The Art of Breaking

Altogether solid CD. Not much different than Phenomenon, but then again, I loved Phenomenon!

When I listen to music I don't give conscious thought to the lyrics, so the fact that TFK may be Christian Rock doesn't mean anything to me (unless the lyrics are dreadfully, blatantly religious). I found a song or two from this album online, and I was really impressed. This entire album has solid hard rock and a definite unique feel to it. I think the most reasonable contemporary comparison would be Three Days Grace's One-X. The styles are somewhat similar, and both have interesting background guitars adding color throughout. There is nothing negative I can say about this album - no song is disappointing; the songs aren't repetitive; the guitar work and singing are excellent... I don't know what else you can ask for. Just don't expect the rap or punk from TFK's earlier albums.

THE BAND: Trevor McNevan (vocals, guitars), Joel Bruyere (bass), Steve Augustine (drums & percussion). Origin - Ontario, Canada.

THE DISC: (2005) 11 songs clocking in at approximately 40 minutes. Included with the disc is a 14-page booklet containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, one band photo, and thank you's. Label - Tooth & Nail Records.

COMMENTS: The local hard rock radio station was playing "Move" and "Hit The Floor". The songs were catchy and I decided to make the purchase. More times than not, the melodies grab me first, and then I listen to the words. Those new to Thousand Foot Crutch (TFC) might not notice the "Christian Rock" moniker attached to the band. I certainly didn't on my first few listens. But then I noticed the lyrics touched on spirituality, truth, redemption, and that general theme of looking to the sky for answers - but in a low key way - none of the songs come off sermonic. I do not have any of TFC's earlier release(s), but from what I've read, this "Art Of Breaking" is a departure of sorts... less nu-metal/rap/screamo, and more mainstream rock (I'd have to hear more of the earlier material to pass judgment). With that being said, I like this album a ton. If it's a new direction for the band... it works for me. You've heard the sound before - the formula is familiar (Switchfoot, Hoobastank, Breaking Benjamin, Pillar, Stereomud, etc) - but it works because the melodies are hard, crunchy and most importantly catchy. The lyrics have a message, but they're never preachy. "The Art Of Breaking" reached #67 on Billboard's Top 200 albums for 2005 (with the song "Move" reaching mainstream rock's #16). Other singles released are the opener "Absolute", "Stranger", the rocker "Hit The Floor", and the album closer - the uplifting ballad "Breathe You In". Six of the eleven tracks made it to the Top 15 on the Christian Rock chart. TFC and "The Art Of Breaking" also won best rock album, best group, best artist at the 2005 CGMA Covenant (Canadian Gospel Music Awards)... though there's nothing "Gospel" about the album. Maybe in lyric, but certainly not in music - this is a ROCK album. Highlights for me are the harder tracks - "Hurt", "Move", "Hit The Floor" and "Hand Grenade" (though the lyrics are a question mark on this last track). You hear McNevan really cut loose with a ripping guitar solo on "Hand Grenade" - I truly wish there was more of this creativity. The final cut, "Breathe You In", is the lone ballad and it's a great way to close the album. I typically gravitate away from Christian bands (because some are excessively moralizing... and I believe religion is a very personal thing)... but this album doesn't come off that way. Nothing terribly original here from Thousand Foot Crutch, but overall the songs rock and the band definitely has something to say (4 stars).

Wonderful album. If you like music, you have to get it. It's just that good.

I bought this CD a few years ago and I still LOVE it. None of my friends had heard of TFK but once they heard this CD they loved the band too. It's edgy and dynamic and it makes you want to get up and move. Hurt is one of my favorite songs and it ads that slow song element to the mix. All of the songs are catchy and well done. I highly recommend buying this one!