Everything Burns    
Artist:  Shirock (www.shirock.net; www.myspace.com/shirock)
Label:  Unsigned
Time:  41:29  

Everything Burns is the official debut album of a young, energetic band from Nashville, Tennessee.  It is difficult to listen to this album and not hear the comparisons to U2.  Lead singer and band namesake, Chuck Shirock, sounds as similar vocally as Bono as any singer I have ever heard.  And while the lyrics are not quite as mature and the sound not quite as well-defined, this album is a terrific start for a band that has the potential to forge ahead in their own unique sound and message.

As the album title suggests, Everything Burns pushes a central message that while we strive for possessions, success, status and personal glory, in the end, it is only things with lasting, eternal significance that really matter.  To that end, many of the songs center around love, relationships and making the most of the limited amount of time God gives each of us in life.  The albums opening track, "New Solution," is about searching for a new path in life, a path guided by love.  The second track, "Time Goes By," continues this theme of hope, almost begging:

    You shine your light on me
    Shine your light on me now

Lyrically, "I'll Take Rain" may be the most earnest and longing.  In an almost Psalm-like way, the lyrics beg for the presence of love and acceptance:

    If I scream, just forgive me
    And if I leave, would you find me
    If I'm scared, don't deny me
    Cause over me without you I'm no good without you

In addition to the vocals, the band's sound is also reminiscient of U2.  Many of the songs have an anthemic feel with pounding, throbbing drums and large, hooking guitars.  The bands sound is actually quite polished, well balanced and full for a debut album.  A lot of credit goes to producer Jay Ruston for nurturing a nice sounding album.  

Reading their biography on myspace, I was struck by the fact that Chuck Shirock and other vocalist, Pap, are both missionary kids.  Chuck lived in the Philippines and Scotland while Pap spent a year in Turkey.  They were also both vocal performance majors in college.  Their voices flow very well together and are beautiful compliments when singing harmony.  

Another cool thing about this band is their own independent clothing line called Irock.  You can find a link to their clothing line on their website.  

The label that picks this band up at some point should consider itself lucky.  This band has a very bright future and clearly has the chops to continue making great music in the future.  

By David P. Renovitch (Date submitted:  July 28, 2009)