Review Summary: The best album by an average band.
Childhood. These are years of freedom, innocence, and general hysteria. It also is where we start development of such important things as brain functions, individual traits and of course musical taste. One of the albums that made an impact on me was
Phenomenon by Canadian rockers Thousand Foot Krutch.
At the point of life where I listened to this album it easily would have garnered a 5, as it was the essential album in my collection at the time, but as years have passed and my tastes have evolved, I will now give this album its correct rating of a 3.5. Thousand Foot Krutch is relatively well known in the Christian Rock scene, and they have continually put out solid material, but
Phenomenon is the crown jewel of their collection.
Combining elements of rap, rock, and some alternative thrown in the mix, this album manages to combine relatively heavy moments with the softer more emotional type and pull it all off in adequate fashion. Songs like Rawkfist and Faith, Love, and Happiness show the heavier side of TFK, while ballads, This Is A Call and I Climb show that the band can show a softer side. Musically TFK is nothing special. Guitars throw out power chords left and right with the occasional lead lick, drums pound away with relative simplicity, and the bass is simple, but as a whole the band manages to develop catchy songs. Album opener and title track,
Phenomenon is a highlight, utilizing the vocalist’s combination of rap and singing style vocals with a catchy guitar line. My personal favorite, Faith, Love, and Happiness is a straightforward rocker that gets the job done.
Although this is TFK’s best album, it is not perfect in its execution. Songs tend to blend into the same verse – chorus – verse style, with very little experimentation, and repetition sets in later on in Phenomenon. The vocalist’s sound may also push listeners away, as could the Christian themed lyrics. Though not overly blatant, they may annoy some listeners.
If your interested in TFK, check out this album and avoid the rest of their discography, or if you are looking for a decent, catchy rock record then Phenomenon may float your boat.
