This band should have been signed and had several mainstream radio hits a long time ago. On their latest independent CD, New York City s Stickman Jones goes for a pop sound reminiscent of Sixpence None the Richer and Over the Rhine, with a romantic lyrical approach reminiscent of C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald. It was a tamer beast That bowed its head To the stroking of my hand. We are drawn by its constant insistence. Songwriting such as this reflects a deep and intimate faith unparalleled in most Christian music and even in most worship music.
Relationships are also a recurring theme on Luxuria .
Gravity provides some darker moments with its tale of two people whose expectations get out of hand, and Like I Do reminisces about the halcyon days of a relationship. If things seem a little too somber, Smile is a more uplifting song about friendship. Luxuria as a whole is the same way. Heard in passing, one might think a typical pop album is playing. A closer listening, however, reveals all kinds of artful details.