Salvador

“Dismiss the Mystery”

Word Records

12 tracks @ 49:28

            I’ve seen this Latin Jam band perform twice, courtesy of Lifest, and loved both shows.  Salvador is energetic and uplifting, full of praise.  Yet they’re one of those bands whose live energy doesn’t always get captured in the studio.  This disk comes close.

            Opening track “Now That I Have You” will undoubtedly be showcased on their fall tour.  It features that familiar Salvador sound, with big horns.  Lyrically, it’s about the change Jesus brings into one’s life.

            This isn’t necessarily the same old-same old from the band.  “Find the Reasons,” while worship-oriented, has some funky guitar; “Te Enaltezco Dios” reminds me of early Santana.

            Marking their sixth release, group founder and singer Nic Gonzales says, “With each album we have the opportunity to change our sound, but each time we chose not to.  Along the same lines, we didn’t exactly want to be at the same level as before.”

            In that regard, the acoustic “Waterfalls” is very pretty and about renewal.  “Neighbors” reminded me of early Blood Sweat and Tears while “Simple Things” has a sophisticated 60’s pop-edge.

            With its atmospheric keys and unnecessary vocal distortions, I thought that the first single, “Shine,” is not the most representative track on this record.

            Otherwise, this is a very satisfying record.

- Rob S.