I recently took a road trip and it just so happened to coincide with me getting my hands on a pre-release of Staynlis' new album Alive. One thing I like about Staynlis (and this album shows it) is how polished their sound is; It seems like they actually spend plenty of time working out the songs, being patient and trying to produce something that will last. In the Christian music scene, they are one of the bright spots. It has been years since they released their self-titled EP, which was excellent, so this one was much anticipated and the expectations were high. It was also nice to hear that the drummer is still using double bass here and there. I think it gives a nice hard rock feel to their sound and I liked that on their previous record as well. Alive starts out with a nice orchestra instrumental with piano and strings that gives it a melancholy, yet alarming feel. To me, this is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the record. I'm not sure that I ever understood how important an opening instrumental is to an album until now. They did a great job with that. Some of the songs off the album I want to mention are Where Have You Gone, Alive, Saying It Now, Here With Me and In The End. Where Have You Gone is a song that really hits home for me. I have a family member who is currently struggling with drugs in a serious way. They just aren't there right now and the lyrics really spoke to me in a personal way. Where Have You Gone has the signature Staynlis sound, which I immediately liked and it also has serious crank value. The song Alive is one of the best tracks on the album. When I heard Alive, I can't help but think that they shine in this style. They lyrics are good and what I think they are saying is that God makes you alive by having a relationship with him. When we surrender our control, He takes over and makes us a new creation. But we have to die to ourselves. Alive is one of the more uptempo songs on the album and everything about it is top notch. Saying It Now is probably one of the more radio-friendly songs on the album and you can see how they add just the right layers in their music to keep a full sound. It also has a nice string section towards the end that really adds to it. This is a song where you can get a feel for Shawn's vocal range. Not only does he do the hard rock stuff, but can get high and gentle. This song reminds me of one of the old arena rock songs where everyone would hold up their lighter. Another favorite of mine, Here With Me, deals with loneliness... and it's a song that I think we all can relate to at least at one point in our lives. I felt like the lyrics were speaking of someone that is going through an isolated time where they just need to hear God's voice... To know He is there, and even questioning if He is there... Having hope of this, in spite of the circumstances. Great song. In The End makes me think about the decision we all have to make at one point in our lives. Will we choose to believe in Jesus and trust Him or will we be standing in front of him at the very end without our sins forgiven? In The End could be the anthem for the End Times Army. It also has a heavier edge which I like. The surprise is the guest vocals by rapper Cash Hollistah. Few hard rock bands that I have heard have pulled off having a rapper as a guest vocalist, but they do it and it sounds really good. Not only is this album heavy, but it also has nice worshipful features as well. The album closes out with a nice acoustic song that shows another side to the band; A side that can get intimate with Him. The more you listen to the album, the more it starts to flow together. Overall, I really like this album. It's very polished and professional. It sets the bar very high for Christian Rock. But, if you are looking for a total feel-good album, this one isn't it. They cover the full spectrum, and there is some pain here. Reviewer: Cory Enderby/Underground Christian Bands Date: February 15, 2014.
