe In Love,” “In God We Trust,” “Stand Up & Shout,” “In Your Name” (which is dedicated to NWA flight 255, 8/16/87, nice touch).
Reviewed By AIR-X JAM RAG “Detroit’s Music Magazine”
Vol. XVII, No.6 CD Reviews
Nineteen Eighty's
Style Rock is alive and well in the band Sweet Crystal's sound. The band's
music reminds me of groups such as Journey, Kansas and Styx. Their music
is filled with guitar hooks and symphonic almost whimsical sounding keyboards.
The band has gained
much experience over the past twenty-five years of the group's existence
opening for such acts as Bob Segar, Nazareth, Foghat and Steppenwolf. It
shows in the almost flawless sound and production on this release. The
lyrics of the songs hold up their part also and are very strong and from
the heart. With songs like "Soldiers Of The Crown," with lyrics talking
about needing to stand strong in our faith in face of all the temptations
this world throws at us. To the song, "Messiah Song," with lyrics telling
about the life of Jesus from His miracle birth to His ascension into Heaven.
The CD finishes up
strong with a live cut of the song," Stand Up & Shout" followed by
two instrumentals, "Looking Back" and "Ominicity." I can see why this band
has been around for twenty-five years. Their music is top notch and I wouldn't
be surprised, God willing, to see them around another twenty-five years.
You owe it to yourself to buy this CD for yourself and it would also make
a nice gift for either a saved or unsaved friend.
C.W. Ross
Christian Rockers
Online
http://christianrockers.faithweb.com
UNITED STATES:
Pretty
amazing,.... I'm on cut 4 now, and still listening with real interest.
(SWEET CRYSTAL has) avoided so many pitfalls which are almost inherent
in projects conceived primarily in studios and executed by just a few musicians
(clunky use of progressions, lack of passion, shaky vocals hidden by mixing
low in the tracks with lots of reverb, lack of consistent tone, etc.) In
addition avoiding these pitfalls, your music is forthright, very well executed
needless to say, quite consistent and reminds me in a good way of middle/late
Pink Floyd--theatrical, but decisive. Really strong vocal performances,
excellent programming and guitar playing.
Dr. Patrick Gleeson
Film & TV Composer
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