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"In and Out" opens this self-titled debut on a fast-paced note, with energetic piano playing and floating guitars, making for a strikingly tasteful piano-punk track. While the piano inspires comparisons to Ben Folds Five, The Straw Theory have developed an original and progressive sound. Call it alternative pop or piano rock, this album is leaps and bounds above the average CCM debut. Tyler Huston is the front-man for the four-piece, and an able songwriter and accomplished pianist and singer. The nineteen-year old's vocals are reminiscent of Phillip Larue's (from Larue), with a youthful flare to them on several songs. On others, he manages to create a dreamy mood. A particular vocal highlight is "In The Future (Morning Person)," a song about his greatest time of weakness--the morning. Huston's vocals sound groggy, as if he just got out of bed. Production was carried out by Billy Smiley (Whiteheart) and Terry Taylor (Daniel Amos, Swirling Eddies and Lost Dogs), and serves the sound well, without making it too commercial. Unlike most pop albums nowadays, there are no little bleeps and noises, partly due to the choice of a piano over a keyboard. "Starstruck" is a song about getting caught up in loving fame. It begins with questions from God to His servant: What consumes your thoughts?The servant replies: When they’re drunk on the love of fame and celebrityAnd ends: Jesus asked me,Other topics include romantic love, making God number one in every decision and the effect of the media on our society. "Showers" is a simple worship song, with backing vocals provided by Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), who also adds her ethereal voice to "Man on the Moon." It is refreshing to come across a debut as good as that of The Straw Theory. They manage to blend the piano well into the sound. If there are any faults, it would have to be the lack of more tracks like "In and Out," apart from "In the Future (Morning Person)." There are just a bit too many slow, dreamy songs for my liking. But these are still enjoyable, as is the entire debut from this exceptional talent. Eric Daams 1/29/2000
Shades of Ben Folds Five. This album opens with a energetic piano tune and wouldn't sound out of place on their albums. Would that the rest of the album kept up this fast pace. (Of course, I have similar complaints about BF5.) "We Believe" is sure to be a hit in the ccm market with it's catchy hook laden melody which will run around in your head for hours. The use of the piano rises this band above average and the lyrics avoid the usual ccm cliques. "Running Thin" questions where is Jesus in all thing. Great new release from a band that should go places. Pick it up today. Shari Lloyd 1/29/2000
With a list of guest musicians which reads like a who's who of left-of-center Christian music, The Straw Theory deliver a CD which draws influences from across the alternative spectrum but serve them up with a pop sheen. The energy and precision of the opening track isn't repeated, but the ideas aren't all exhausted there and this ranks with Chasing Furies's debut as proof that the alternative Christian music scene retains a few young hopefuls. With production from Terry Taylor, contributions from members of Common Children, the Prayer Chain, the Choir and vocals from Leigh Nash, this is an album and a band with a lot of promise. James Stewart 2/6/2000
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