After Edmund redeemed modern Christian rock in an era when few artists brought anything to the table besides power chords and watered-down worship anthems. The quintet from LaGrange, GA, did what so many CCM groups attempted to do in the early 2000s -- they blew the doors off of the modern rock/alternative sound and unapologetically moved it in a new direction. A combination of indie, classic and experimental rock influences gave
After Edmund the impetus to forge ahead with their masterful new sound -- a colorful combination of
Mute Math,
Pink Floyd,
Wilco,
Keane and
Snow Patrol. Potent as much in its riveting beats as in its thoughtful lyrics,
Hello drenched listeners in a dense cosmic pool. Pulsating guitar licks and complex harmonics gave listeners more to comprehend with each new spin. To producer Scotty Wilbanks' credit, the album remained raw and focused in places where it could have become another studio product. Instead, Wilbanks, the man behind
DecembeRadio and
Third Day, didn't add any programming, only recording the band's live sounds. With one of the most talented rosters to come along in years,
After Edmund assuredly represents the future of faith-based rock. ~ Jared Johnson