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Music Review: Ending Is Beginning | Posted October 14, 2009
By Thomas Jenkins
GENRE: ALTERNATIVE/POP
LABEL: CENTRICITY
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
RATING: 3.5 OUT OF 5
When I first heard of Downhere, and their current album, Ending is Beginning, I assumed that this album was their debut. I was wrong. Similar to several other bands in the Christian music scene, Downhere had led a musical career of several years before they were able to strike gold with a hit CHR single. Prior to Ending is Beginning, Downhere had released four studio albums, in a period of six years. The long period of relative obscurity paid off however, and in September of 2008, they released their fifth, and widely considered best to date album, Ending is Beginning.
The album starts off with a solid almost worshipful track, “Bleed For This Love”. The next track we’ve all heard before, “Here I Am”. The song is based off of Isaiah 6:8, with the worshipful chorus, Here I am, Lord send me, somehow my story is part of your plan, fitting quite well, and avoids being too cliche. Although it’s plainly tailored all too well for radio, it’s a pleasing listen, and nothing is harmed when the bridge takes a Copeland-ish feel on the vocals. After another solid track, “Cathedral Made of People” follows one of the highlights of the album, “My Last Amen”. Starting off with an edgy piano intro, and continuing that piano throughout the song, it takes a Queen feel, and is quite enjoyable. When I first heard this track, its edginess put me off a little, and until I heard it again, I didn’t think much of the song, or the band as a whole. Here however, Downhere shows a keen willingness to venture out into new territory, something that sadly isn’t seen enough in the music industry.
Sadly though, they don’t manage to avoid all of the pitfalls of most modern music. Some of the songs toward the end seem to blend together, and there’s a noticeable difference in quality between the first half of the album and the second half. For example, “All at War”, and “The Beggar who Gives Alms” seem a little too familiar, albeit there’s nothing inherently wrong with the two tracks. Overall though, these problems are slight, and there’s definitely more good than bad here.
Downhere has done something many have tried and failed to do; they’ve created a solid mainstream pop album with lasting appeal. Not meaning to rant about the industry, but sadly, many Christian bands have been satisfied with popular music and little to no musical talent. Downhere has and venture out here. managed to break the mold . While a little more artistry would have been nice, songs like “Bleed For This Love” and “My Last Amen” are a solid example of this band’s great potential. So while they still may be working a few kinks out, Downhere is definitely here to stay.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!
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