Casting Pearls

Sounds like … the pounding prowess of the Foo Fighters meets the sunnier and more melodic sounds of Switchfoot, Sanctus Real, and Seven Day Jesus.At a glance … these indie icons make a strong splash with their national debut, led by the charismatic Bryan Olesen (now the lead guitarist for newsboys).Track Listing Weighted Wastin' Time AlrightWhole World in His HandsAll About LoveFocusRevolutionClose Your EyesLove's Done SomethingYou Alone

Nebraska might not be the most common state to hatch the latest signing to a major Christian label, but it's the birthplace of Inpop's latest find, Casting Pearls. The band made a name for itself touring the local circuit, and then broadening their scope after being discovered by newsboys frontman Peter Furler. After receiving a copy of the band's indie album Rock and catching the Pearls at a festival, he invited them to open up for newsboys. That not only led to the group being signed, but also to an eventual invitation for singer/guitarist Bryan Olesen to take the lead guitarist gig with newsboys.

Olesen's gig with both bands has created considerable buzz for this ten-track self-titled debut, which is indeed loaded with potential radio singles and concert anthems. Though catchy like newsboys, the disc takes a heavier direction, leaning more toward the Foo Fighters, Sanctus Real, and early Seven Day Jesus. The first two tracks "Weighted" and "Wastin' Time" explode with distortion and assailing percussion, underlined by monstrous melodies and riffs. "Close Your Eyes" cruises with ultra cool nuances, again characterized by emotional vocal wails and biting rock and roll instrumentation.

"Alright" and "All About Love" evoke the sunnier swagger of Switchfoot, and "Revolution" is mildly reminiscent of that group's "Meant To Live." Yet there's also a sensitive side to Casting Pearls; their cover of Tim Hughes' "Whole World in His Hands" is very congregational friendly, while the dreamier "Focus" finds comfort and healing in Christ. Album closer "You Alone" demonstrates reverent worship, rounding out Casting Pearls' confident debut on yet another compelling note.