In the music community, the label Christian Rock seems to be as disliked of a term as “hipster band.” Just as countless artists stress they are more than just a fad created by Pitchfork (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, for example), bands that focus on Christian themes and ideas often try to dodge the ironically damning label. Some people, like Sufjan Stevens, try to avoid both.
So Long Forgotten, a rock outfit based in and around Champaign-Urbana, plays music that is first and foremost rock ‘n’ roll. The lyrics, without seeming preachy or worship-y, tend to center around Christian themes, yet they aren’t so dominant as to label the group as a strictly Christian band. Still, by naming their impressive new EP Baptism, So Long Forgotten don’t seem to be hiding their faith, either.
The result is something meaningful, but more importantly, rocking. On the opening track, “The Lion and the Fox,” lead singer Micah Boyce howls like Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill. The difference, however, is Boyce’s focus and commendable falsetto shining through in the chorus. The bridge features a building snare roll and ambient vocal harmonies sounding out in the distance. All in all, it’s a tight opening number letting listeners know the band hasn’t strayed too far from their previous material.
The strongest element of So Long Forgotten is their lyrical complexity. Though some songs declare Boyce’s confidence in a higher power, in “Of Brilliance and Baptism” there are moments of questioning and sarcasm that makes the EP a realistic picture of a young man struggling to grasp purpose and faith. He croons about a savior that he uses to “justify me pride.” He states that “if ever I knew a god, he was better than the one I’ve got.” His personal reflections lead to a climactic chorus where the exclamations of “my God, I need your graces” ring out with dark undertones and some pretty kick ass bass.
Though Boyce’s vocals are absolutely excellent, he is greatly aided by the band’s rhythm section. The complex yet tasteful drumming stood out through the record, and the bass anchors each song while the guitars sometimes wander around a bit too much.
The five track EP may not be as grandiose as the songs I’ve heard from their debut Beneath Our Noble Heads, but it serves as a cohesive handful of tracks that will keep listeners excited for their next album. Baptism is dynamic and takes the listener on a memorable but short journey. It will soon be up on iTunes, and I highly recommend you get a hold of it. You can see the band tonight at 5 p.m. performing an acoustic set at Hot Topic in Champaign.