Since we last received a full-length album from the David Crowder Band, a
lot has happened. Or, at least, it seems to be so on their latest, A
Collision. Not only has Crowder and Co. been studying up on their science,
but they've been listening to bluegrass and more Lyle Lovett. They also
cover songs by Sufjan Stevens and Loretta Lynn on their most diverse album
yet. But does all this experimentation work? We think so.

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A COLLISION - DAVID CROWDER*BAND (2005)
By Hollie Stewart

David listened to me!

No, I didn't accost him at a show. And I surely didn't call his home. But
when writing a review for Sunsets and Sushi, I made a point of saying how I
wish more electronic sounds could be incorporated into his regular studio
work. But then I wrote how no, this would more than likely never happen.
(But one could hope!)

And then I put in A Collision. And I begin to hear noises. I begin to hear
techno noises. And I start dancing, because David had heard my words and
fulfilled my request.

Okay, so maybe he didn't hear me. I could be living in delusion. Either way,
the eclectic fairy sprinkled diversity dust onto this newest record. Not
only is the new release more techno, but there are also touches of
classical, punk-pop, 80's rock, white-men gospel, alternative rock, and
bluegrass (yes, bluegrass). Sprinkled amid the crops stand David and his
ever-faithful acoustic guitar. And what's the purpose of such an assortment?
Simple: to worship the Creator with fresh imagery. It's quite a harvest.

The album is divided into four sections, each carrying five to six songs,
along with a specific music mood. Part A contains the familiar "Here Is Our
King" (already released on the Passion '05 disc) and additional tunes that
maintain the familiar praise structure common to the DCB. "Foreverandever
Etc." carries the punk-pop flair one would expect from Superchic[k] or
BarlowGirl. It's not a favorite of mine, but it will get the junior highers
jumping.

Part B contains the bluegrass/gospel sing-along "I Saw The Light" that was
recorded in a barn behind the Crowder home. It contains plenty of mandolin,
banjo, violin, and good 'ol foot-stomping and hand-clapping to keep the
Midwesterners happy. It also contains the title track, with lines like, "The
breaking makes a sound I never knew could be so beautiful and loud." This
breaking occurs with the collision, with God meeting creation.

Part C is by far my favorite movement. It's extremely intense in musical
composition and passionate worship. A call to be quiet and wait ("B Quiet
Interlude") leads into "Do Not Move." The intensity reminds me of a rock
ballad, only much better than anything you're more than likely picturing
right now. The chorus culminates into cries of, "Breathe in deeper now."
This is the moment of collision, where the air is so thick you almost feel
like you can inhale His Spirit. It can only be compared to "Cry Mercy" from
the DCB independent album All I Can Say.

Part D completes the album with a finalizing theme showcased in a song
called "We Win!" The chorus goes, "And we've already won and you don't have
a chance." This is then sung over and over and over again. It's very
Revelation-like in conclusion. After this comes a fake-sounding interview
with David conducted by a semi-clueless interviewer. At least I'm hoping
it's a staged interview. It's material that would seem more appropriate as a
hidden track, but it's given its own place in the musical canon.

There remains something very real with this record. Setting aside silliness
and experimentation for the moment, I sense a real effort on the part of
these band members to touch the heart of God. The musical and verbal
intensity reflects this desire. I believe A Collision took this band and
raised them to another level. If the amount of growth that took place
between Illumination and this record continues, the David Crowder Band will
more than likely be around for several more years. And that is a great
thing.

Read more about David Crowder Band at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/davidcrowderband


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