Colors and Sounds

Sounds like … synth-driven alternative pop/rock similar to The Killers, Newsboys, and David Crowder BandAt a glance … Colors and Sounds forces you to forget Article One's prior musical history with an album that's more stylized and interesting than the first time aroundTrack Listing Without You (I'm Not Alright) Colors and Sounds Searchlights Never Too Late to Call Set to Start (Fall for Love) Becoming If the World Gives Up Love You Tomorrow Dare to Believe Looking for Angels Angels Above All Else Taken by the Storm Peace 'Til We Meet Again

Like so many debuts in Christian rock, the first album by Canadian foursome Article One came and went without much fanfare, falling through the cracks after it failed to make ripples amidst a sea of other new bands. In Article One's case, it's unclear whether listeners paid them little mind because of an overcrowded scene or because of the group's likable but largely indistinguishable sound.

The answer to that doesn't really matter in light of Colors and Sounds, Article One's second attempt at a proper introduction. You might as well forget there was a first album—Colors and Sounds enlarges the group's palette of sound so much it sounds like a different group. Their stock pop/rock has already evolved into more nuanced, synth-heavy alternative pop/rock, reminiscent of The Killers, David Crowder Band, and even the newsboys (not an implausible prospect considering the Inpop connection).

Another connection to David Crowder Band and newsboys is Tedd T. A big proponent of Euro-pop and synthesized sounds in general, the producer made sure Article One had less in common with stateside pop/rock outfits than with their more danceable, Brit-inspired counterparts. The outcome is infectious, pop-tastic fare like "Without You (I'm Not Alright)," "If the World Gives Up," and the title track, all songs where accelerated beats-per-minute, thick bass lines, and '90s keyboard elements abound.

This new direction is a refreshing, commendable about-face for Article One, made all the sweeter by resident violinist Matt Piché, whose choice instrument takes a more central role than the previous album. The band still entertains a conventional, radio-friendly side, noticeable in cuts like "Above All Else" and "Love You Tomorrow," but the move is probably preemptive—after all, it's hard to get away with complete innovation in CCM with one fell swoop.

In any case, Article One is doing enough things right to stand out from the pack. If you never gave them a chance, Colors and Sounds is the right place to start.