Iowa Bands "Reborn" and "Son Dogs" Play 4th of July Concert (by Pastor Eric Hann)
Online, July 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - On the 4th of July 2010, South-Central Iowa fans of Christian rock celebrated Independence Day with a "one - two" punch concert featuring local bands "Reborn" and "Son Dogs" at Cornerstone Community Church in Chariton. Reborn (hailing primarily from Chariton) was the first to kick the door down, and in spite of an unexpected equipment malfunction (broken guitar string) they broke out with a strong start in front of an enthusiastic crowd. From there, the set grew in both in energy and variety. Highlights included their original songs "Who I am" and "Forgiven" and some very well-received cover versions of Need to Breath's "Washed by the Water" and Mercy Me's "One Trick Pony." I'm certain anyone in attendance would note that there were several very meaningful moments in which God especially seemed to be moving during their set. Having seen them in concert several times, it's this reviewers opinion that upstart lead singer Andy Rich's vocal range and performance has continued to grow and that we're yet to witness the "peak" of his God-given abilities. For a descriptive comparison of Rich's voice - try to imagine a hybrid cross of qualities and inflections between Mac Powell (Third Day) and the late Ronnie Van Zandt. This, along with the contrasting vocal effort of female singer Amanda Schroeder (and the spontaneous moments of seasoned rocker Charlie Hale) made for a unique Gospel-rock blend. Of note, their "One Trick Pony" cover version had decisively more soul than Mercy Me's version. The instrumentalists are also continuing to develop a familiar "vibe" with one another that's becoming more evident with each concert. As Reborn continues to write more original songs they'll be a Midwestern band to keep your eye on (You can catch Reborn playing on Sunday afternoon at the Lucas County Fair on Sunday afternoon, August 1).
The Son Dogs (hailing from both Lucas and Wayne County) kept the momentum very much alive with a very unique set-list of original songs and choice covers. While the crowd was enjoying a variety of Bar B Q entrees, the "Dogs" opening segment included an edgy version of Amazing Grace and a resurrected cover version of Bob Dylan's "Saved." This reviewer had only heard the band play on one other occasion, and this time around he was able to savor to a much greater degree the unique flavor of the band's chemistry. The Thatcher brothers (who make up the chronological "middle" section of 3 generations represented in the band) offered a vocal balance with a grittiness that harkens classic rock at its best, and the tight - yet still somewhat dangerous accompanying instruments (3 electric guitars, bass and drums) rounded out the sound with depth while still never becoming a mere "wall of noise." With so many strong original songs, it's truly a wonder they're yet to get into a studio and record (the situation reminds me a little of the formative years of pioneer Christian band Daniel Amos). Until they do record, audiences will be treated to live versions of their original songs along with some stand-out covers, including
Collective Soul / Pillar's "Heaven Let Your Light Shine Down" and Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky." One solid original song (among several) was entitled "Love Me" which was preceded by John Thatcher's very poignant "rooster crowing" testimony. Enthusiastic listeners requested encore performances of both a raucous version of David Crowder's "Undignified" (think shades of the "Proclaimers" in the approach) along with a stellar, jugular vein cover of the late Larry Norman's "Outlaw." Be looking to hear more from the Son Dogs in the future (You can catch them playing at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines on August 17).