Remedy Drive: "Resuscitate" Review

Released: September 18th, 2012
Genre: Piano Pop Rock
Rating: 3/5

After releasing their highly successful debut album Daylight Is Coming via Word Records, high energy pop rock band Remedy Drive were faced with some major changes. In late 2010, the band announced that frontman David Zach's three brothers would be leaving the road to spend more time with their families. After hearing this news, longtime fans were left to wonder if the band would ever return to making music. Well after accumulating three new members in Timmy Jones (drums), Dave Mohr (guitar) and Corey Horn (bass) as well as a new record label, Remedy Drive releases their Centricity Music debut Resuscitate to anxiously awaiting fans. Produced by Pete Kipley, this album maintains the group's unique piano pop rock sound and proves to listeners that they're not going anywhere.


Upon first listen of "Better Than Life", the opening track and radio single from Resuscitate, it is clear that the band has chosen to stick with their lovable piano-driven rock sound. Featuring beautiful piano, a catchy melody and symphonic guitars, David Zach sings about how God's love is at the core of his life. "I need You, You keep my heart beatin', I need You, You keep my lungs breathin', 'Cause Your love is better than life." This song reassures longtime fans that the group has not strayed from their musical roots despite all the changes. The following song "Lost Cause" is an upbeat track that alludes to the rebuilding of Remedy Drive, speaking of how we are still loved in the eyes of Jesus even though we may be feeling lost or broken. A catchy pop rock tune, this track is easily one of my favourites from the album.

The title track "Resuscitate Me" comes in as the most aggressive and energetic song on the album. Featuring muffled guitars reminiscent of bands such as Switchfoot and Kutless, Zach's gritty vocals cry out for redemption as he sings; "I need You to save me, It's not too late to resuscitate me, Don't let go, Your touch awaits me, It's not too late to resuscitate me!" This song rocks hard, hitting home a message  of grace and hope that can only be found through Jesus. It doesn't suprise me that this track has been #1 on the Christian rock chart for two weeks straight! It is interesting that the band chose to reiterate the message of the album (I'm not a lost cause) in the bridge of this song. After the adrenaline of the rocking title track, the album slows down to a heartfelt piano ballad called "God I Hope So". This is an emotional song that David Zach wrote based on his brothers' decision to leave the band. His soft vocals really guide the beautiful piano along as he passionately sings; "Maybe this is just the way it had to be, maybe there's a beauty in this tragedy, I don't know, but I hope so...".

The first few tracks on the album are very enjoyable and easy highlights, but sadly the band doesn't continue this goodness with the rest of the album. Some of the tracks on the remainder of the album are just your average radio-friendly tunes that lack experimentation. I could easily skip over songs such as "What Are We Waiting For", "Crystal Sea" and "Glory" because they lack the musical ambitiousness that could be heard on their debut album. However, Remedy Drive does have some encouraging lyrics to offer to those who are searching for renewal or may have had a bumpy ride along the journey of life.

While I did say that some of the tracks on the remainder of the album lacked experimentation, there is one song that caught my ear. "Make It Bright" is a mysterious and anthemic track that features grinding guitars and haunting piano. Based on Matthew 5:13-16, this song speaks of how we as Christians are encouraged to let the love of Jesus shine through our actions. David Zach's aggressive, muffled vocals are a highlight of this track. I was satisfied that the band included another edgy track on the album!

While Resuscitate isn't a bad record by any means, I wasn't a fan of every song on this album. For those looking for a bunch of solid pop rock tunes to add to their music collection, you would be better off just downloading "Better Than Life", "Resuscitate Me" and "Lost Cause" rather than picking up the complete album. I understand that the band may still be trying to find their feet after getting three new members, and I look forward to seeing how they've improved on their next record.

Top 3 Songs:
1. Better Than Life
2. Resuscitate Me
3. Lost Cause

Track Listing:
1. Better Than Life
2. Lost Cause
3. Resuscitate Me
4. God I Hope So
5. What Are We Waiting For
6. Don't Forget
7. Make It Bright
8. Crystal Sea
9. Glory
10. Hold On

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