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Bright Morning Star Orchestra: Lift Me Out

Modern Melodic/Alt Rock (Christian)

3.0/5.0

BMSO Records/Liljegren Records
Website Facebook MySpace
by Craig Hartranft,  01.10.2011

My unfamiliarity (or ignorance) with modern melodic alternative rock and the state of contemporary Christian music intersect when commenting on Bright Morning Star Orchestra's second album Lift Me Out. Essentially, this Swedish quintet is attempting to merge the Christian Gospel and their faith with contemporary alternative rock sounds reminiscent of Coldplay and Muse. Being a Christian myself, I'll admit that I have little interest in current trends.

Their name, of course, comes from Revelation 22:16, I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. Their music comes with layers of guitar chords, keyboards, and vocal harmonies over an uplifting pop/rock beat in often very large and lush arrangements. At times the sound is a bit grittier, as on Lift Me Out or Would It Be Easier, than the peers they seek to emulate. But considering BMSO weaves everything from the sublime to the strong within any song, this evaluation is rather subjective. And across the album their is some variety of inventiveness.

Overall, Lift Me Out is interesting; but ultimately profound or blissfully entertaining? I'm not sure if I'm ready to answer that. However, if you're into the latest modern alt rock trends, I'm guessing Lift Me Out is substantial and worthy material. I can say this of BMSO and Lift Me Out: after about three songs I was done with Anton Ericsson's vocals. He's certainly passionate, but often an irritating and straining drone. I wonder what BMSO would sound like if they brought female keyboard player Ida Svensson to the front?

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Overall, Lift Me Out is interesting; but ultimately profound or blissfully entertaining? I'm not sure if I'm ready to answer that. However, if you're into the latest modern alt rock trends, I'm guessing Lift Me Out is substantial and worthy material.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]