Reviews of Constant Recourse
Thirty years ago, it was almost unthinkable for the average member of the church choir to pick up and join their local rock and roll band. This was probably due to the fact that the de rigueur congregational hymns that mom and dad sang in the choir had very little in common with music their kids listened to on their trusty transistor radios. Here in the post-modern-worship era where the line between the sanctuary and the Top 40 has become increasingly blurred, such church-to-recording-studio transitions happen almost daily. It was this very route that vocalist/guitarist Ben Mell took in March of 2006 when he, three other members of the church praise squad, and an old high school friend, joined forces to craft their debut project,
Something Brighter, under the Constant Recourse moniker.
Taking over where
Brighter left off, second album cuts like "Still I Need," "God Save Us All" and "Make Me Strong" highlight the quintet's skill at crafting lively, slightly ethereal, melodic pop/rock. "Where are You" and "Nightly Amnesia," on the other hand, show that the group isn't afraid to take on the big, piano-based ballad. Soaring harmonies, an occasional smattering of progressive and indie rock and the energy with which Mell and his cohorts deliver their songs certainly add to the release's overall appeal. Even so, it is the band's lyrics –unmistakably spiritual and often tending toward the poetic – which ultimately end up being their strongest suit.
Objectively speaking, the intermittent missed note and ever so slight demo-like quality do render
Remain marginally less appealing than it would otherwise be. Taken as a whole, though, its plusses far outweigh its shortcomings, and whatever vocal faltering is present does tend to fade into the background the more one listens. For music fans who like their pop and rock delivered in roughly equal quantities and their lyrics a bit on the ethereal side – or, alternately, those who lamented the fact that the trio Chasing Furies called it quits after only one record -- the sophomore outing from Mell & Co. may just serve as a welcome introduction to one of their new favorite bands.
- Bert Gangl, The Phantom Tollbooth (06.25.2009)
Clearly, this band oozes potential. Don’t miss this! Ideal for contemp-radio if circulated fully. These songs tackle issues ranging from youth depression to endless conflicts with common themes of truth, faith justice and freedom. Constant Recourse’s sound benefits from able production-innovation as well as the singing and instrumental abilities displayed in songs brimful of high expectations. A new name to me, this is highly recommended. From the talented Constant Recourse, here’s a great pop-rock CCM sound reminiscent of Switchfoot. Recorded near Philadelphia, all is paraded and judged in terms of energy-rock and electronic excitement. Penned by Ben Mell, this repertoire is unapologetic yet never sounds trite, commercial yet never over-sentimental! This is Christian Music for the 21st Century’s thinking people targeting young, mainstream markets with positive resolutions promoting clean cut, wholesome, Christian values in contemporary culture.
- Paul Davis
Much greater than a bunch of words put to a few instruments, Constant Recourse lyrics are instructions, assurances, realizations. They're something to live by. They deal with real life, real struggles man has with his relationship with God and how to make those stronger. These are what give me hope, what give me joy, and what give me peace. I am love with God and the work he's placed in their (Constant Recourse members') hearts. Their lyrics are so resonant and true and relative to my life (and life in general) that it's hard not to fall in love with them.
Combined with the innocence and sincerity of a child at heart (much like that of Jars of Clay) and the beautifully contrasting yet complimenting duo of harmonizing voices (similar to those of Casting Crowns and Straylight Run), Constant Recourse will leave you smitten with life and feeing fresh and rejuvenated in your adoration for Christ, leading you to fall in love over and over again with our Creator.
- JcShade
Reviews of Remain
Constant Recourse's
Remain is an insightful album of original songs written, produced and recorded by Ben Mell at Manoa’s Studio just west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chris Athens at Sterling Sound in New York mastered the album. Constant Recourse has been compared with Switchfoot, Ben Folds and Mutemath because they integrate rock and electronic elements with thoughtful lyrics and a solid beat. This sophomore album walks its listener from a desperately sick disposition to a place of contentment in God, and ends with a challenge to remain both in His love and in Christian community.
The first and last songs are bookends to this story. Still I Need, the first song, openly admits to the conviction of conscience. It asks that God would be strong enough to change our terrible, inescapable self-centeredness. Nightly Amnesia, the last song, relays a God-given answer to that state: remain and abide in His love. Everything between these tracks is a transition from acknowledging need, to having that need met and finally remaining in Him, God, who satisfies and shows Himself to be greater than our need.
- CDbaby
I just have to let everyone know how awesome not only the album is but also the people involved in creating it. I have been touched by the music and lyrics of so many songs on this album. My personal fav is Hold On but I enjoy listening to the whole album over and over again.
I personally Love this album!
- Joy
I personally Love this album! The music is so unique and the lyrics are unlike anything I have ever heard before. This music brings me peace. Every time I listen to it I feel the presence of God! When ever I'm feeling far from God this album helps to remind me of what I'm living for. This is truly a spectacular CD. I recommend it to anyone and everyone!
musical meaning
- Rach
i think the most compelling thing about the music to me is the way that the notes and rhythms are written as though wrapped around the already powerful lyrics.
- l.j.
Reviews of Something Brighter
Christian values combined with musical genius, Constant Recourse's new cd will not be a disappointment for their already hooked followers....it took me several days to really "listen" to the new cd, as i was oh SOO into the previous one...however, now that i've listened to it, i'm totally hooked! as are my children as well, ages 18, 15, 11 & 10. Dynamics are key. Harmonies intriguing. Guitar leads & keyboard solos, captivating. of course, the lyrics are the biggest blessing for me personally. God is blessing the works of CR, an anointed & talented group of young musicians.
- dawnie
