Beyond The Turntable

I'll admit upfront to an inherent bias; Tim & Jon Neufeld--the founding brothers of Starfield--hail from Winnipeg, Manitoba, less than an hour from my birthplace. Like me, they're hockey fans with a Mennonite heritage, so I can't help but like them, especially after seeing them play, and visiting with them in Nashville at GMA in April. However, even if none of the above facts were true, I'd still like their sound and lyrics. Starfield I especially liked the honesty of Outstretched Hands:

I am numb today / Everything's a blur / I've seen too much too deny / Too little to be sure / Like a prodigal / Like a distant son / I can see You from a distance / But I'm too ashamed to come // Will You see me through this valley? / Will You hold my outstretched hands? / As the world caves in around me / Will You help me understand / Help my understand, help me understand

From the infectious sing-along praise of Filled With Your Glory to the aggressive sounds of Revolution and the many prayerful songs like Alive In This Moment, producer Matt Bronlewee (Jars of Clay, Plumb, Natalie Imbruglia) helped the band craft an impressive major label debut. Although they've toured relentlessly and won several Canadian music awards including a Juno (equivalent to a Grammy), they've been relatively unknown outside of Canada. That's about to change.

Comparisons have been made between Starfield and groups like Jars of Clay, Delirious? and SONICFLOOd; while that's great company, they're no mere clones. They have their own passionate modern worship sound. When I saw them live, it struck me that the vibe was more like being at a church with a really good worship band than like being at a rock concert, and that was a good thing.

If you like modern worship with lyrics more honest than most, pick up Starfield. If you're from Canada--especially Manitoba--you're a traitor if you don't get this CD.

Visit: Starfield.