Justifide - Life Outside the Toybox (2001)

Artist: Justifide
Album: Life Outside the Toybox
Format: Audio CD
Bitrate: ??? kbps

Track Listing:
01. Change
02. The Way
03. Our Little Secret
04. 9 Out Of 10
05. Hold Us Down
06. Awaken
07. Listen
08. Breakaway
09. Still Cries
10. No Reply
11. Why
12. Sweet New Found Joy
13. Escucha
14. Gozo Buevo

Album review

Phoenix teen rock trio Justifide sure makes a lot of noise for three guys. Just what the doctor ordered to clear the cobwebs from your
head when you are in the mood to rock hard. Taking cues from P.O.D. while incorporating their own style and flavor of hard music, Justifide scores an impressive debut with Life Outside the Toybox.The band doesn’t just make a lot of noise. The riffs and motifs presented here have “hookability” that combines with some memorably sung (actually shouted or rapped) lyrics that will have you singing/shouting along while involuntarily bobbing or banging your head. Non-headbangers beware; this stuff will turn you into one.

Justifide is comprised of brothers Jason Moncivaiz (lead vocals, drums), Sambo Moncivaiz (bass), and guitarist Joey Avalos, whose crunchy axe chops give the band it’s loud, angst-ridden sound while the Moncivaiz’ lend their songwriting talents.

Top tunes on the disc include “9 Out of 10” with its refrain, “You don’t own me!” and the opener “Change,” which sets the stage for the distorted, angry guitars that dominate each track. Veteran rocker Billy Smiley added produBonus tracks “Escucha” and “Gozo Nuevo” are Spanish versions of “Listen” and “Sweet New Found Joy,” respectively. Think Skillet meets P.O.D. south of the border. If only each of the tunes had an ending worthy of its beginning, they would be stronger contenders. Often a tune ends with random harmonics or feedback, and sometimes seems to drone on. “No Reply” is the notable exception to this weakness, but is schizophrenic is its own way flipping from a ballad-like verse to a screaming chorus and back again. It is still a good tune, and “Why” which follows it is even better ­ a metallic praise song for the new millennium. Just wait ‘til you hear the double kick drums at the end!

Even with its minor shortcomings, Life Outside the Toybox illustrates that Justifide will definitely make a mark on the hard music scene, and gives us hope that all teenage boys don’t aspire to be in a “new millennium pop” boy band.

Review from Tollbooth.org

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Don Potter - Now Is The Time (2001)

Artist: Don Potter
Album: Now Is The Time
Format: Audio CD
Bitrate: 192 kbps

Track Listing:
01. Love Never Fails
02. Enlarge Your Tent
03. Little Did I Know
04. I See
05. Give Them Up
06. Prisoner
07. Now Is The Time

Album Review

Now is the Time by Don Potter is a live worship experience. Portions recorded at the Hard Rock LIVE in Orlando, Florida.

Don Potter, a life-long guitarist, songwriter, singer and musical forerunner, has journeyed through concert stages, studios and church sanctuaries to the forefront of a newly emerging genre (type) of music. This musical journey progressed from rock'n roll nightclubs to folk and jazz coffee houses and on to Nashville studios. The Holy Spirit has infused Don's musical heritage to produce a unique yet somehow familiar sound.

Don is a pioneer in the release of "Spontaneous Spirit Praise" -the natural, authentic expression of God's Spirit within us demonstrated through music. Don's heart is to see musicians released, both in the church and in the world, seeing their gifts and talents used with excellence while being lead by the Holy Spirit.

Don's musical journey began at his father's knee, where he learned to play by watching his father's face. A raised eyebrow signaled, "right", a frown signaled "wrong". Don's grandmother, a spirit-filled woman of prayer, foresaw God's musical destiny in her six-year-old grandson. With her daughter and son-in-law, Grandma Greene dedicated Don and his fledgling gifts to God and His purposes. Unaware of God's purpose for his life, don set about to accomplishing his own version...playing guitar and watching for that "look" of approval.

Though he had measures of "success", something was missing. Ironically, it was the face of a nightclub bouncer that caused Don to ask, "What is that look II see on your face?" It was a look of joy, peace and pleasure that was missing on his own face. The bouncer's smiling reply was "It's Jesus". This simple statement prompted a search for His Father's face. It wasn't long until he found the way to the One he was looking for.

Don has been a musical support to such notable artists as Faith Hill, Lyle Lovett, Bob Seager, Sting, Aaron Neville, and a host of others. He has been a catalyst to three of the music industry's top acts at the birthing of their new sound: Chuck Mangione and his signature soft jazz sound, Don Hill's legendary love-ballad "Sometimes When We Touch", and the mother daughter duo later referred to as the Judds, Naomi and Wynonna. God is still using Don as his catalyst to release that new sound.

He has had the privilege of playing before thousands in concert settings and worship gatherings. But Don has already found what he is looking for... that "look" of approval and pleasure as seen in the face of his heavenly Father as he praises the Lord Jesus Christ.

Review from Liveinhispresence.com

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Planetshakers - Phenomena (2001)

Artist: Planetshakers
Album: Phenomena
Format: Audio CD
Bitrate: 128 kbps

Track Listing:
01. Shake the Planet
02. What You’ve Done for Me
03. Live 4 U
04. Phenomena
05. So Amazing
06. It’s All About Jesus
07. Worship Forevermore
08. Fill Me Now
09. Jumpin’ Praisin’
10. Praise Him
11. Run Into Your Arms
12. Burn
13. Send Me

Album review

Modern-worship enthusiasts are no doubt familiar with successful worship conferences such as Passion and Acquire the Fire or with the hugely successful Hillsong Church in Australia. Add to that list the largest youth conference in Australia, Planetshakers. Led by speaker Russell Evans, the event is held on a beach off the coast of Adelaide, Australia (west of Sydney), and it has attracted an audience of 8,000 young people from all over the world (the United States, New Zealand, England, Malaysia, Ireland, Romania, Denmark, and Singapore). The worship band takes its name from the event and is fronted by worship leaders Sam Evans (vocals) and Henry Seely (vocals, guitars). These two are backed by as many as 12 musicians at a time, including a 3-man horn section and 9 other vocalists. The Planetshakers have a big and energetic sound, as evidenced on their live worship album, Phenomena. Imagine Sonicflood, Newsboys, dc Talk, Delirious, and Five Iron Frenzy coming together for a worship concert, and you've got a pretty good idea what it sounds like.Recorded live at Planet Shakers 2001, Phenomena sounds very much like a Vineyard modern-worship project, especially on ballads such as "Worship Forevermore" and "Burn." What sets Planetshakers apart is their sound, which, though eclectic, closely resembles similar songs already written. Songs such as "It's All About Jesus," "Run Into Your Arms," and "So Amazing" recall classic Delirious, the latter sounding a bit like "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever." The song "What You've Done For Me" is similar to Sonicflood's famed version of "I Want to Know You" or Fusebox's cover of "Every Move I Make." I loved the faithful ska treatment given to "Live 4 U," but it sounds too much like "The Impression That I Get," the hit song by the mainstream ska band Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Perhaps most surprising is the title track, which sounds so much like dc Talk's "Supernatural" that Planetshakers practically could be accused of plagiarism. Not only do the two songs share a similar title and sound, but the verses both testify to the mysteries of God and things unseen.

Nevertheless, Phenomena is a fun, energetic, and passionate worship album. Besides the aforementioned songs, you'll love the ska-punk of "Fill Me Now," which sounds a bit like something Five Iron Frenzy could do on a worship disc. The R&B/Latin sound of "Jumpin' Praisin'" is absolutely irresistible, as is the hyper-modern dance-rock sound of "Praise Him." "Shake the Planet" has a distinct hip-hop rock sound reminiscent of dc Talk's classic work. The album's closer, "Send Me," is a passionate plea for national revival, similar to popular worship songs such as "Can a Nation Be Changed?" and "America." If you can get past the familiar sound of this band, Phenomena is a pretty exciting worship album. The musicianship is terrific from top to bottom, and it's thrilling to hear a horn section and a beautiful-sounding group of backup singers in the mix. Considering the songs are all originals, I suspect most listeners will see little difference between an album of familiar-sounding songs and an album of covers performed in a slightly different way. In that sense, Phenomena is just as good as any of the Passion recordings, and you truly get your money's worth with 13 tracks and 74 minutes of music. It's not earth-shattering, but Planetshakers have a fine album that worship aficionados should make an effort to listen to. But be warned … you may end up springing for a trip to Adelaide, Australia, just to be a part of it.

Review from Christianitytoday.com

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