I FOUND THIS ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE, FOUND IT TO BE QUITE INTERESTING.
WEBSITE:
http://www.infuzemag.com/Salvador: Dismiss The Mystery
muted effort doesn't show what band is really capable of
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Austin-based band, Salvador, burst onto the Christian music scene in 2000 with their self-titled debut and had ccm outlets all across the country rocking with their full-bodied Latin sound. A rousing live concert presence only helped to cement the group as one of the fastest rising commodities in the genre. Five debatably sub-par albums later, having garnered multiple Latin Billboard Award nominations, a Dove Award for "Spanish Language Album of the Year," and the fourth most played song in 2005 on AC radio with their cover of the Los Lonely Boys' track, "Heaven", Salvador is presented with a choice. Do they change their style or continue to create the music that has brought them to where are? Nic Gonzales says, "With this album we had an opportunity to change our style and alter our sound...we chose not to."
The problem with Gonzales' statement is that they have in fact changed their sound, even profoundly in some ways, on their latest Dismiss The Mystery. While opening track "Now That I've Found You" is infused with a funky backbeat and some swell horns, harkening back to the original album, tracks like "Shine" and "Waterfall" present what seems to be carefully crafted radio-friendly singles. This in and of itself is not a bad choice but songs such as "Trying to Be the Sun" and "The Simple Things" seem like clones of popular radio styles as opposed to the sound originally presented by the band. One wonders where the passion of songs like "Cry Holy" has gone?
To be fair, the album does offer some solid tracks as well. "Te Enaltezco Dios", the lone Spanish language track, presents a very Santana-like presence and "None Greater Than You," while bordering on that radio-friendly line, shares some nice horn work that keeps things interesting. At least the group saved the best for last. The final track, "Child of the King," shows the group in top form, most closely resembling the jam band days of their earlier career. With a big and bold sound, a rousing chorus, and some serious play going on, Salvador offers hope that they still have what it takes.
Salvador is a very talented band with a solid vocalist in Nic Gonzales, a fantastic live show, and a devoted following. Unfortunately, this album is a lackluster effort at capturing the passion and verve that these young men possess. Thankfully, while falling short of this reviewer's mark, the sextet from Texas display sparks of life amidst some average offerings. If you're a die-hard fan or a general fan of ccm radio, go pick this up. If you are just meeting Salvador, save yourself the time and go grab their self-titled release to hear what they're really capable of.
REVIEWS:
I, too, am somewhat disappointed in Dismiss The Mystery. It doesn't come near the beauty and intensity of their previous release, So Natural. I love these guys live, and have been a fan since Day 1, but this new release feels like a degression, not progression. The first radio single, Shine, is good, but the Spanish track is definitely the tastiest one on the album. That's one tune you can crank up!! If you've never bought one of their CD's, and you love Latino pop/rock a la Santana, I'd suggest you pick up So Natural first.
» Posted by: Stel Pontikes at September 21, 2006 11:36 AM
I'd have to agree with the reviewer when he says, "One wonders where the passion of songs like "Cry Holy" has gone?". Being a fan from the beginning of their days when they were called "Holy Fire", their style and passion has definitely diminished. Could it be because they have a revolving door when it comes to players in the band? or could it be because the focus has changed. One does wonder... I'll second the suggestion and say, go pick up an earlier CD of these guys. So Natural or better yet, Worship LIVE. There's some PASSION in that album!
» Posted by: Former Fan at October 13, 2006 06:52 PM
