Florida-based Christian rock band StorySide:B is serving up a fresh mix of musical talent with their new album, “We Are Not Alone,” a follow up to their 2005 debut, “Everything and More.”
Comprised of guitarist/vocalist Lu Rubino, drummer Jordan Mohilowski, bassist/pianist Ron McClelland, and guitarist Preston Phol, these guys seem to work well together if past success is any indication.
Their debut single “Miracle” off “Everything and More” peaked at #2 on the Christian Hit Radio (CHR) chart, as did their follow-up single “Everything and More”–which went on to become the seventh most played song on Christian radio last year.
Now it seems as if their second album could see another hit, especially with, “Tell Me What You Think of God.” The strong message of this song relates to everyone whether a believer or not. Each day we have seemingly countless choices in life, and whatever we might think about God, the guys still tell us “He believes in you.” Sounding unlike any other popular Christian song I’ve heard, the song is sure to stand out from the rest.
The lyrics are sometimes inspiring, like in “Demons and Angels” where Rubino sings, “Enchanting melodies, bitter and sweet, tell me what You want from me.” But other times they are just plain dull, such as in “Be Still”: “It’s then You whisper in my ear, be still and know I’m here.”
Quite a large lack in harmonies leaves the vocals a bit boring, and when there are harmonies, they are not strong enough. The music itself though, is amazing, and has a cool echoing sound which drew me into it. The songs are creatively arranged with the number of upbeat and downbeat tracks well-balanced.
“We Are Not Alone” brings a message of the importance of service to God, along with the struggles and joys Christians face. StorySideB: sounds a bit like of Jars Of Clay if you throw in a small twist of Creed–it’s definitely worth checking out. Although these four guys have a bit more growing to do lyrically and vocally, I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the future.
–Jana Melpolder