MUSIC
REVIEWS
SANCTUS REAL ‘THE DREAM’
Genre: Pop, CCM, Worship - Label: Sparrow Records
Reviewed by: Christian St John - Rating: 5 (out of 5)
The Dream is Sanctus Real’s latest release and right away it’s clear that the band have
built upon their mainstay sound, adding some new elements that have improved their
music tenfold.
Until this release I have never been a big fan of Sanctus Real. I always felt that the majority of their past songs were OK, but not entirely memorable or different. And
although they have proven themselves as competent musicians over the years, it always
seemed to me that the band as a whole never reached their full potential.
The Dream changes everything... this is truly Sanctus Real’s defining album!
The Dream is a stand-out release. Musically, the band employs a broader range of musical styles than on their previous releases anthemic alt-rock tracks, power ballads, and 80's influenced jams. There are even elements (hints really) of country and folk to be
found on this release. The Dream is a great album - it plays like old Sanctus Real mixed with a healthy dose of 80’s vibe and touches of
U2 and Delirious? thrown in for good measure.
For the most part, The Dream is an easy listening CCM album that is radio friendly. Catchy pop hooks throughout the album will have
you singing along as the band play their guitar driven pop to worship God and encourage believers.
MIKE FLORIO ‘RECONCILE’
Genre: Progressive Rock - Label: Independent
Reviewed by: Christian St John - Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
In the mid-1980’s one of my prized possessions was a vinyl copy of the Rocky IV soundtrack. For over a year I would listen to this album daily, especially the tracks written by
Vince DiCola, namely “War” and “Training Montage,” which I would listen to over and
over.
I came across Mike Florio’s Reconcile quite by accident… who says there are no happy
accidents? Progressive rock with a decidedly 80’s twist, this album is a real throwback.
To be honest, when I began to listen I was instantly taken back to 1985.
Everything about this album makes it sound like it was recorded back in the mid-1980’s - the music, the the vocals, and the
composition of the songs. Even the production has an 80’s-esque quality to it.
I really like this album and have listened to it several times over the past few days. For fans of Marillion, Asia, Kansas, Survivor, ELP,
Foreigner, and the lighter songs of Dream Theater. Christian prog-rock… does it get any better?
CHRISTIAN REVIEW > 39