VOTA

I absolutely love Vota (a.k.a Casting Pearls). They have a great alternative sound that is cutting edge in a way that I wish more Christian music would be.

I first heard Vota on the Gospel Music Channel and wanted to listen to a larger piece of their work. I am pleased with the CD. It's exactly what I expected. They have a sound that is a mix between TobyMac and Group One Crew...although a bit more mellow.

It only had one hit song that I liked. I don't think the band did well but then it could be my taste. Arrived quickly.

Okay, let's be clear right up front. This pop/rock guy is giving an alternative rock CD high marks. Trust me, no one is more surprised than I am. But I just can't deny the fun energy of this debut.Debut is a bit misleading. VOTA starts life as Casting Pearls. They've changed record labels and added a keyboardist since then, so they decided to change names. Whatever that makes this disc, it's good.VOTA has infused their rock sound with dance elements. In fact, I dare you to listen to disc opener "Hard to Believe" without moving. At a bare minimum, you will be tapping your toes before the first verse. That same energy infects "Not Finished" "I'll Go," and "Save Ourselves." And yes, they do have slower moments like "In My Heart" and most noticeably "Honestly."The most important thing to me on a CD is the lyrics. And this is the only strike against the band. The music is so fun I have a hard time connecting with the lyrics. But I am being picky, and I know it. We get reminders that God is at work in our lives during trials, how much he loves us even when we fail, wonder that God loves us, and songs of commitment to God.And then there's "Honestly." This song blows every other one on the disc out of the water. By far the slowest song on the disc (maybe I haven't changed my ways as much as it looks like), it is a firm reminder that we need to be honest with each other to truly see what God is doing in our lives. It's a powerfully sung ballad that caught my ear on the first listen and hasn't let go yet.I bought this CD on a whim, and am I ever glad I did. It is so much fun. It is going to get regular spins for quite some time to come.

After years as Casting Pearls, explaining that they were named so before infinitesimally more popular Casting Crowns, they added a new member, changed their sound and finally their name to Vota. Their should be no more confusion.Bryan Olesen's vibrato is still strong in the lead single, "Hard To Believe", singing his thankfulness through this anthem. It was a good choice as a single in the Christian market, but there is an abundance of great pop-rock on this album to choose from."Be Mine" shows the band knows pop well, even though it is purposefully quieter than the lead track. "Honestly" is another soft number, and addresses the topic of humanity and reality in the Christian life. It seems when they have a deeper message, they convey it well.But the majority of the album aims for arena-sized rock, with mixed results: "Love's Taken Over" is the strongest rock song on the album, "Not Finished" and "Give It To Me" aim just as high, and despite Bryan singing his heart out on "I'll Go", it sounds like just another "Hands and Feet".They find depth towards the back of the album with "Free To Fail", singing the darker sides of salvation and humanity. Instead of awe and wonder, its the seemingly relentless struggles of life. From the repetitious lead line to the repetitious cries of "we are free to fail now", the song elevates this album above mere pop, but an honest look at Christian life in the 21st century.Other songs skip around genres: "Save Ourselves" is them singing Coldplay, period. And despite the great violin work in "Bye, Bye", it's a blatant Maroon 5 imitation. Thankfully, they close the album with the beautiful and fitting "In My Heart". A few obvious rhymes, but the melody, the mournful strings and the landscapes accomplish what they set out to do: show their abilities and heart for creating great music and art.The Christian band's job these days is to take a Christian theme or principle and make it rock. Often, this compromises good songs and songwriting philosophies. Vota is guilty of this on a couple of songs, but nearly every track shows the band has evolved perfectly from their Casting Pearls days and have made a great pop album.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Vota in concert (opening up for Newsboys). They took KJ-52's place and I am glad they did. They have a fun, bouncy, upbeat sound. I would describe their sound as a mix of The Fray and Phil Wickham (which not a bad comparison at all)! Vota was formerly known as Casting Pearls, but I am assuming they changed their name after the success of Casting Crowns...but in my opinion, I'll choose their style over Casting Crowns any day. My favorite song on this CD is actually the slower, more reflective song "Honestly." I think this is a pretty solid debut, so I am looking forward for more things to come for Vota.