Ben Honeycutt (vocals, guitar), Drew Garrett (guitar), Steven Howell (bass), and Brian Hechler (drums) want the world to know that their music will not be stopped. I think they're right.
Their name comes from Matt. 5:14 and Psalm 133:1, expressing their sincere desire to be unified as a light to the dark world, and they're committed to using their music to communicate. Their strong orientation toward ministry comes across immediately as you listen to the new album. Opening with the blistering "Fighter" leaves no doubt about their intentions:
I'm letting go of me/greater is he that lives within me/I'm a fighter, strong and brave/Won't you run with me/I'm pursuing a life of faith/because I believe.
Hard but melodic rockers, I think Candlefuse will appeal to a broad audience. Without dripping with Bible references, they manage to teach some significant truths. Both "Echoes of Words" and the fierce "Shut Your Eyes" comment truthfully on the heart's hidden behaviors and the mouth's deadly powers. The slicing guitars of "Shut" illustrate perfectly the woes of the slicing tongue. The airy "Carousel" musically conveys the same sense of fruitless spinning as its lyrics. "Bulletproof" is radio-ready, as its buzzy urgency testifies to our invincibility in Christ. An amped up cover of Kathryn Scott's "Hungry" is both fresh and pressing. Another standout track is the closer "Beauty Cries," an aching lament over society's destructive messages to young women. The lashing guitar solo only affirms its truths, especially potent coming from an all-male band. Keep your eyes on Candlefuse and their mission.
