The thing about the Justin Cofield Band is their focus. The unity of both music & mission in these 4 Texas rockers is as tight as their unique atmospheric worship-rock.
They know where they wanna go and have no problem getting there. Sonically creative and intentional, the twelve tracks of "Searching for Resolution" will draw you in like bees to honey. That is, honey that rocks with enticing exuberance.
The handiwork of all four members (Justin Cofield: guitars, vocals, James Law: bass, loops, vocals, Kyle Lent: guitars, keys, vocals, and Aaron Cauble: drums, cello, synth, chimes) is spread all over this self-produced album. It is collaborative in the fullest sense of the word, and the result? Twelve diverse, mature songs that combine sharp lyrics, expressive arrangements, and thick atmosphere that serve to propel you toward an encounter with God. Their sound is unique and refreshingly well-developed.
Unafraid to embrace the mysteries of God, the JCB actually celebrates it throughout this project, from the first looming chords of opener "Undone." They create an air of impending excitement through ringing guitar riffs and evocative vocals. The creative lush arrangements only add to the anticipation, and it builds throughout the song list. Exhilarating rocker "Reflected" speaks of the overflow of God within us, which brings up another compelling aspect of "Searching for Resolution": the very directed recognition of the Holy Spirit throughout, a unique and valuable inclusion that I found very stirring. By the time I got to my favorite song, the amazingly articulate "You Explode," I was past being simply won over and well into the rabid phase. This song with its sparkling guitars, infectious chorus, and soft vocals put me over the edge. But Kyle Lent's eloquent lyrics are some of the year's best, to my mind. I simply could not get over the majesty of his word pictures, the sense of wonder his lyrics created within me. "You Explode" is truly outstanding.
I love the pristine beauty of the winning "Irresistible" and the thickly atmospheric "Beautiful Mystery" moved me deeply as I made my way through its dreamy wall of guitars and unexpected rhythms. The gently sparkling "Waiting" led me into worshipful anticipation of the amazements ahead, and the reflective "Free Indeed" is another beautiful and worshipful gem. "Restore My Soul" is a pop-rock interpretation of Psalm 23. Kyle Lent wrote the intimate "Return to Me" after viewing "The Passion of the Christ" and it contains the same soul-struck surrender. It is nothing less than heart-stopping. The electric guitars of "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" build from quiet percolating into passionate free-flowing worship. "Come Fall On Me" is the perfect closer, another rousing song of adoration whose lack of a chorus gives a free-flow jam feel of sincere fervency.
The Justin Cofield Band is making music as good as any label offering and in many cases much better. Track 'em down.
