Life Of Riley
Days Away From Life
Kikstart Records
www.loronline.com

"Moving", "tear jerker", "emotional"... no, I'm not talking about the latest movie, I'm talking about the latest sensation on the Christian Rock circuit. Life Of Riley is a name that you should remember... Remember it so that when you go to the music store you know what you're looking for. This band is amazing.

Their debut release Days Away From Life just hit the scene in August of this year, although the brothers Cassidy (vocals) and Brice Campbell (guitar) have been influencing the music scene for sometime now. In 2003 they started working on some independent production projects that ended up gaining them some much deserved attention (and hits!) in the music community. They now have written and produced their debut release and their knowledge of music shines. Cassidy's voice has such a power to it, similar to that of Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), that it can hit some great notes in all different octaves. The lyrics are well thought out and meaningful: "I know that nothing is forever and that my heart is in your hands"; "To need you innovates me/to touch you makes me burn". You've still got a couple good ol' rock songs with excellent guitar riffs, mixed in with the more moving ones. So don't despair.

My favorites: "Reasons", "Feel" and "Collide". But go figure out your own favorites. Remember Life Of Riley, that's Life…Of…Riley. Better yet, just go online, it'll be easier.

-Rachel Fredrickson