Search - Pillar :: Above

Kenneth W. (Eyesore) from TAUNTON, MA
Reviewed on 12/4/2007...

I first heard Pillar via the used bin at a local record store. I bought their original indie Fireproof album (their major label debut was also called Fireproof). I was impressed. The band was nothing special by any means, but they did the rapcore thing well. I've since picked up all their subsequent albums and have enjoyed them all. Above, however, was an album that always eluded me. I could never find it in the music shops, and I constantly got outbid on eBay. Because of this I thought it was going to be a great album.

Wrong!

This album is rather boring, vapid and trite. I've never understood how any band could write an entire album -- every song -- on the same exact subject. Christian bands do it all the time; always writing about Jesus. The problem is that some bands aren't very poetic with their lyrics, and though Pillar later figured out how to properly write lyrics, they failed here on their debut: "He heals the sick / He saves the lost and died for you in case you forgot, man / He'll jump a building in a single bound / I once was lost, but now I'm found." Words about as lifeless as the man they're writing about. And, as you could probably tell from those lyrics, the flow is pretty bad on most of the songs. I have a feeling that this album came out very soon after this band began writing music. There are some good songs here, indications of things to come, but Above is largely forgettable.

I'm not even remotely religious so I always find it funny when I rock out to Christian music! But when it's good I can't deny it -- or is it Him? Ha! Either way, Above is far below average. Like I said, Pillar later became a very good band, but God should have intervened and kept this album from being released.

Website: http://www.pillarmusic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/pillar

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

"It's time to rock, it's time to play!"

C. W. Fitch | Wichita Falls, TX | 06/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, Pillar...has returned! This is one of the best-sounding rock-n-rap bands out there; so good, in fact, they scored themselves a 2001 Dove Award for Hard Music Album of the Year for this, their sophomore record. This is one of those CD's that grows a little more on me each time I hear it. You can tell Pillar love the Lord and aren't afraid to share. Lead hombre Rob Beckley's challenging, raise-your-hands rhymes flow like a river atop the boot-stomping riffs and beats, and break into sweet melodies along the way. Travis Jenkins' grinding guitar and Kalel's bass seem to move as one unit over Brad Noone's rampaging drum beats; the whole arrangement has a flawless delivery. This whole album blows away anything on the radio these days. It's got a way-positive message that just makes me want to shout, and you will too once you hear it. The best tracks, to me, are "All Day Everyday", "Open Your Eyes", and the beautiful last track, "Father", where Rob shows he can really sing. "Above" is a testament to just how far Christian music has come. You've waited too long already; click that Shopping Cart button!"

Best Christian Rock Album I've Ever Heard!!!

teeman062 | New Sharon, IA United States | 08/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To say Pillar can rock would be a complete understatement. Their style of music can best be compared as a Christian version of bands like Limp Biskit or Linkin' Park, only a notch better, in my opinion. My top 3 favorite songs on the CD are: Live For Him; You Should Know; and Something Real, but all the songs are GREAT. God has blessed with this band with an enormous talent, and it shows on the CD. BUY IT NOW!! (you won't regret it)"