Some months ago, I heard local band Athey Music finished their second album. But the release date was not until maybe as late as February.
Then I found out about a soft release (not sure that’s a thing but restaurants have soft openings so why not) on Tuesday and though New and Living Way technically has a release date on January 26, the new Athey Music album came a bit early for those wishing to buy actual physical copies. You streamers must wait! It’s nice to be a well-connected music reviewer.
Which means upon purchasing I had to dig out my compact disc player. You know. A CD player. Or drive around in the car. I kind of did that too. Hey, you try taking notes in the car!
Well, all that to say…no sophomore slump for Athey Music. The 10-song 45 minute New and Living Way shows Athey Music owns a sound and tone to call their own which naturally follows their critically acclaimed debut Goodness & Mercy. The so-called “collective” (certainly a thing here in Portland but probably elsewhere) has grown to include two new members. The core in Brooke Meador, brother Joey Meador and Peter Elliott remains though Elliott does not contribute vocals this go-round. Instead, Will Golsan and Marissa Berkey step up to the mic delivering the vocals on their penned songs. This, I can only assume as their website isn’t updated and I’m going by information about the last record. Um, maybe I’m not all that well-connected.
Written, recorded, engineered and produced in-house, along with additional contributing musicians, Athey Music proves the effectiveness of the DIY mindset. Hooks abound, but even more, they have a unique grasp on crafting the irresistible chorus that lays a cornerstone for most of their songs like the delightful “Hosanna Song” sung by Brooke Meador which quickly grabs you with an irresistible chorus to open New and Living Way.
Golsan takes lead for the following two songs “Heavenly Father” and a heartfelt “Redeemed” with another impassioned chorus. Meador returns for “Our God Is For Us” then a calming duet between Joey Meador and Berkey take up “Lord, I Come Again” that finishes with Meador laying down a most soothing slide guitar (might be steel guitar) solo. That was different. Quite enjoyable too. Meador continues on “Praise the Lord” the album’s first single released a few months ago.
Berkey shines on her lone contribution “Love Me Completely.” This consummate pop song, if released by another “pop star” who has helped ruin the Kansas City Chiefs’ season, (hmm, that didn’t age well) would hit #1. I don’t guarantee anything, but I guarantee that. The Meadors wrap up the album with Joey’s take on the classic hymn “The Old Rugged Cross,” Brooke on “Endless” and Joey closing New and Living Way with the southern gospel “Strength for Tomorrow” that will serve him well live.
Ms. Meador has proven herself a stirring songwriter but few vocalists, for me anyway, transfix with such an affective intonation. Mr. Meador takes a step back from his rocker side more prominent on Goodness & Mercy as he embraces a slower southern country rock. Ms. Berkey already sounds prominent. Familiar too. She fronts just one song but also one of the album’s best. And, Mr. Golsan delivers a youthful gentleness that combines indie rock and Americana adding to the broader range of the album.
With so much of the same proliferating Christian radio, Athey Music doesn’t necessarily offer a novel approach to the Christian music genre but a more distinct flavor. The lyrics will inspire the believer, give hope to the weary and maybe flicker a shimmer of light to those succumbed in darkness. Or just hold on and ride out the often heart-stirring melodies. Listen, if a song about the “reckless love of God” can permeate the church lexicon certainly any track on New and Living Way, all which rise to the level of accurate doxology, can breakthrough on the Christian Contemporary Music scene.
Well, now I have to go rewrite the Best Albums of 2023 list. It’s been sitting on ice for a week. Thanks a lot. Admittedly, I snuck New and Living Way in 2023 for a reason.
Oh. One more thing. “The King Is Here.” What gives? Not on the debut. Not on this one. Just the live release of Goodness & Mercy via streaming only.
Grade: B+
Athey Music New and Living Way Songs:
- Hosanna Song
- Heavenly Father
- Redeemed
- Our God Is For Us
- Lord, I Come Again
- Praise the Lord
- Love Me Completely
- The Old Rugged Cross
- Endless
- Strength for Tomorrow
*Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
