Perceptions [PA] (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Andy Walker (vocals, programming); David Sylvester, Christopher York (vocals); Allen Salmon (acoustic guitar, keyboards, programming, background vocals); Zach Casebolt (violin); Claire Indie (cello); Aaron Gillespie (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Allen Salmon.

Recording information: Bletchley Park Studio, Nashville, TN; EMAC Studios, Nashville, TN; Ouad Recording Studios, Nashville, TN; The Love Library Studios, Nashville, TN.

Photographer: Caleb Kuhl.

This Beautiful Republic's sophomore record may have been the victim of its own high expectations. Their signing with Forefront Records raised more than few eyebrows, and for the most part their debut album came close enough to expectations to keep the band from being labeled as a loss. Perceptions isn't far away musically; it just isn't a lot to talk about. Fans seemed poised for something timeless, something that would knock the Christian world off its feet. While frontman Ben Olin and company didn't exactly deliver to that end, it can still be said that they crafted another solid record that many also-rans would give their right arm for. The riffs are still loud yet controlled, and the vocals do justice to the attempts of looking at life through new eyes. Although barely a year had elapsed since their debut, the band's emo-influenced banter had begun to sound a little tiring. "Beautifully Broken" and "My God" are highlights. ~ Jared Johnson minimize