Stavesacre – Absolutes – Review

Stavesacre

Absolutes (Tooth & Nail)
by Doug Sery

Mark Saloman, lead singer for Stavesacre, was previously with the Crucified, who many consider to be the preeminent Christ-core band. Having never had the opportunity to listen to the Crucified, I can’t compare the two bands, but I can compare Stavesacre with Pearl Jam. Stavesacre sounds like Pearl Jam (see?). Like Roadside Monument, Stavesacre is not a hardcore band. They’re not even a punk band. However, unlike RM, Stavesacre has put together an album that I can’t dismiss. As a matter of fact, I’m having a hard time taking it off my stereo. A lyric sheet wasn’t provided with the CD (which may be a good thing), but from what I’m able to ascertain, Saloman seems to have made it through his “significant personal trials” and is back in the Christian saddle again. Too bad. The music on this sophomore effort is creative, powerful, and a perfect match to Saloman’s distinctive voice, which soars through songs like “Acquiesce,” yet has enough power to shout out above the din of “Shiv.” But, while the music continually impresses me, I’m also continually pissed-off by the sanctimonious attitude of the ideas being promulgated in songs like “zzyzx scarecrow.” Well, I think I’ll leave these CDs for the already converted and slap Born Against onto the turntable.