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Turning My World into a Rock World? Probably Not, But This

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 06/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, let's be clear right up front. This pop/rock guy is giving an alternative rock CD high marks. Trust me, no one is more surprised than I am. But I just can't deny the fun energy of this debut.



Debut is a bit misleading. VOTA starts life as Casting Pearls. They've changed record labels and added a keyboardist since then, so they decided to change names. Whatever that makes this disc, it's good.



VOTA has infused their rock sound with dance elements. In fact, I dare you to listen to disc opener "Hard to Believe" without moving. At a bare minimum, you will be tapping your toes before the first verse. That same energy infects "Not Finished" "I'll Go," and "Save Ourselves." And yes, they do have slower moments like "In My Heart" and most noticeably "Honestly."



The most important thing to me on a CD is the lyrics. And this is the only strike against the band. The music is so fun I have a hard time connecting with the lyrics. But I am being picky, and I know it. We get reminders that God is at work in our lives during trials, how much he loves us even when we fail, wonder that God loves us, and songs of commitment to God.



And then there's "Honestly." This song blows every other one on the disc out of the water. By far the slowest song on the disc (maybe I haven't changed my ways as much as it looks like), it is a firm reminder that we need to be honest with each other to truly see what God is doing in our lives. It's a powerfully sung ballad that caught my ear on the first listen and hasn't let go yet.



I bought this CD on a whim, and am I ever glad I did. It is so much fun. It is going to get regular spins for quite some time to come."

VOTA [VOTA]

Kevin R. Davis | Perkasie, PA | 05/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"VOTA, formerly recognized as Casting Pearls, has reinvented themselves with a new name, new sound and new record label INO Records. The self-titled album released digitally in late fall 2008 and released retail February 10, 2009. This one time trio of front man/guitarist/songwriter Bryan Olesen, also formerly a guitarist with Newsboys before forming Casting Pearls, along with bassist Case Maranville and drummer Scott Rutz expanded to four members now including guitarist/keyboardist Riley Friesen.



While Casting Pearls had more of an edgy rock sound, VOTA has more of a dance-flavored alternative rock sound, similar to Newsboys with hook-filled melodies and catchy lyrics. My favorite songs on the album are the main songs you'll hear when you see the band in concert, which I've had the privilege to do twice. They were on the Sanctus Real tour last year and most recently the Newsboys tour. "Hard To Believe" is the super-catchy opening song and a great way to jump start this solid album. Here are Bryan Olesen's comments about the song: "The more I dwell on what I really have in Christ, the more bold and excited I become about life. He loves you and I in a way that's not shown anywhere else."



The next songs "Be Mine" and "Love's Taken Over" are also great examples of the uptempo dance rock style of the album with great messages about what it means to have God's love take over your life. "Honestly" is one of those great personal ballads that I keep coming back to on this album. Bryan's sincere vocals and personal testimony of the power of grace and mercy is very memorable and another great song to hear live. "Not Finished" and "I'll Go" are great rockers and have great energy. My other favorite song on the album is "Free To Fail" with the message of submitting our lives to God and having security in knowing He's given us life and the freedom to fail and get back up and live for Him."