Search - Brave Saint Saturn :: So Far From Home

The Redemption of the Saturnine

peanut | Denver, CO | 06/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"sat·ur·nine (str-nn) adj. Melancholy or sullen. Brave Saint Saturn, the surprising side-project of poppy ska-punk band Five Iron Frenzy members, just released their debut album "So Far From Home." In the past 24 hours since it's release, I have been hearing nothing but positive reviews. Upon listening to the first track, you realize that those musicians well known for their silly costumes and high energy concerts have begun a musical exploration into a brave new world. Layered lush guitars, strings, percussion, bells and an occasional accordian creates a collision of sound that augments lead singer Reese Roper's searing and heart breaking vocals. Lyrically, this album continues in the Five Iron Frenzy tradition of being brutally honest with the world, often toeing the line of controversy. Roper tackles subjects such as his grandmother's death and the loss of his fiance as well as more general feelings of loneliness and separation. However, the album doesn't become mired in the saturnine. Rather, the music and the words meld together to lift the listener to a place where they can see the hope that lies behind all the tragedy, without denying the tragic itself. The reason I give this album 5 stars is threefold. One, the music is innovative and experimental, but remains highly listenable. Two, the lyrics are outstanding, not only in their poetic style, but in their intelligence and truthfulness. Three, it is not often you come across a band which is stellar in both areas, and Brave Saint Saturn definitely is. If you are looking for a beautiful and thought provoking album, I highly recommend "So Far From Home"."

...hauntingly beautiful

dave lier | 09/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"reese, denis, and keith work together beautifully to make this an amazing album, musically and lyrically. the only reason i would give this a 4 is because some of the sound, like the opening beat on the first track is a little scratchy. other than that, it is flawless. i would also suggest jumping at the chance of seeing one of their rare, live shows. i saw them once and it was this that inspired the title of this review...i got shivers watching and listening to them, especially on "under bridges". they really work well together. a 5-star group."

Good Album

Dave | California | 06/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The band members are also members of a sister group called Five Iron Frenzy. Brave Saint Saturn was founded to give the three band members (mainly lead singer Reese) a chance to express their sadder, darker sides in a different musical style than the punk-ska Five Iron. This is a GREAT premier album, although I'm sure that almost nobody will buy it because almost nobody will have heard of the band. In any case, it's a great CD, both when compared to secular and Christian music. I suggest you buy it."