Aftermath: A Review

I have been given the great privilege of reviewing the debut album of Aftermath, entitled the Aftertaste of Abandonment. I'll do this in two parts: the Music and the Man.

1) The Music- The quality is above outstanding...and that does not come with the "for a debut album" caveat. The recording quality, lyrical content, and vocal/instrumental execution would rival the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, or Switchfoot. This is top notch stuff. My kids are already singing it, and my wife is quoting the lyrics to me. The music is both addicting and deep and speaks of the deep hurt that comes from sin and the brokenness of a fallen world.

This is NOT a contemporary Christian or "worship" CD in the traditional sense. Nor was it intended to be. However, the lyrics drip with Truth and will identify with anyone who has suffered rejection, loss, or death. I can certainly speak to this due to the death of Chai this summer. Even yesterday, as we sat at my son's grave, Keva told me that the lyrics to "Darkness Calls" (the opening track) kept ringing in her head.

Darkness is calling, it’s calling both of our names

But I just want to hold you close ’til daylight

Stay with you one last time tonight

If only time’s hands were broken then maybe hearts could heal

These lyrics are indicative of the album. The raw exposure of the human emotion that comes from loss, rejection, or abandonment are on full display. As a person who has experienced great loss, I appreciate the way Aftermath taps into that emotion.

But whether you have been through those experiences or not, you will find yourself singing the lyrics long after you have turned your iPod off. The voice of Aftermath is one that is both pleasant to listen to and addictive. You will find yourself constantly going back to replay tracks to just to hear the way they are sung. There is no doubt something unique about the vocals on this record.

2) The Man- I have had the great pleasure of knowing Jonathan Edwards (aka. Aftermath) for 2.5 years. He has served under me in college ministry at the Summit Church. I have never met a more multi-talented person in my life.

One of the things I have loved most about watching Jonathan make this album is seeing the way God has formed his heart for the purpose of the CD. Jonathan has experienced a great deal of abandonment in his life. However, he has also experienced the unchanging love of God in Christ...and that has made all the difference.

While this CD primarily addresses the emotion that comes from that abandonment, he did not want to leave his listeners without hope. In his liner notes, Jonathan points to Christ as the solution for the brokenness he has experienced in a honest way. I believe that this CD could be the beginning of pointing many people to the healing that they will find in Christ. As Jonathan has trusted Christ in the midst of his difficulty, he also has pointed others to the God of infinite love.

For that reason, I am very proud of him.

Here's what you need to know about getting this music:

1. The release of the CD: November 9th, 2010 on iTunes & Amazon.com

2. The Official CD release Show: November 19th, 2010 at 7PM taking place at 2335 Presidential Drive, Durham, NC 27703 featuring Jess Ray & The Rag Tag Army, Jordan Sasser, and Daniel Renstrom

3. Visit the website for the NEW music video available today, 10/12, at Noon http://www.WeAreTheAftermath.com/