Search - Focused :: Bow

Praise-rage opus to fire your determinationfor righteousnes

02/13/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! What a record. Where does one start? Okay....from the dialog that opens "Bow" to the flute-"ish" instument that does the outro on "Absence", it is blatent that the heart of this band is to seek God. Focused would likely be compared to Rage Against the Machine by someone trying to describe them to a non-christian. And in light of how confused, bound and deceived Rage is, the comparison does not suite Focused. This is because...well Focused -- are. And moreover they are intent on how focused you are. They are wise enough to realize that the majority of their ministering audience are like their idols, confused, bound and deceived. Because of this Focused seek to convict others with the intensity of their own conviction. This record plays not as if the band recorded it sitting on highstools but rather flat their faces. In other words, Focused do not worship their music. The prioity in music is only where it should be...their medium, their ministry. That said, THE MUSIC SHREADS, with the highlight being 'Blinded' where they go from Slayer-like thrash which is so fast it is barely containable to the deep groove that embodies the best moments of the song. The highlight of that is the vocal transitions when the music pauses in order to emphesize the lyrics. This is most effective where the exiting 'rap' closes "...when the wind of the world blows through..." and to new opening starts "...oh God renew, Holy Spirt you cleanse me, etc " It may be may be difficult to put into words but when you hear it on the record you will get fired up! This is the perfect record to play for your pastor to prove the good in Christian rock, that evil existed before the drum. Jim Nabors and Andy Griffith are wonderful men of God, but their art does not display their conviction like this. Darlene Zshech and Don Potter are much closer. -------------------------Here is the bottom line. If you are a christian this record will excite you about God and make you want more of Him. If you are not a christian, this will entertain you while it convicts you. Within a week you are going to wonder what these guys got that you don't. Praise God! Tristram Coffin 0345141"