Sounds like … a lighter, less muscular version of Hillsong United with nods to Vertical Horizon, Leeland, By the Tree, and Lincoln Brewster.
At a glance … little has changed about the way Starfield attacks its brand of melodic, anthemic, rocking-but-not-really style of modern worship.
At a time when career longevity is often short for Christian bands—particularly modern worship bands—it's interesting that Sparrow Records is still holding fast to Starfield. Already on their third album for the label, the Canadian band has released a new disc like clockwork every two years since their 2004 stateside debut. That self-titled effort released with little fanfare, failing to distinguish the foursome from the glut of modern worship hopefuls at the time. Starfield's follow-up Beauty in the Broken fared a little better, outpacing the first album 2-to-1 commercially. Musically, it found the rockers stretching their wings with a few Switchfoot-styled rockers, only to rely on middling modern worship songs for most of the rest.
But then it's fans that decide a band's success, not critics, and Starfield remains one of the hottest tickets in Christian music, at least in their Canadian homeland. They're also one of the most decorated, with an assortment of Juno, Covenant, and Shai awards to their credit. Starfield also keeps a busier tour schedule than most, logging in hundreds of concert dates a year for enthusiastic audiences.
All of the above more than justifies the release of I Will Go, though once again the group fails to push the creative envelope. Opting for more of their blandly melodic pop/rock style, they sound like Hillsong United in approach, only much tamer and disciplined in execution. Case in point, their cover of United's "Hosanna" is robbed of its apocalyptic fervor, reduced to a four-minute by-the-numbers radio single (points off for the truncated bridge, too)....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Starfield - My Generation EP
Starfield returns with a short (and I mean short) EP. Named for the first song, "My Generation," this EP just is equivalent to waving a big steak in front of a hungry dog. However, instead of a hungry dog, there are the hundreds of Starfield fans, myself included, who can't wait for their next full-length album.
As with the self-titled first major release, this EP has very meaningful and inspirational songs. Unfortunately, the problem is they sound just like the the songs on their last release. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is a foreshadowing of the next release. Hopefully the next LP, Beauty In The Broken will show maturity from the last....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
As with the self-titled first major release, this EP has very meaningful and inspirational songs. Unfortunately, the problem is they sound just like the the songs on their last release. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is a foreshadowing of the next release. Hopefully the next LP, Beauty In The Broken will show maturity from the last....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Starfield - Beauty in the Broken
Sounds like … the worshipful modern pop/rock of By the Tree, Delirious, Paul Colman, Sonicflood, and MercyMe, with some obvious nods to Coldplay and Switchfoot.
At a glance … despite solid production and worshipful intentions, Starfield's latest sounds far too derivative of too many other better bands, both Christian and secular.
Despite the success of "Filled with Your Glory," Starfield met with mixed reactions upon the release of their self-titled debut in 2004. Those who thought the Canadian band's modern worship sound was too formulaic, however, should check out "My Generation," the lead single from their follow-up effort Beauty in the Broken. It's a killer modern rocker about the world's need for God that echoes the anthemic heights of Switchfoot's "Meant to Live." Yet just when it seems like a bold leap forward for Starfield, the album is a downhill rollercoaster ride from there.
There are flashes of catchy, passionate worship music to be found, for sure. The prayerful "Captivate" is simple Brit-jangle pop reminiscent of Delirious, while the corporate-friendly
"Unashamed" provides thoughtful lyrics on humility and grace. The thunderous worship of "Great Is the Lord" benefits from a strong guitar hook, and "Shipwreck" lives up to the album title as an ambient ballad of surrender.
However, even the title to "Love Is the Reversal" sounds plagiarized (along with the lyrics and melody) from Switchfoot, and "Obsession" seems like it was lifted straight from Coldplay's X&Y. Adapting a style with distinction is one thing, copying it with diminishing results is another. More often, Starfield sounds derivative of By the Tree and Tim Hughes, particularly on "The Hand That Holds the World" and "Glorious One," while "Son of God" is another example of hackneyed songwriting rationalized by worshipful intent....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … despite solid production and worshipful intentions, Starfield's latest sounds far too derivative of too many other better bands, both Christian and secular.
Despite the success of "Filled with Your Glory," Starfield met with mixed reactions upon the release of their self-titled debut in 2004. Those who thought the Canadian band's modern worship sound was too formulaic, however, should check out "My Generation," the lead single from their follow-up effort Beauty in the Broken. It's a killer modern rocker about the world's need for God that echoes the anthemic heights of Switchfoot's "Meant to Live." Yet just when it seems like a bold leap forward for Starfield, the album is a downhill rollercoaster ride from there.
There are flashes of catchy, passionate worship music to be found, for sure. The prayerful "Captivate" is simple Brit-jangle pop reminiscent of Delirious, while the corporate-friendly
"Unashamed" provides thoughtful lyrics on humility and grace. The thunderous worship of "Great Is the Lord" benefits from a strong guitar hook, and "Shipwreck" lives up to the album title as an ambient ballad of surrender.
However, even the title to "Love Is the Reversal" sounds plagiarized (along with the lyrics and melody) from Switchfoot, and "Obsession" seems like it was lifted straight from Coldplay's X&Y. Adapting a style with distinction is one thing, copying it with diminishing results is another. More often, Starfield sounds derivative of By the Tree and Tim Hughes, particularly on "The Hand That Holds the World" and "Glorious One," while "Son of God" is another example of hackneyed songwriting rationalized by worshipful intent....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Starfield - Starfield
They are a highly praised Canadian band, and now Sparrow Records has brought them to America. Bringing their brand of worship-filled acoustic pop/rock, Starfield releases their self-titled debut. MercyMe comparisons are present, as well as ties to many other contemporary bands flooding the market. But fans of the genre will feel right at home, as well as anyone looking for a solid disc of praise to God.
The album opens with the prelude which could easily have been placed as an intro on the next track, "Filled with Your Glory," because that’s all it essentially is. The song itself is very catchy, as is the entire disc. But there is nothing very special about Starfield’s music that sets them apart from the rest of the pack.
However, if songs of praise and worship are your thing (And they should be everyone’s "thing"), then you might find a soft spot for Starfield. All of this disc’s eleven songs (not counting the prelude) are about beautiful encounters with God, and longing to never leave His presence. "Over My Head" is seven-plus minutes, as it marvels in wonder and awe at the beauty of God....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
The album opens with the prelude which could easily have been placed as an intro on the next track, "Filled with Your Glory," because that’s all it essentially is. The song itself is very catchy, as is the entire disc. But there is nothing very special about Starfield’s music that sets them apart from the rest of the pack.
However, if songs of praise and worship are your thing (And they should be everyone’s "thing"), then you might find a soft spot for Starfield. All of this disc’s eleven songs (not counting the prelude) are about beautiful encounters with God, and longing to never leave His presence. "Over My Head" is seven-plus minutes, as it marvels in wonder and awe at the beauty of God....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Starfield Teams Up with Will Graham for Canada Tour
Christian rock band Starfield is on the second leg of their Canada “I Will Go” tour after making a number of appearances in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The four-member group, which originated from Canada, will be visiting 12 Canadian cities this month alongside evangelist Will Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
According to Starfield guitarist/vocalist Jon Neufeld, the first two shows in Canada – in Belleville and Barrie – were both “great.”
“We felt lifted up and carried by the energetic crowds in both these places after long setups left us scrambling to start the shows on time,” he wrote in the band’s official blog Monday. “Thankfully both shows went on without a hiccup.
“Also, it’s been great teaming with the BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) and having Will Graham (Billy’s Grandson) come on as a speaker on this tour,” Neufeld added. “He even wore a Starfield shirt last night (what a good sport).”
Before making landfall on Canadian ground, Starfield took part in seven festivals in Europe. The band performed at the UK’s Soul Survivor on Aug. 13 and 18, Flevo in the Netherlands on Aug. 14, the Revo Fest in Germany on Aug. 15 and at the Fuel Festival in Belfast, Ireland, Aug. 16. More recently, Starfield performed on the main stage at the Greenbelt Festival on Aug. 22.
“All beautiful places that we’ve briefly experienced … I feel like I could’ve easily spent a week in each of these places, experiencing the local culture and the amazing natural beauty all around,” Neufeld recalled last month.
“The shows have been amazing, uplifting, and humbling,” he added. “It turns out there’s people that know our songs out here. It’s pretty amazing.”
After their Canada tour, Starfield will be joined by new Sparrow Records artist Above the Golden State in October for a 35-city tour that will run through November.
Looking further down the line, the band is also confirmed to headline Scotland's Frenzy Festival in June 2009.
Later this month, on Sept. 16, the nominees for the Gospel Music Association Canada (GMAC)’s 30th Annual Covenant Awards will be announced. Last year, Starfield was nominated for 5 GMAC Covenant Awards including Artist Of The Year, Group Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Recorded Song Of The Year and Rock Song Of The Year.
This year’s Covenant Awards will be held in Calgary, Alberta, on Oct. 24.
Christian Music News Source
The four-member group, which originated from Canada, will be visiting 12 Canadian cities this month alongside evangelist Will Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
According to Starfield guitarist/vocalist Jon Neufeld, the first two shows in Canada – in Belleville and Barrie – were both “great.”
“We felt lifted up and carried by the energetic crowds in both these places after long setups left us scrambling to start the shows on time,” he wrote in the band’s official blog Monday. “Thankfully both shows went on without a hiccup.
“Also, it’s been great teaming with the BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) and having Will Graham (Billy’s Grandson) come on as a speaker on this tour,” Neufeld added. “He even wore a Starfield shirt last night (what a good sport).”
Before making landfall on Canadian ground, Starfield took part in seven festivals in Europe. The band performed at the UK’s Soul Survivor on Aug. 13 and 18, Flevo in the Netherlands on Aug. 14, the Revo Fest in Germany on Aug. 15 and at the Fuel Festival in Belfast, Ireland, Aug. 16. More recently, Starfield performed on the main stage at the Greenbelt Festival on Aug. 22.
“All beautiful places that we’ve briefly experienced … I feel like I could’ve easily spent a week in each of these places, experiencing the local culture and the amazing natural beauty all around,” Neufeld recalled last month.
“The shows have been amazing, uplifting, and humbling,” he added. “It turns out there’s people that know our songs out here. It’s pretty amazing.”
After their Canada tour, Starfield will be joined by new Sparrow Records artist Above the Golden State in October for a 35-city tour that will run through November.
Looking further down the line, the band is also confirmed to headline Scotland's Frenzy Festival in June 2009.
Later this month, on Sept. 16, the nominees for the Gospel Music Association Canada (GMAC)’s 30th Annual Covenant Awards will be announced. Last year, Starfield was nominated for 5 GMAC Covenant Awards including Artist Of The Year, Group Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Recorded Song Of The Year and Rock Song Of The Year.
This year’s Covenant Awards will be held in Calgary, Alberta, on Oct. 24.
Christian Music News Source
Friday, September 19, 2008
Starfield Teams Up with Will Graham for Canada Tour
By Josh Kimball
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, Sep. 10 2008 10:59 AM EDT
Christian rock band Starfield is on the second leg of their Canada “I Will Go” tour after making a number of appearances in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The four-member group, which originated from Canada, will be visiting 12 Canadian cities this month alongside evangelist Will Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association.
According to Starfield guitarist/vocalist Jon Neufeld, the first two shows in Canada – in Belleville and Barrie – were both “great.”
“We felt lifted up and carried by the energetic crowds in both these places after long setups left us scrambling to start the shows on time,” he wrote in the band’s official blog
Monday. “Thankfully both shows went on without a hiccup.
“Also, it’s been great teaming with the BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) and having Will Graham (Billy’s Grandson) come on as a speaker on this tour,” Neufeld
added. “He even wore a Starfield shirt last night (what a good sport).”
Before making landfall on Canadian ground, Starfield took part in seven festivals in Europe. The band performed at the UK’s Soul Survivor on Aug. 13 and 18, Flevo in the
Netherlands on Aug. 14, the Revo Fest in Germany on Aug. 15 and at the Fuel Festival in Belfast, Ireland, Aug. 16. More recently, Starfield performed on the main stage at the
Greenbelt Festival on Aug. 22.
“All beautiful places that we’ve briefly experienced … I feel like I could’ve easily spent a week in each of these places, experiencing the local culture and the amazing natural
beauty all around,” Neufeld recalled last month.
“The shows have been amazing, uplifting, and humbling,” he added. “It turns out there’s people that know our songs out here. It’s pretty amazing.”
After their Canada tour, Starfield will be joined by new Sparrow Records artist Above the Golden State in October for a 35-city tour that will run through November.
Looking further down the line, the band is also confirmed to headline Scotland's Frenzy Festival in June 2009.
Later this month, on Sept. 16, the nominees for the Gospel Music Association Canada (GMAC)’s 30th Annual Covenant Awards will be announced. Last year, Starfield was
nominated for 5 GMAC Covenant Awards including Artist Of The Year, Group Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Recorded Song Of The Year and Rock Song Of The Year.
This year’s Covenant Awards will be held in Calgary, Alberta, on Oct. 24.
Christian Music News Source
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, Sep. 10 2008 10:59 AM EDT
Christian rock band Starfield is on the second leg of their Canada “I Will Go” tour after making a number of appearances in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The four-member group, which originated from Canada, will be visiting 12 Canadian cities this month alongside evangelist Will Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association.
According to Starfield guitarist/vocalist Jon Neufeld, the first two shows in Canada – in Belleville and Barrie – were both “great.”
“We felt lifted up and carried by the energetic crowds in both these places after long setups left us scrambling to start the shows on time,” he wrote in the band’s official blog
Monday. “Thankfully both shows went on without a hiccup.
“Also, it’s been great teaming with the BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) and having Will Graham (Billy’s Grandson) come on as a speaker on this tour,” Neufeld
added. “He even wore a Starfield shirt last night (what a good sport).”
Before making landfall on Canadian ground, Starfield took part in seven festivals in Europe. The band performed at the UK’s Soul Survivor on Aug. 13 and 18, Flevo in the
Netherlands on Aug. 14, the Revo Fest in Germany on Aug. 15 and at the Fuel Festival in Belfast, Ireland, Aug. 16. More recently, Starfield performed on the main stage at the
Greenbelt Festival on Aug. 22.
“All beautiful places that we’ve briefly experienced … I feel like I could’ve easily spent a week in each of these places, experiencing the local culture and the amazing natural
beauty all around,” Neufeld recalled last month.
“The shows have been amazing, uplifting, and humbling,” he added. “It turns out there’s people that know our songs out here. It’s pretty amazing.”
After their Canada tour, Starfield will be joined by new Sparrow Records artist Above the Golden State in October for a 35-city tour that will run through November.
Looking further down the line, the band is also confirmed to headline Scotland's Frenzy Festival in June 2009.
Later this month, on Sept. 16, the nominees for the Gospel Music Association Canada (GMAC)’s 30th Annual Covenant Awards will be announced. Last year, Starfield was
nominated for 5 GMAC Covenant Awards including Artist Of The Year, Group Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Recorded Song Of The Year and Rock Song Of The Year.
This year’s Covenant Awards will be held in Calgary, Alberta, on Oct. 24.
Christian Music News Source
Members
* Tim Neufeld (lead vocals, guitars)
* Jon Neufeld (guitars, vocals)
* Gordie Cochran (drums)
* David Crisp (bass guitar)
Starfield was originally formed by brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld, both from Winnipeg. Since then Shaun Huberts and Gordie Cochran, both of Victoria, British Columbia, have joined the
band. Shaun Huberts left the band 9 August 2006, after his last performance at the DCLA Convention in Anaheim, CA. His replacement is Dave Crisp. The band moved back to Canada
(Abbotsford, British Columbia) in the fall of 2006 after several years of living in Nashville.
Christian Music Links!
* Jon Neufeld (guitars, vocals)
* Gordie Cochran (drums)
* David Crisp (bass guitar)
Starfield was originally formed by brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld, both from Winnipeg. Since then Shaun Huberts and Gordie Cochran, both of Victoria, British Columbia, have joined the
band. Shaun Huberts left the band 9 August 2006, after his last performance at the DCLA Convention in Anaheim, CA. His replacement is Dave Crisp. The band moved back to Canada
(Abbotsford, British Columbia) in the fall of 2006 after several years of living in Nashville.
Christian Music Links!
Albums
Starfield
Starfield's self-published debut album, was released in 2001 by independent Starfield Music Group (Canada Only - possibly local to Winnipeg).
Tumbling After
Starfield's second independent album, Tumbling After (Canada only), was released through CMC Distribution in 2003 and featured the hit "Filled With Your Glory".
Starfield
Starfield's first international release was the self-titled album Starfield on Sparrow Records in 2004.[1]
The album contained a re-recording of "Filled With Your Glory". The song "Tumbling After" appeared on season two of the television show Joan of Arcadia.
The band released an EP called My Generation in 2006.
Beauty in the Broken
Their second album, Beauty in the Broken, was released on Sparrow Records on May 16, 2006.[1] Their first single from the album, My Generation, rose the United States R&R Christian
charts. The album includes one song recorded with Chris Tomlin ("Son of God"). The album immediately soared to the top of the Canadian Christian music sales chart and remained at the
#1 position for three months. 2006 Year End charts placed the album at #2 for the year in Canada at Christian retail stores. The album peaked at #31 in the United States on the Billboard
Top Christian Albums chart, and at #45 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.
I Will Go
I Will Go is Starfield's third album released by Sparrow Records. It was released on March 25, 2008 in North America and on March 31, 2008 in the United Kingdom.[1] Singles from the
album include "Reign in Us" and "Hosanna".
Christian Music Links!
Starfield's self-published debut album, was released in 2001 by independent Starfield Music Group (Canada Only - possibly local to Winnipeg).
Tumbling After
Starfield's second independent album, Tumbling After (Canada only), was released through CMC Distribution in 2003 and featured the hit "Filled With Your Glory".
Starfield
Starfield's first international release was the self-titled album Starfield on Sparrow Records in 2004.[1]
The album contained a re-recording of "Filled With Your Glory". The song "Tumbling After" appeared on season two of the television show Joan of Arcadia.
The band released an EP called My Generation in 2006.
Beauty in the Broken
Their second album, Beauty in the Broken, was released on Sparrow Records on May 16, 2006.[1] Their first single from the album, My Generation, rose the United States R&R Christian
charts. The album includes one song recorded with Chris Tomlin ("Son of God"). The album immediately soared to the top of the Canadian Christian music sales chart and remained at the
#1 position for three months. 2006 Year End charts placed the album at #2 for the year in Canada at Christian retail stores. The album peaked at #31 in the United States on the Billboard
Top Christian Albums chart, and at #45 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.
I Will Go
I Will Go is Starfield's third album released by Sparrow Records. It was released on March 25, 2008 in North America and on March 31, 2008 in the United Kingdom.[1] Singles from the
album include "Reign in Us" and "Hosanna".
Christian Music Links!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
