I guess we are witnessing a changing of the guard in Christian music. Today
marks Third Day's latest effort, a watered-down pop album that may be the
last straw for the southern rock band's original fans. Later this month,
Tree63 will release another worship album to cater to Christian radio
instead of modern rock radio. But many are stepping up to take their place.
Jason Upton is releasing a live album independently. The Rock 'n' Roll
Worship Circus are transforming to an amazing powerhouse of rock, The
Listening. And check out this new independent band, The Blackstones, as they
create another powerful rock band with a bit of a worship vibe.

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THE LEGEND OF SIMON PETER - THE BLACKSTONES (2005)
By Hollie Stewart

After five and a half years of musical exploration as The Tremolo Cowboys,
The Blackstones rupture the scene with a genuine rock collection. Working
with a maturity not often felt in independent acts, these musicians hold a
smartness that could have only come from their years of performing with
groups like The Violet Burning and The Rock and Roll Worship Circus. Just as
these bands incorporate worshipful moments into their characteristic stellar
rock sound, The Blackstones seek to break out of the clear-cut genres. While
The Legend of Simon Peter won't be placed in the "worship" section of your
local Christian bookstore (if it were to receive nation-wide distribution),
distinct moments exist where listeners can't help but turn their eyes and
hearts upward.

The album works the theme of Simon Peter throughout the melodies. The
album's lyrical content reflects the initial call, the three years of
ministry, the denial of Christ, the return to Christ, and the upper room
empowerment and commission. Aaron LaMere calls Peter "the comeback kid of
the Bible," the underdog in whom we may each find hope.

Having heard their tour roster, and knowing LaMere's little brother plays
drums for RRWC, I lazily expected the sound to be similar, almost redundant.
But to my surprise, I was completely wrong. You'd be hard pressed to believe
that these boys hail from the same Washington coast; the twelve songs feel
as if they were birthed in the heart of the Midwest. Simon Peter becomes a
"good-ol' boy" (a genuine "comeback kid" from the West), croaking along to
tunes like "Saved," a country-rock anthem of God's redemptive power.
LaMere's gritty vocals, combined with the clean-driving guitars reminiscent
of Third Day's Brad Avery, The Elms' Thom Daugherty, and Tom Petty and the
Heartbreakers' Mike Campbell, provides a perfect music picture. "Favorite
Tune" continues the country theme by introducing a roaring harmonica. If The
Blackstones intended to make a classic rock record, they have found success.

This isn't to say that there's no room for quiet reflection. Heavy reverb
coats LaMere's vocals on "How Can I Live?" A lone electric guitar
accompanies the repentant cries of a Peter who has denied his Christ. After
this comes "The Day Without End," the most similar to RRWC in style and
meditative contemplation - almost comparable to "The Undiscovered," only
more subtle. The guitar solo interlude creates a space for worship much like
"The Undiscovered," but with a gentler feel. This is the lazy sway, the
solitary prayer-time on the shores of the Jordan. "Come Back" serves as good
middle ground, with soothing acoustic guitars and a smooth drum rhythm.
Nearing the end of the CD, it becomes a superior concluding track.

I don't see any faults in The Legend of Simon Peter. That might seem
impossible, and a few months from now I might reread this review and wonder,
"How could I even say that?" But I say it from the stand-point of the band's
intentions. Every song carries its own weight, leading into the next track
with both fluidity and energy. The Simon Peter theme remains strong, yet not
domineering. The music is soothing, classic, and crisp. The lyrics keep the
worshipful theme, yet they refuse to take away from the music. I can only
imagine The Blackstone's live show; if it retains the musical caliber and
worshipful heart, it cannot be anything but amazing.

Read more about The Blackstones at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/blackstones


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

WHEREVER YOU ARE - THIRD DAY
Hopefully, we're too hard on this disc. Take our word for it: we want to be
wrong. Since 2000, Third Day has been slowly losing its rock roots and
turning into the ultimate radio pop group. And sadly, it looks like the
trend will not be reversed. If you haven't been in mourning for the state of
one of the best bands of the 90s, then sure, go ahead and pick up this
album.

If you're holding out for a PICK OF THE WEEK, I recommend this:

STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH DVD
My DVD collection is now complete (until the boxed set release in a couple
years). The Star Wars trilogies are completely wrapped up as this episode
bridges the old with the new and shows Anakin Skywalker's hideous
transformation into Darth Vader. The DVD includes deleted scenes, hours of
documentaries on the making of the film, and much more.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Mat Kearney Freestyles It Into February
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- Rock pioneers Petra hanging it up
- Another cMW writer enters the music biz
- And more!

View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/


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