King's X and Pearl Jam collide on the second CD from America's artsy Christian headbangers Blushing Well. But just like King's X in the early days, this band wraps its positive messages in subjective lyrics with universal meanings. Add cryptic melodies, down-tuned guitars, dark arrangements and a vocalist (Joshua Redding) who often sounds uncannily like Ty Tabor, and you've got an intriguing record that should appeal to several different types of listener. Granted, This Flesh I'm In falls short on abundant hooks and monotony sets in long before these 11 tracks play through, but it's easy to hear band members shedding their emotions and trying to leave their mark. Perhaps tellingly, the acoustic ballad called "For You" stands out as one of the album's best songs, not only because it offers sanctuary from Blushing Well's bottom-heavy sonic assault but also because it invokes the album's most-blatant Jesus references – something it shouldn't be afraid to do. Christian music has too many pop-centric artists and post-hardcore metal bands these days, but precious few groups sound like Blushing Well. More than anything, this band needs to embrace its musical soul.
Track Listing:
1) Breath
2) This Flesh I'm In
3) Have You Forever
4) Healing
5) I Need You
6) Past Is Past
7) For You
8) Courage to Live
9) Touch of Life
10) Significance
11) Who I Am