This Is the Revolution

Sounds like … the worshipful vibe of Phil Wickham meets the singer/songwriter side of Jon Foreman and the British Invasion At a glance … the longtime producer/songwriter goes solo on this earnest and dynamic debut.

If the name Brandon Bee looks familiar, that's because his list of production and co-writing credits includes work with Stacie Orrico, Nick Carter, Jamie Jamgochian and Lanae' Hale. Though he's still active behind the scenes as well, the 26-year-old couldn't ignore the itch to record his own material.

The liner note photographs that could've come straight out of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band are the first sign that this disc has a fervent British Invasion flavor mashed in with the sounds of today's top ethereal rockers. Though Bee's influences include Muse and Travis, his material most readily recalls Phil Wickham, especially considering the worshipful nature of tunes like "Your Holiness" and "The Less of Us."

As the title of the project so confidently proclaims, the revolution has arrived in the form of this somewhat unexpected but clearly seasoned singer/songwriter.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/brandonbeemusic.

Others worth noting:

Manic Drive Reset & Rewind
4 Stars

Style: alternative rock; Skillet, Filter, Thousand Foot Krutch

In a nutshell: This Toronto-based foursome knows the power of networking, regularly trekking to Nashville's GMA Week and scoring a Stryper opening slot this year. But the band also packs fierce chops, as best demonstrated on the bone-crunching Kevin Max duet "Blue."

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/manicdrive or purchase the CD here.

Stephen Miller People of Redemption
4 Stars

Style: modern worship; Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, David Crowder Band

In a nutshell: Recently graduating from an EP to this full-length, this Texas-based worship pastor's ultra-smooth vocals carry exuberant praises and themes of peace in wearisome times.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/stephenmiller.

Shannon Robbins Your Glory Reigns EP
3 Stars

Style: acoustic pop/praise; Fee, Jeff Deyo, Jason Upton

In a nutshell: Whether quoting Psalms or offering up original adorations, this tranquil vocalist is completely transparent across five tunes that foster a spirit of contemplation and meditation.?

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/shannonrobbinsmusic.

To be considered for "Indie Spotlight," send a CD and press kit to:
Christian Music Today's "Indie Spotlight" C/O
Andy Argyrakis
465 Gunderson Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188