A Maze of Grace
At first glimpse, Avalon may seem like one more nice-boy-nice-girl quartet who looks angelic and sings with a similar sanctity. And hey, that's what they are. But what makesA Maze of Gracedifferent is the underlying streetwise pop edge that pervades this 1997 release, which yielded three top contemporary Christian music singles. The opening "Testify to Love" is a great track that features solid harmonies, trademark guitar power chords, and a rock-solid backbeat. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" contains an irresistible urgency, as does "Speed of Light," yet the group can slow it down masterfully, as with the ballad "Adonai." Comparisons toFirst Callare merited here and much credit should go to producer Charlie Peacock, who makes Avalon's second release something more than the usual fare.--Michael Lyttle