4

4.5 (2 votes)

Artist: Set Free

Title: Set Free

Label: Eulogy Records

Release Date: 09/11/2012

Reviewer: Steven A. Cosand

Tracklisting:

1. Believers
2. Broken Homes
3. Go
4. Interlude
5. Man-Made World
6. Out of Words
7. Search and Destroy
8. Strung Out
9. A Force To Reckon With
10. Addiction & Conviction

It seems that one of the current trends in Christian music happens to be mid tempo hardcore. No problem with that! Here is another one for you guys. Ocala’s Set Free was formerly known as A Hope For Tomorrow. Their self titled full length came out on Eulogy Records a few weeks ago. Listening to this record was my introduction to this band and I am happy to have found them.

This record is something I would feel comfortable describing as “easy listening” hardcore. I don’t necessarily mean that in a negative sense, but there is a lack of weight and dissonance which I happen to find attractive in heavier music. When I say that I truly mean that this is something my mother would be content listening to during a car ride. It’s not too abrasive. It’s actually quite the opposite and some moments I feel it being a little radio friendly. “Believers” starts off the record with a spacey intro busting into a quite choppy rhythm backed up by defining and heavy handed drumming.

The tone of this record is very clean. It’s practically perfect and very fit for the music these guys are writing. The guitar tracking, drums and vocals are all very present and sound good! My biggest beef with this record is the fact that I can hardly make out and bass in the mix. That’s not good.

Set Free holds a certain sense of musicianship with very well thought out songwriting. “Broken Homes” mixes twangy strums and appropriate clean vocals with even a little bit of blast beats. ”Search and Destroy” showcases more melodic pop punk chord progressions. The unique guitar interplay is the most attractive thing about this band. The guitar tracking with these sort of noodle leads remind me a lot of both Third Eye Blind’s self-titled record and some of Bob Nanna’s work with Hey Mercedes. That’s not to say that Set Free sounds much like either of these bands, but these subtle things I find very attractive. The final intricate intro to “Addiction & Conviction” sort of caught me off guard, but then again it’s probably the most interesting part of this record. Definitely my favorite track on this record.

Overall: I found myself growing more fond of this record the more I listened to it. I definitely recommend this band for fans of melodic hardcore and pop punk. It’s easy to listen to, but it is not mindless music. Great release and curious to see what will come out of this band in the future. Like them on facebook. Buy this record on iTunes.

RIYL: Life In Your Way, Hundredth, From the Eyes of Servants, Redeemer, Strongarm

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