Untitled
ForeFront Records' newest act--The Benjamin Gate--is in keeping  with the label's tradition of introducing truly cutting-edge Christian  sounds. With a roaring chorus of guitars and singer Adrienne  Liesching's enigmatic vocals, this South African fivesome cover new  ground on the musical map. Sure you'll listen to the call-and-answer  choruses by Liesching on "All Over Me" and think aboutthe Cranberries,  or, for older fans, maybe evenSiouxsie and the  Banshees. But the similarities end with the Godly message stamped  on each riveting rocker. Think Christian bands can't shake sonic  foundations? Check out the fury of "Lay It Down" or the enthralling  alternative rocker "Secret." And for those quieter moments, the Gate  gives us the lonely sounding and moving ballad "Hands." It may take a  few listens to grow on you, but this release is a thoughtful and  dynamic debut for a world that sorely needs it.--Michael Lyttle