Decemberadio (CD - 2006)

Christian rock outfit Decemberadio crank up their amps in the name of the Lord on their self-titled debut, a roots rock affair that matches headbanging punch with Southern-fried goodness. Decemberadio are surprisingly straightforward in their back-to-basics rock approach, and that is the most refreshing thing about them, along with their hooky songs, deft guitar work, and faith-driven messages. The band's profile was boosted considerably when they were nominated for a Grammy, and their debut was re-released as an expanded edition that features an acoustic version of "Love Found Me," a bonus cut called "Find You Waiting," live footage, and an interview.

Decemberadio put a smile back on the face of Generation X'ers with all the roots rock glamour of its self-titled debut. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album, and the band was named one of the Top Ten acts to watch for in 2006 by Billboard magazine. Neither indie nor emo, the quartet strayed from any of the fad sounds that filled Christian listener charts, instead opting for a Southern-style rant that gave air guitarists reason to live again. The album is daring in its attempt to recapture the spirit of the Black Crowes, filled with wild romps and glistening ballads that are the best to surface since the glory days of Tesla. Frontman Josh Reedy contributes an earthy powerhouse voice on top of masterful guitar licks by Brian Bunn and Eric Mikes and the thunderous drum work of Boone Daughdrill. Think Chris Daughtry-meets-Jet, and you see how retro-grunge could indeed be the golden ticket in the new millennium. Look no further than the audacious "Love Found Me (Love's Got a Hold)," which has a killer hook and a groovy chorus that describes the transformation from lost soul to devout follower. "Live and Breathe," "Dangerous" and "Can't Hide" all demonstrate more mastery of fun Southern rock. And as is requisite on any such album, the band slows down the pace with a couple of classic power ballads, "Drifter" and "Least of These." Lyrically, the album ranks among the best of 2006 for finding new ways to express discipleship and unworthiness. Decemberadio earned the right to crank up the volume with this collection of grand-scale retro-rock. ~ Jared Johnson minimize