Live from Atlanta (CD - 2004)

Casting Crowns: Melodee DeVevo (vocals, violin); Megan Garrett (vocals, accordion, keyboards); Mark Hall (vocals); Hector Cervantes, Juan DeVevo (guitar, background vocals); Chris Huffman (bass guitar); Andy Williams (drums).

The CD portion of LIVE FROM ATLANTA is a six-song sample of why Casting Crowns deserves a reputation as one of the most powerful live acts in CCM (that's Contemporary Christian Music, for the uninitiated). While the group's debut studio album was all arena-rock bombast and huge production, the sound here is somewhat stripped-down, allowing the band's catchy songs and emotion-filled performances a bit of room to breathe. This is a particularly good thing in the case of lead vocalist Mark Hall, who is a passionate singer the equal of any secular neo-grunge frontman. The piano-driven "Voice of Truth," in particular, benefits from the immediacy of the concert hall, and sounds like Elton John or Billy Joel at their dynamic best. The righteously rocking "American Dream" is also invigorating, its forceful rhythm guitars raging with thunderous power. A worthy companion to the attendant DVD, LIVE FROM ATLANTA showcases Casting Crowns preaching to the faithful with rock & roll intensity. minimize