Grace Hotel
  Overall rating: +++-

Album Reviews

Luna Halo's newest release on the Sparrow Records label, Shimmer, is a creative new masterpiece in Christian music. Joining the ranks of other talented Christian rock-pop artists such as Delirious?, Sarah Masen, Newsboys, and Steven Curtis Chapman, they are destined to become a popular name in teen and adult circles alike. Driving rock beats and edgy guitar solos are reminiscent of dc Talk in their Jesus Freak days and the current sound of Third Day. Luna Halo echoes the spirit of the now disbanded PFR. You can almost hear Goldie's Last Day if you listen hard enough.

The vocals, provided by Nathan Barlowe, are so catchy that you can sing them without knowing the words. The lyrics are a wholesome testimony to the band's undeniable faith in Jesus Christ. Symbolism is key to many of the poetic lyrics. Selections on this album range from ballad-like to hard, grungy rock. The variety is sufficient enough that a listener will not become bored with listening.

Shimmer was created using a variety of different creative techniques and elements to the music business. The entire album was recorded with the entire band set up and laying down tracks simultaneously. The band also made use of some outside, prerecorded sound sources. The beginning sounds of tracks one and five are authentic transmissions from Russian and American astronauts. Also, Japanese seems to have a profound influence on the band and their music. On the cover are three Japanese symbols that are roughly translated to the moon, a halo, and the ring around the moon. These guys have a serious interest in what lies beyond the stars we see at night.

Luna Halo will begin a thirty-five city tour in the fall of 2000, along with recording artist Jennifer Knapp. They are a must see for anyone interested in alternative Christian rock-pop.

~ Jenie M.

This band is fairly new to the Christian Music scene. They are currently in the works of their sophomore album which is coming out next year. This album is an awesome album all around for a new band. The album contains a song called "Superman" which is heavy in guitars. Nathan Barlowe voice is very very good (even better in concert). This song is followed by a beautiful worship song called "Carry Me." This song is very nice and sounds like something you would hear in mainstream radio. This song is followed by one of my top 25 favorite songs called "Forgiveness." It is easy to fall in love with this song. It kind of flows really nice and smooth and then goes into a beautiful chorus. Another song that is really good on this album is called "Hang On To You" which was also written and sung by a fellow Christian rock band called Delirious. This song is followed by a semi-heavy song called "So Far", but it is absolutely one of my favorite songs on the album. It has such a catchy tune and extremely catchy chorus. This one sounded really really good live. The next song on the album starts kind of slow but the chorus is absolutely amazing and very catchy. The last song is a very beautiful song called "The Way to Your Heart". I really can't wait until the next album comes out. I will definitely be rushing to get it.

My Rating - To hear a great album from a new band that sounds absolutely awesome, then this is a great one to get. I highly recommend it. A great and very worthy buy!!!

 ~ MrBabel