Abandon- Control Expanded Edition (Review)

Forefront Records

Release Date: January 31st 2012

Reviewed by Joshua Andre

Abandon - Control Expanded Edition  Amazonmp3 / iTunes

It’s hasn’t been that long since Abandon released their sophomore album ‘Control’. But brothers Josh and Justin, cousins Steven and Dave, and Bryan are back, with an expanded edition of the album, with bonus tracks, remixed by Family Force 5, Mutemath, Paper Route, and the front man of the now retired David Crowder*Band David Crowder. I just had to pick this up on iTunes. Anybody missing David Crowder*Band after their last album in January? No problem, you can hear his mixing prowess on this album. But more importantly, it’s time to soak in and hear again the genius of Josh and the band, and marvel at their song writing abilities. And wonder what their next studio album may entail.

‘Control’ can be reviewed here and here, however let me pitch in with my two cents worth. The first single ‘Feel It In Your Heart’, is a downright pop rock song, with a hint of an electronic vibe through Josh’s searing vocals and a blast of synthesiser as the base. One of my favourite songs from the album, this song is further enhanced by the music video, where it was fun to see the band play air guitar with their tennis rackets.

While Abandon has many Christian contemporaries that they are similar in style to, such as Sanctus Real, The Afters and Tenth Avenue North, what they do creatively on this album is to change their sounds up every once in a while to give the listeners a reminder of their diversity. Pop songs next to worship songs next to slower ballads. And in that respect Abandon have produced and recorded a well thought out and sound album.

With edgier rock songs ‘Help’, ‘SOS’, ‘Push It Away’, and their single ‘Live It Out’; pop dance tunes ‘Under Fire’, ‘Talk To Me’, and the Switchfoot like ‘Your Love Goes On’; and power ballads ‘Why Does It Take So Long?’ and ‘Known’; this album is a smorgasbord of lyrical and musical genius from Josh and the band.

But what really captivated me from this album were two songs. ‘New Year’s Day’ is a dance pop rock tune, a song about celebrating freedom from sin ‘… Dark has turned to light and I will celebrate all my wrongs made right, everything has changed; my sins have been erased, and it feels like New Year’s Day…’ and Josh nails the vocals. Ben Glover and Christopher Stevens have done an excellent song writing job, as listeners are encouraged that at the start of a new year, or even at the start of a new day, you can turn your life around with Jesus in the driver’s seat.

‘Hero’, my other favourite song, is the album closer on the 2011 edition of ‘Control’, and Josh basically delivers the gospel message, clearly highlighting Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. ‘…He choose to take the cross. Shed tears for the lost, the broken, and the needy, forgiving those who were and will be.; the angel made it clear. He told them have no fear. He’s not here. He’s not here!…’ Who wouldn’t be changed after listening to this song? I sure was! And the fact that ‘Hero’ is placed on all of Abandon’s albums (not a re-recording but the same song!), reminds listeners of the testament of the band’s faith and dedication to upholding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Well done guys!

Now this leaves me to the remix tracks, which can only enhance or downgrade the original track. In the case of this album, the result is mixed. The remixes start out with ‘Feel It In Your Heart’ remixed by Family Force 5. This rendition is given a treatment of a vibrant constant drum beat, missing and repetitive lyrics here and there, as well as a grunge type guitar feel. While not what I thought initially, I have since warmed up to this, and this has grown to be one of my favourite remixes.

Some remixes can be better than the original, while true to the original, or while completely made over. This is certainly true of ‘New Year’s Day’ remixed by Chad Howat from Paper Route. Staying true to the original song in the first half, a divergence in the 2nd half reminds me of Newsboys’ ‘Joy (Let’s Be Frank Mix)’ however this is a good thing, as the song is given a lift, and is truly now called a danceable track.

However, ‘Live It Out’ remixed by Mutemath’s Darren King, leaves much to be desired at this stage for me. I’m sure Darren has his heart in the right place, but it just seems that this track is too sped up, it feels semi rushed. With some parts faster than others, I can only hope that one day I can appreciate the track, for the interesting qualities it possesses.

‘Under Fire’, remixed by David Crowder, is the closer that is my favourite remix of them all, as the signature DC*B sound is evident all throughout. A perfect closer, with a flawless mix of drums, guitar and electronic sounds. (was that a key-tar I heard? Steve 3-PO? I swear I heard David Crowder sing in the opening seconds…)

All in all, Josh, Justin, Steven, Dave and Bryan have created a near perfect sophomore album, pulling out all the stops to make the listening experience an enjoyable one, by showing their varied genres and diversity. Not to mention their remix songs on the whole are quite enjoyable to listen as well, although some may take some getting used to than others. What this expanded album has accomplished for me is to get my ears trained for the time Abandon comes next again to record their third album. Sometime this year? Well done guys! Keep giving Jesus all the glory!

Score: 4.25/5

Track Listing:

1. Feel It In Your Heart (3:12)
2. Help (3:38)
3. Live It Out (3:45)
4. SOS (2:53)
5. Your Love Goes On (4:00)
6. Let Go (3:55)
7. New Years Day (4:21)
8. Talk To Me (3:05)
9. Push It Away (2:40)
10. Under Fire (3:20)
11. Why Does It Take So Long (3:36)
12. Known (4:09)
13. Hero (3:46)
14. Feel It In Your Heart (Soul Glow Activatur Aka Solomons Old Remix) (3:13)
15. Live It Out (Darren King Remix) (3:19)
16. Under Fire (David Crowder*Band Remix) (3:13)
17. New Years Day (Chad Howat Remix) (3:51)

Favourite Tracks: New Year’s Day, Under Fire (David Crowder*Band Remix), Hero, Live It Out, Feel It In Your Heart (Soul Glow Activatur Aka Solomons Old Remix), Help, Why Does It Take So Long, Your Love Goes On

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