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Like many international groups, the Belarus Republic-based Christian band Spasenie has a lot of fun playing a variety of different music. Unlike American artists who gravitate toward a specific style and stay there, Spasenie dances between various genres of music – acoustic ballads, ‘80s metal, reggae, easy rock/jazz, faux rap, and even a little ragtime – in their 2001 and 2003 albums, _The Submarine_  and _The Hands_, respectively.  Although inconsistent style might be jarring to an American ear, Spasenie is likely a crowd-pleaser among their home listeners.

These gifted musicians are incredibly creative in the studio, incorporating many Pink Floydish sound effects in-between and within songs. Their lyrics, at least on _The Hands_ , are playful yet insightful. Consider the childlike view of “Playdough”: “People with playdough wills have no desire to live in freedom / Or to listen to someone else’s pain / A heart of playdough is squeezed by fear” … or the depth of “Babushka Sonia (Grandma Sonia)”: “The years pass by, but God doesn’t grow old / He gives new thoughts and ideas / New people come to God / Heaven gives grace and freedom / But I have seen those who are living without living.” 

Spasenie has found their niche, however, with the English-language disc Crossing the Jordan. This newest release is more organic and consistent, featuring acoustic guitars and smooth vocals. These are sweetly subdued praise and worship songs. The addition of Becky Sharpe on lead vocals lifts Spasenie’s tranquil music to a level equal to that of any contemporary Christian adult artist in the market today. 

Recommended if you like Watermark, Fernando Ortega, Darlene Zschech, and the softer side of Sting.

Greg Adams   10/31/04