The Afters
I Wish We All Could Win
Simple Records

The Afters are a young band just signed to Simple Records, a new imprint label of INO Records. Simple Records is headed up by Bart Millard (Mercy Me) and Pete Kipley. The Afters debut release will also be distributed on Epic Records. Although this is their label debut, the guys have previously released an independent album, which sold well with their local area fan base.

There is a nice mix of rock tunes like “Love Leads Me On,” and worship on “All That I Am”, but there isn’t any one thing that I can point out to distinguish The Afters from other rock/modern worship bands that have come before them. In fact, so many bands like this have come and gone over the past three years it’s getting hard to keep track. It seems like longevity is not in the cards for recording contracts. It can take an album or two for a band to really get some experience and find a niche, and I think that’s what it’s going to take for The Afters. Having seen them live recently I don’t follow the hype about their live performances, or their stage persona.

I Wish We All Could Win definitely has its high points, and there will surely be extended airplay, but even with that and the Epic deal I think there will have to be some major growth as a band for The Afters to see any kind of major label longevity. One song I want to point out as my favorite, both on the album and live is “Wait,” a heartfelt acoustic ballad that gives me a warm comforting feeling of God’s greatness.

- Ken W.