Review by Dave Longnecker
I remember being in a Christian bookstore five years ago and listening to a CD from a new band named Pillar. “Hmmmmmm, these guys are pretty good,” I thought to myself. Five years later I have now seen them in concert twice and they have unraveled numerous awards and four number one hit singles. Their most recent release, Where Do We Go From Here, is their most powerful yet. Crunching guitars and thumping bass lines beg to be blasted through your stereo. Perhaps even more powerful than their music though is their “line drawn in the sand” message. Bold, daring, and unashamed, they proclaim the message of truth and hope in a world that is desperately in need of both. The band recently signed with Flicker Records and has been shaking up both Christian and mainstream circles since.
Where Do We Go From Here gets off to an explosive start with “Hypnotized,” which calls for people to take an honest look in the mirror, wake up, and do something about our current state.
The hit “Bring Me Down” has garnered rotation on secular stations and MTV, a feat rarely duplicated by a labeled Christian band. The song is an unrelenting refusal to be dragged down the world.
Another moving song on the album is “Simply,” which discusses how God loves His children unconditionally. The chorus cries out Despite all the stupid things I’ve done/It’s hard to remember/That You simply love.
“Rewind” is a promise to leave the past behind and live for Christ, while “Frontline” is a battle cry to Christians to stand up, be different, fight, and lead.
On “Underneath It All,” Pillar proclaims their unashamed belief in Christ and desire to be like Him. I don’t wanna be like you/I don’t wanna be like me/I wanna be like the One that made me me.
The re-released limited edition contains a “Bring Me Down” remix and a cover of the U2 hit “Sunday, Bloody, Sunday.” Also included are a DVD of music videos and a multitude of goodies. This is definitely a must-have for any Pillar fan.
These are just a few songs on an album that is sure to garner attention from all circles. Pillar has gone from Christian to mainstream by label, but their message and motivation remains the same. Having seen them at Creation Festival in July, I can attest to their powerful message and explosive music. Hard rock is so often a negative, dark genre. It’s refreshing to find a positive, honest, solid band that goes beyond the superficial world of love and relationships and attacks the deeper heart issues of life.