FamilyFans Music

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LIFEGIVER

Hyperstatic Union / RKT Records

Fan Appeal: Teen to Adult

Genre: Rock

Fresh.

That’s the word that comes to mind first when I think of what to say about Hyperstatic Union’s debut release, Lifegiver. Bold lyrics combined with a unique, fresh sound. I found myself completely drawn in as I listened to this new band’s first offering.

It appears I’m not the only one. Third Day front-man Mac Powell heard them and chose to use this four-piece band from Camas, Washington (near Portland) to be the first act to come out of Third Day’s newly-formed Consuming Fire Productions. Powell also produced the record.

In their press kit, Powell says of HSU  "Hyperstatic Union is unlike any other band out there. Shawn Lewis is hands down the most talented guy I know. And still, it's not just one of those bands with a main guy surrounded by whoever just to fill in the holes. Each guy brings such a vital part that adds to an exciting sound and live performance. People can expect to be rocked by the music and challenged as well by a lyric that is not compromised or stale. This is something totally original."

Now, I’m all for fun music. I believe that there’s music for all different occasions: worship moments, cruising with the top down, rocking out, chillin’ and snugglin’ just to name a few. Even Christian music doesn’t always have to be deeply spiritual or profound. But as I listened to HSU, I kept thinking to myself – this is...fresh! (There’s that word again...) The musical trail they blaze is all their own: quite diverse with something new around each musical corner. The lyrics are bold and meaningful, not just slopped together. Yet, the message is clean and simple – the way the gospel should be. And there’s a little something for everyone in the eclectic roadmap--from gritty guitar-driven to funky ditty to bouncy electronic feel to 80s rock styles…sometimes all in the same song.

For example, the title track provides a cool bed of funky guitar countermelodies and a rocking chorus with stacked vocals singing about how we’re nothing without God. Also, I liked the message behind “Overhead” because I find myself promising to make God more of a priority in my mostly-selfish life, but the distractions (overhead noise) can sometimes get the best of me.

“Praying for Sunny Days” is my favorite cut on this CD, with its catchy chorus that reminds of the truth that life is not going to be without an occasional storm. No … wait, I want to change my mind now. “Can’t Leave It Alone” is my favorite because of its bouncy beat and a flatout unclassified sound – somewhere between Spin Doctors and Queen, I think. Hold on a minute, I forgot about “Now That It’s Over” a syncopated, funky, stacked vocal, guitar-nasty concoction all blended and smooth to drink. Maybe that's my favorite..

Well, I just can’t decide. I guess you’ll just have to pick this up for yourself and pick your own favorite(s). I promise you won't be disappointed. These guys credit the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, The Foo Fighters, Jamiroquai, Red Hot Chili Peppers and James Brown as the influences for their sound. Quite a lineup, no? And don’t be in too much of a hurry on the last track (if you know what I mean…wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Alright, for all you slow readers out there – there’s a hidden track. (Why do they do that anyway?) The point is, you’ve got to hear it – it’s a great communion song unlike anything else on the project. It’s a beautiful song for use in a worship service.

OK, enough gushing. I like this band if you couldn’t tell. And, since I’m the Music editor at FamilyFans.com,  I get to gush. So hats off to Mr. Powell and the folks at RKT for recognizing something a bit outside the norm that just seems to work in Hyperstatic Union's Lifegiver. Thank you.

--Eric Jaqua

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