Kudos to the artsy foursome for creating a force of indie rock that clearly swims a direction opposite to the tide. The sophomore effort by Credential Recordings'
Edison Glass is an overlooked gem for faith-based fans of alternative rock. A combination of
Death Cab for Cutie and
House of Heroes, the sound works because of its array of styles that are diverse yet cohesive. The boys use of atmospheric rock and jangle pop elements in between experimental jazz creates a whole much better than the sum of its parts. The album ultimately triumphs without an accessible standout hit. This isn't by accident, as Joe Morin sings, "I'll take my chances/Now I can climb to see what I need to" -- an indication that the band knows well its place and the type of listener who will catch on to what they are saying. While it may be an acquired taste for those used to a diet of soundalike Christian music, the group's unpredictable changes in song form and instrumentation suggest a creativity in songwriting absent from many of their contemporaries songbooks. ~ Jared Johnson