This Is It
The last 13 years have been a roller coaster ride for Bride. After transforming their sound from heavy metal to hard rock in 1990, the band released some of Christian rock’s classic records: Kinetic Faith, Snakes in the Playground, and Scarecrow Messiah. After parting ways with Star Song in 1994, things have been a bit bumpy. Drop was the band’s only album for Rugged Records, and after The Jesus Experience and the grossly overlooked and commercially disappointing yet stellar Oddities, the band parted ways with Organic Records. 2001 saw vocalist Dale Thompson incorporate rap into his vocal styling on Fist Full of Bees, and after numerous problems with Absolute Records, the band was once again without a label.
Rather than step back into an unceremonious relationship with yet another company, the band opted to record, release, and market a new album themselves. This Is It marks this new endeavor, and while the title seems to allude to Bride’s swan song, the band insists they’ve given the fans what they’ve been wanting, hence the title.
So, is this it? Sadly, no. The Internet has been rife with compliments for this album, yet the production, packaging, and songwriting has not produced Bride’s finest hour. While songs like “More Than Human” and “Short Time in the Grave” are certainly chock full of down tuned guitar crunch and heaviness courtesy Dale’s brother Troy, Bride’s longstanding tradition of excellent songwriting results are mostly absent.
Thompson’s voice does sound as good as ever, and he’s shelved the rapping found on the last disc. His lyrics are poignant and insightful, especially “White Elephant,” which begs the question “Do you hate me as much as I love you?” and “Evil Geniuses,” aimed in part at critics such as yours truly.
And with that, I will say that I have been a Bride fan for many years, and still remain one. It’s just that sometimes record labels can serve a purpose if for nothing more than unbiased guidance. [indie / Chad Olson]
This CD review is different than the one printed in HM Magazine issue #105, and is thus an "online exclusive."
©2003 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved.
Well Chad, since i know you, i have to say you're full of crap on this one. THIS IS IT is an excellent album and the songwriting is excellent, too. THIS IS IT is on a par with SNAKES IN THE PLAYGROUND and the other finest Bride albums. The catchy guitar riffs and the vocals make it a very entertaining CD.
This Album ROCKS! It rocks in a way that Bride hasn't rocked in years!
