Step up to the Microphone (Virgin)
While some successful bands gloss over key personnel changes, this Aussie-region Christian act isn’t shy about acknowledging the departure of vocalist and co-founder John James. Into this void steps producer, songwriter and newly anointed lead singer Peter Furler, who brings a welcome, understated delivery. Musically, this album has many fine, hook-laden moments; “Entertaining Angels” is anthemic and engaging, those down-under accents ringing home the song’s tag. The opening cut, “WhoHoo,” sounds like Blur’s “Song No. 2” rendered mellow by Howard Jones. And on “Believe,” the ecstasy of faith beyond reason shimmers against a big-sky soundtrack. But the mid-tempo grooves that dominate this record get tiresome, and the band has a lot of catching up to do in terms of its lyrical craft, bordering on preachiness.
