Search - Alathea :: What Light Is All About

Give it a Chance

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 05/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first heard the announcement that Rocketown had signed Alathea, I was skeptical. I'm a man of limited musical interest, so I wasn't sure I'd go for this group whose style was being described as root/hybrid. Heck, if I don't know what it is, can I really be expected to like it? But, being on Rocketown Records, I had to give them a try.Am I ever glad I did. It took a few listens, but I've really grown to enjoy this CD. The style isn't as different from the Adult Contemporary I normally listen to as I'd expected. It does have a bit more of a country flavor then I'd normally go for, but I enjoy it for a change. They remind me of the group Sierra, especially on the song "Broken Down." And the lyrics range from getting away to listen to God ("Indian Creek") to His goodness to us ("Faithful One," "Smiled on Me,") and our desire to live for Him ("I Will Walk" "Always"). Other highlights include their reworking of the classic hymn "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" and a Christmas themed song "Emmanuel" I hope to hear popping up on Christmas albums soon.I'm glad I took a chance on this group. While they may not be my normal taste, I'm enjoying this break from the norm."

Awesome Old, Trad Sound with a New Twist

shoutgrace | Charleston, WV United States | 06/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An awesome debut Rocketown album for this trio called Alathea, pronounced (uh-LAY-thee-uh), from Greek for truth. The trio make up the talented Appalachian gals: Cristi Johnson, Carrie Theobold and Mandee Radford. It's like O' Brother meeting Nickel Creek and a smathering of Chris Rice and Alison Krauss. 'What Light Is All About' is a mixture of contemporary, traditional folk roots-Popalachian! Mostly acoustic in nature, the songs are eclectic by influences and instrumentation. Combining the groups Appalachian roots and use of the guitar, mandolin, fiddle, washboard, tin cans and water jug.

The songs are a reflection of their experiences-their fears, doubts and hopes. 'Indian Creek' is your own quiet, peaceful place to finding God in His creation. 'Faithful One' is relying on Him and not your own. 'I Will Walk' comes from the scriptures of the Book of Micah reflects how we should serve God. 'Smiled on Me,' a traveling song that celebrates life and learning wisdom from people you meet along the way. 'O Love' is from an old hymnal 'O Love That Will Not Let Me Go." The old words are still relevant set to a more contemporary tune. 'Emmanuel' a Christmas hymn tells the true meaning of gift giving. When Jesus came to earth, his mission for us by touching lonely, needy ones of us waiting for change. When "God is with us." We're not alone anymore. 'Broken Down' is a song that tells us when things get broken in our heart, when the Healer comes, give Him your troubles when He stops by. Go a little further, go to Him and He will touch your broken heart and you will be healed. 'Runaway Heart' is when compassion comes when we know that our wondering hearts are all the same. We all need to find our way home. 'Hike to Maine' uses the example of the Appalachian Trail that extends from Georgia to Maine some people travel it in a short time, seems impossible but, so does life, sometimes. 'Always' is when you grow up in the heritage of hymns you become grounded in your faith. In the form of a prayer, reaching back to that time of growing up and hanging onto the present. 'My Family' says no matter where you are or who you're with. We're the Father's support system in strangers that become family. For that reason we are rich in their love for us.

This is a nice surprise and something a little different from all the mainstream stuff. If you like very trad grassroots with a little modern flavor-give it a try out!"