Colors and Sounds

Article One could hardly have taken a larger step toward greatness on their sophomore album. Where some critics poked at their debut as "standard issue," the Piché brothers have added vivid textures in all the right places this time around with the help of producer Tedd T. (Mute Math). The colors and sounds in the title refer to more focus on Matt Piché's swarming violin and a backdrop of sonic textures that rivals anything by the David Crowder Band or Newsboys. One of the most pleasant surprises is a rhythmic intensity that is rarely heard in the Casting Crowns era. Better yet, the album works as a cohesive project where every track stands alone as a well-crafted gem. The band's thought-provoking energy is contagious. And with a tendency to focus on bright yet challenging takes on life, Nathan Piché proves that his songwriting chops are to be taken seriously. This is exactly what contemporary Christian music needs in a time when mediocrity rules the radio waves and sales continue to slump across the board.