Photos by Dave Eulitt/The Star
Mark Hall, the front man for Christian rock band Casting Crowns, made an intriguing suggestion Thursday at the Sprint Cente:. "The kind of music you listen to is either who you are or who you want to be," Hall said.
If Hall's assertion is correct, then the approximately 4,000 fans who came to see his band can be characterized as charitable, kind and earnest. They also love immaculately crafted but highly derivative inspirational music.
The greatest asset of Casting Crowns is their memorable songs of praise. Original compositions like "Praise You In This Storm" have become staples of contemporary Christian worship services. Their talent as writers and as strong performers made the band one of of the most commercially successful acts of the previous decade.
Their first three songs Thursday showcased their strengths. Arena rocker "Until the Whole World Hears" boasts the sort of crunchy riff, memorable melody and sing-along chorus that was once associated with secular bands like Bon Jovi and Journey. The insistent "If We Are the Body" is no less catchy. And the dramatic dynamics of "Slow Fade" evoke the biggest hits of Fleetwood Mac. Castings Crowns would go on to copy the styles of U2 on "Lifesong" and Coldplay on "To Know You."
Even during their most raucous songs, however, it would be impossible to forget that Casting Crowns is a vehicle for evangelism. Much of the audience kept their arms raised in postures of prayer, screens behind the stage displayed song lyrics and several prayers and miniature sermons were offered between songs.
"Music is great," Hall noted. "But we need something more than music."
Several minutes were dedicated to raising funds to support the efforts in Haiti of Christian humanitarian agency World Vision.
Thursday's outing was the first night of the second leg of Casting Crowns' tour. A few awkward transitions between songs and minor production glitches didn't mar the band's strong performance. A pleasing acoustic segment that featured the powerful vocals of Megan Garrett contained the evening's best moments.
Caleb Chapman, son of Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman, opened the show with a few appealing songs and sympathetic testimony of his faith. In spite of a shaky stage presence, the innate talent he displayed showed tremendous promise.
A set by Kutless, stars in the world of Christian rock, was less successful. While their message resonated with a few fans, Kutless' anonymous effort fell flat. Creating convincing Christian rock isn't easy. Casting Crowns may not be perfect, but their outing at the Sprint Center served as a reminder that their ongoing success is well deserved.
Casting Crowns set list: Until the Whole World Hears, If We Are the Body, Slow Fade, If We've Ever Needed You, Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me), Who Am I, To Know You, The Altar and the Door, Holy One, I Know You're There, Does Anybody Hear Her, Blessed Redeemer, Voice of Truth, Always Enough, Praise You In This Storm, East to West, At Your Feet, Lifesong, What If His People Prayed.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
That was a great concert 7 songs off their new album !
Bill, I think they played
"If We've Ever Needed You" too
A touching moment was when Melodee was talking during "Blessed Redeemer" you could tell she felt what she was saying and the audience did too.
I have a audio boot of this show too.
Posted by: Gary Dean | February 05, 2010 at 12:28 PM
4K at Sprint Center, ouch. Someone lost money.
Posted by: Steve | February 05, 2010 at 03:28 PM
"If We've Ever Needed You"
My bad, you listed that song Bill
sorry bro
Posted by: Gary Dean | February 06, 2010 at 08:27 PM
I love listening to their songs and the best thing about them is that they are a christian rock band which is rare to find.
Posted by: House Plans | February 12, 2010 at 06:57 AM
I have been to one of their concerts and man was it full.
Posted by: Jobs Search | February 12, 2010 at 07:21 AM
They have great voices along with their singing plus their music is so relaxing to the soul.
Posted by: Sony Digital Cameras | February 12, 2010 at 07:52 AM
These are probably the best Christian band I have heard and their music also is revitalizing.
Posted by: Web Development | February 12, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Now this is what christian music is all about these days.
Posted by: Online Tutor Jobs | February 13, 2010 at 12:16 AM
Worst of all was Abts' extended solo. Gov't Mule may be indifferent to trends and fashion, but some things- especially 10-minute drum solos- are best left in the '70s.
Posted by: lv speedy 35 | September 02, 2010 at 03:01 AM
The 70s ruled
Posted by: FREE MED MARIJUANA | September 02, 2010 at 08:55 AM
Worest of all was Abts' extended solo.
Posted by: gucci joy | October 05, 2010 at 04:44 AM
I'm a big Kutless fan. It's sad to know their set didn't do well.
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Posted by: Chaquetas Hombre Belstaff | November 26, 2011 at 03:00 AM
These guys can definitely rock :) I'd love to see these guys live if I have the chance.
Posted by: Ali@ AML exam | January 17, 2012 at 01:14 PM