Right from the start of their demo EP, there are religious undertones running throughout. Opening track In Such As Me even goes as far to repeat the line “so gracious God, your grace will be ever reborn in such as me”, hidden amongst metaphors of light and life in reference to an omniscient presence.
Meanwhile, second track Wait For The Day references prayer and an eager anticipation for a returning presence, whilst closing track The War Song seeks for an explanation and justification of holy war.
I have my qualms with Christian rock. Music is a vibrant and living art-form which should not be subjected to a continuous stagnant and stale theme. This is to say, I have my qualms with any album or EP which doesn’t attempt to explore different emotions and viewpoints. Even a standard break-up album tends to range from songs of utter despair to blissful optimism.
Now, don’t misunderstand. This isn’t a Richard Dawkins inspired attack against Remnant because of their beliefs. If this was a Christian rock band producing something of substance and quality, then the religious tendencies could be forgiven for the sake of thoughtful composition. Some of Johnny Cash’s best work came post-1968 after he’d claimed to feel the presence of God in his heart. Unfortunately, with Remnant, this isn’t the case.
The lyrics are clumsy, almost juvenile in places, with a melody which seems out of time with what the rest of the band are playing.
The vocals themselves are an entirely different problem altogether. Remnant’s singer possess a limited range and often comes across flat and tuneless.
Meanwhile, the band seem to be performing with competing time signatures, which is surely a technique only acceptable within the genre of contemporary jazz. The drums, guitar and keys sound sloppy, careless, and just generally badly played.
The use of panpipes throughout instrumental track Running Through The Glen, however charming they may be, give the EP an archaic and dated sensibility.
I accept that this is a demo EP, but if Remnant want to get anywhere, within Christian rock or otherwise, then they have a long way to go.
MARKS: 1/10
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