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When Sparrow Records (home of artists such as Newsboys, Avalon, Delirious, and Lifehouse) signs a new band, you know something must be up. Because of this known fact, obviously a lot of hype is surrounding Ohio-based Sanctus Real. They have already accomplished great tasks such as winning a top mainstream rock radio station’s “Best Band” contest (before getting signed), touring all over the country including on Festival Con Dios, and more. To put the icing on the cake, all of this is before their first album has even hit store shelves (not including their three indie records).

Musically, Sanctus Real’s [Sparrow] debut album is an ear pleaser. Really great guitar work is definitely present and helps add to the overall rock experience. The songs keep moving along with hardly any signs of slowing down, with the exception of a couple of ballads which are just as enjoyable.

Without question, Sanctus Real is a group of four very talented guys both musically and lyrically. Their album Say It Loud almost seems to have a few elements from a number of different artists including The Elms and even Switchfoot at times. While this is probably not intentional, fans of these bands should definitely consider checking the album out nonetheless.

But even though at times it sounds a bit like other bands, this album really stands by itself for the majority of its forty-nine minutes. Right from early tracks like “Sink or Swim” and “Captain’s Chair” to later tracks such as “Won’t Walk Away” and “After Today” you will have a non-stop rock experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. Sanctus Real actually hit me by surprise and I can’t stop listening to it. 

If you are a fan of rock music, check out Say It Loud when it hits store shelves on December 24th, 2002, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a surefire hit with hardly any complications at all.

Josh McConnell 12/2/2002