Send the Beggar
Sometimes listening to an album you can be particularly struck with links between it and another band's work. So it was with this album, or rather the vocals, which strongly remind me of those from Jars of Clay. Once I'd got past this, however, there were a number of very strong differences making Send the Beggar no Jars of Clay copy. The album kicks off with a heavily processed electric guitar introduction, followed by drums and then vocals. The sound throughout the album is very vocal-centric, with highly produced guitar sounds lifting those vocals up (too highly produced for my tastes). In CCM circles, this album will probably be classified as "alternative," but it is really more modern pop-rock. The bass work is solid, as are the drums, but these too seem to suffer from over-production. Production aside, however, the songs hold together well, and it is possible to see that a lot of thought has gone into this album. That thought is particularly evident in the lyrics, which are definitely the strongest aspect of this work:
I'd feel better if you'd tightly tie our wounds together. With empty knees I bring the strings I stole and slowly severed. And I offer up myself but You don't say a word. (from "Tangled with the Error") "Rome is Sinking" starts off with a strong bass section and wah guitar, later adding some corrosive distortion low in the mix. Things build up in the chorus, and the tones used here are interesting, as is the strong interlude (which unfortunately seems to appear from nowhere), but it really doesn't quite have the punch it seems to promise. I like these lyrics to this track too, however:
And I'm as careful with my prayers, As a cripple climbing stairs. And Sunday shortly after dawn; I'm in a room, full of yawns. Am I there to love You, or to make them think I do. The final track is a duet with former Tattoo artist Christine Glass, which has an acoustic, almost folky feel, with a strong melody. For me, this is the highpoint of the album, as it feels slightly less produced. It'll be interesting to see how this band develops as it approaches its second album. With a slightly more organic direction and a few better arrangements, I'm sure Send the Beggar could make an excellent album. This just isn't it yet. By James Stewart
A beggar asks for what he doesn't deserve, what he cannot earn. Send the Beggar's self-titled debut finds this theme running throughout the work; begging God and others for understanding, communication, and forgiveness. The point of view is very dark, but directed towards the tunnel's light, and delivered optimistically by Matt Bently accompanied by up-tempo guitars. While the sound mainly falls into the broad category of modern rock, nods to the Beatles's guitar and string work abound -- the final song, "The Prodigal," a cozy duet with guest artist Christine Glass, is a sort of folk-hybrid. This is a strong, accessible, first release from a new label based in Columbus, Ohio, that traveled to Nashville to record with some of the best in the industry. Choir fans should note that Derri Daughtery was engineer while Steve Hindalong and Phil Maderia added their distinctive percussion and keyboards to the mix. -----Linda T. Stonehocker
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