FFH
Voice From Home
Essential Records
12 tracks @ 53:57

Jeromy Deibler has always said he’s looked forward to taking over more of the creative control of his band. He’s listed as the producer on FFH’s sixth major release.

Lyrically, this is an excellent record. The concept on this release is that God is speaking to us, and if we take the time to really listen, what’s His message? In the linear notes, FFH says, “For many of us today, maybe the reason we have stopped really listening is that the message of the loudest voices seems, at best trivial and, at worst debilitating. The message of our culture is competitive (and I would add material). . . .” One need only watch most junk-reality TV series and talk shows to understand the point of “loudest” message.

Nearly all of the songs cite scriptural influences. Many songs center on our need for God and His love, including “The Only Hand You Need,” “Well Pleased,” “Can’t Let Go,” “I Am Love” and “Through My Eyes.” One of my favorite cuts is “It’s You.” God loves me, not my works nor my clothes.

What will be interesting with this record is how fans of the group’s “wall of harmony” will react. “Well Pleased” would fit in on any previous FFH record while “Great Big Problem” rocks harder than anything they’ve previously done.

Most of the other tracks are piano-driven, four of which are ballads. Other than some harmonies and background vocals on two tracks, and some shared lead vocals on “It’s You” and the lead vocal on “Can’t Let Go,” Jennifer Deibler, an excellent singer in her own right, is largely absent.

Recommended for the lyrics alone, musically it’s more an issue of personal taste and acceptance of the group’s new sound.

- Rob S.