In the land of barbecue, you’ll find more than just your choice of meats. The band Soundwave, mainly known as the house band for DCYC for the past 3 years, has just released a new album. This small town band from Lockhart, TX shows the extent of their God-given musical talents and offer it as a gift for us to join in prayer.
These days there is a limited number of high quality Catholic musicians that play and release contemporary music. Soundwave, is a rarity, and we are very blessed to have them in the diocese of Austin.This month, the band will be officially releasing their new album, and I was blessed with an opportunity to attend one of the in-home release parties in January where they had some pre-release CDs on sale. I’ve had a few weeks to listen to it a few times, and it’s given me plenty to share.
Production
Right away, I have to admit how impressed I was with the production quality. One of the biggest disappointments with some newer bands is smaller sound and lower quality to their music, but this album was mastered well enough to compare with the big names out there.
The Start, is loaded with 13 songs, and provides some variety to the traditional Christian Rock genre. There are many moments that allow the guitars, bass, keys, and drums to shine, and it makes for a high energy listening experience. I was most impressed with some of the variety the keys bring in from R&B beats to electronic style melodies similar to Owl City. This band can play.
Musicality
After seeing them perform a stripped down acoustic version of these songs and then hearing the CD, I was impressed with the band’s genuine musical talent. Beneath the layered production lies some different and beautiful acoustic versions of these songs. You can really hear some of it in a few songs at the end of the album.
Jeremy Rodriguez does a great job doing a majority of the singing as the lead vocal, but it’s really great to hear his wife, Karli Rodriguez, in “Never Let Me Go.” It would be nice to be able to hear more of her voice in different songs.
Overall, this album is great, and I highly recommend that you buy it or download it. I don’t think they’re ready to receive a Grammy nomination, but Soundwave has released an incredible album worth having in all our music libraries. I am happy for the band, and we are all very excited to see what will come from Soundwave in the future.
CD Release
Soundwave CD Release Concert
Saturday February 4th 7-9PM
First Assembly of God
2515 N. Colorado St. (HWY 183)
Lockhart, TX 78644
Get the CD on iTunes.
