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by Paul Landkamer
Guest writer Paul Landkamer describes alt-rock band Vigilant as young and diverse.
Their press kit sums up “A Common Misconception” by saying “People have this crazy belief that once you give your life to Christ, it’s all easy street. But that’s the exact opposite of the truth.” Styles ranging from piano solo to metal rock tells us that Jesus is the answer, but knowing that doesn’t erase all the questions. A few measures into Vigilant's first track, I was into the music. The hard-rocking power pop that characterizes “A Common Misconception” blends with slight emo vocal intonations, carrying a message of consequences for your actions. “Popology” jumped into another favorite genre of mine: blues rock. The intro’s beautiful guitar work challenges us about our worldliness, and how we’re all getting so good at it. The ballad, “Searching”, brought jangly ‘60s-style guitar to a theme of knowing what’s right, but resisting the change demanded of a spiritual re-birth. “Legalism” examines our inclination to make it on works, but reminds us that only Grace can save us. The song’s slow, Caribbean flavored rock reminded me of some of Paul Wright’s work. The piano-driven “The Point Being” warns not to work yourself to death without seeing God’s obvious gift of Grace. “Take Back” is another song of trying to make it on one’s own. An energetic heavy guitar bridge in the song served to punctuate the relaxed feel the CD had picked up. “Cleaning Up” uses an analogy of a dirty room for a dirty life. Track eight, a soft-rock club song, sings of barriers to “Answered Prayer.” Don’t expect to see miraculous answers to your prayer while you’ve got monstrous planks in your eye. “Redundance” uses repeated phrases in a subdued guitar-based song to say we are only human, but God is still God, and He loves us. “A Question For You” gets the pace back up a bit with some heavy guitar work. The question, “What is it you hide?” is asked of a spiritual seeker who won’t acknowledge that Jesus is the answer. The bonus track, “Hell’s Fire” is from a guest band, Freezer Beef. Heavy rock and growled vocals sing that Jesus is coming, and Satan’s days are numbered. Vigilant’s honesty with questions shows young and even older Christians that it’s OK to wonder. Like Job, question God, but don’t give up on Him. Watch these guys. Vigilant is a promising young band! Check out Paul Landkamer for more of his musical observations.
The copyright of the article Vigilant: A Common Misconception in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Vigilant: A Common Misconception in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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