Worship Leader Magazine CD Review

WL Quick Tip: British pop sounding release with a couple songs to pull into your service of worship.

The third album by Indianapolis-based worship leaders Steven and Amanda Potaczek Turn Off the Lesser Lights is not your typical guitar-driven worship release-these guys standout with their piano filled British pop and spiritually thought-provoking lyrics. Some of the strengths include strong performances from the band, the highlight of which is the impressive piano drive throughout, artful and creative lyrics, and an excess of influences.

One can hear shades of everything from pop-punk in the lead-off track “Invocation” all the way to orchestrated power pop in the style of bands like Jellyfish in songs like “What Only You Can Do.”  However, there are also occasions when the lyrics seem a bit off for the subject matter-for example, “I’m still blown away at the price you paid,” and “like a kamikaze, you gave yourself for us” (which is surrounded by a beautiful soaring song, otherwise). But there are also profound moments lyrically as in the touching and catchy “Fail Us Not”: “despair can’t disguise You, … our doubt doesn’t daunt You, our darkness won’t defeat you.” But surrounding this all we have a bright tone best seen when the Beatles are channeled in the “Song of the Year” winner (2007 GMA singer/songwriter competition) “How Big Small Can Be.” 1000 Generations is loaded with talent, and Turn Off the Lesser Lights is brim with beautiful tones and melodies, so it’s easy to overlook the quirks.