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For almost as long as I can remember listening to music, I can remember
owning albums, cassette tapes, and CDs from The Choir…
or as some may also remember, Youth Choir. For decades, Derri
Daugherty and Steve Hindalong have been producing some
of the finest quality rock/pop to be seen in the world, whether you
take your rock in Christian circles or in the more banal secular realm.
Truth be told, the songs of The Choir are some of the most pure and
intelligent love songs that have ever been written, and this new record
is no exception.
The title track leads off in pure Choir fashion, with atmospheric
keyboards thickly underscoring the brilliant guitar and comfortable
tenor of Daugherty and the sharp drumming of Hindalong. Lyrically,
The Choir has always outshone a majority of songwriters, and they
continue to do so: "Like the snake who calls the lizard a reptile/
Like the chimp who calls the jester a clown/ When I tell you, "You
oughta be ashamed or yourself/ I've gotta set my knees on the ground".
Vivid imagery and sharp prose continue from these first words throughout
the record. "Nobody Gets A Smooth Ride" builds on the sonic
rock foundations that the band laid on the Kissers And Killers
ep. Crisp drumming and trademark guitars perfectly accent the
throbbing bass lines, feedback heavy atmospheres and the throaty saxophone
work of Dan Michaels. Difficult human interaction is tackled
in the lyric of "Terrible Mystery", an attempt to resolve
feelings of loss and betrayal. The song's music is soft and reflective,
based on light Peter Gabriel style rhythms and crisp acoustic
guitar. A more modern slow rock dirge flows on the highly personal
"We Give We Take" and then steps into high gear for the
driving "Fine Fun Time". Long time fans of The Choir will
be pleased to hear Steve's various references to his earlier songs
scattered throughout the songs, as well as his nod to Husker Du,
creating a memorable and relatable listening experience.
In my opinion, there is no greater pop act in the last few decades
than The Choir. The band continues to battle adversity within the
industry, troubles among their musical camp, and the fickle tastes
of a public always looking for the next big thing. Instead of compromising
their vision, The Choir seem more than comfortable in their role creating
timeless musical poetry that will withstand time and the stings of
the chattering voices. O, How The Mighty Have Fallen is warmly
comfortable on first listen, like the homecoming of an old friend
who has been too long gone.
-L. Keane
Track Listing:
1. O, How The Mighty Have Fallen
2. Nobody Gets A Smooth Ride
3. She's Alright
4. Enough To Love
5. Terrible Mystery
6. We Give We Take
7. Fine Fun Time
8. How I Wish I Knew
9. Mercy Will Prevail
10. To Rescue Me
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