BEGINNINGS
(1994) BENSONNouveaux was a Christian pop-metal band from the US.
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Line-up: Paul Alan: Lead and Background Vocals, Keyboards Kurt Lehman: Bass & Background Vocals Brad Angus: Drums K.C.Smothers: Lead Guitar, Background Vocals Steve Ashley: Guitar, Background and Lead Vocals |
The aptly entitled 'Beginnings' is Christian pop-metal band Nouveaux's debut album.
Christian metal is often frowned upon as bleak copies of more famous secular artists. And the first thing that popped into my head when I heard the first track on 'Beginnings' was: "Geez, they sound like Def Leppard!" Paul's voice, the songwriting, it all sounded like the British pop-metal pioneers. Granted Nouveaux didn't have the ridiculously over-produced production. Still, Nouveaux did not come off a clone band, because the similarities wore off throughout the record, and the songs that did compare were so good, they could truly stand on their own. Call it pop-metal, commercial metal, or even hair-metal, I don't care. To me, this is just great music.
'Beginnings' have rockers, ballads and even some funk mixed in. It all makes for a good debut album, if you're into the slicker sides of hard rock, that is.
Killer tracks: We Believe, United We Stand, All That Glitters, Some Things Never Change
...AND THIS IS HOW I FEEL (1996) BENSON
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Line-up: Paul Alan: Lead Vocals, Piano Kurt Lehman: Bass, Vocals Jeff Ausdemore: Drums, Percussion, Vocals K.C.Smothers: Guitar, Vocals Steve Ashley: Guitar, Lead Vocals John Elefante: Keyboards Additional musicians: George Pirelli: Additional Drums Anthony Sallee: Bass Glenn Pearce: Guitar Jeff Nix: Percussion |
Initial thought: "What on earth happened here?!?" Second thought: "Man, this sounds really good!!" Nouveaux second album (and also last) takes a bold step into the unknown. The album is totally acoustic, and could just as well have been recorded in anyone's backyard. Gone are the Def Leppard vibe, but I can't help comparing it to Tesla's 'Five Man Acoustic Jam'. So after coming over the first shock, I began to fully enjoy this record. Because it is actually just as many beautiful tunes here, as there was on their debut. Nothing compares to a bunch of good musicians jammin' out some awesome songs unplugged. Also worth mentioning is the addition of one John Elefante, known from Mastedon, Kansas etc. He and his brother, Dino, produced this album. "Chasing Shadows" is even a Kansas cover-song.
Killer tracks: Maybe Tomorrow, You Breathe, If Only..., Larisa
