Everyday Sunday: just an everyday band?
By Chris King

"I write about how I feel and what I'm going through. Hopefully, if God is in the center of everything I do, that will be evident in the things I write about. That's how the album is. It's about life," Everyday Sunday front man Trey Pearson said about the band's record label debut, "Stand Up." Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Everyday Sunday is an emerging band trying to be honest about life as they experience it.

"Stand Up" discusses some tough issues and takes a stand as described in the title track: "I will stand up now / I will not step down." The song "Would You Leave" encourages listeners that God will never abandon us. "Sleeper" attacks a lethargic Christianity and challenges us to "arise in Christ." "Live for You Tonight" talks about distractions that hinder us from focusing on what is truly important and commits to continually living for God. "Hanging On" is the standout track of the record, dealing with the struggles we face and the questions we ask when we can't figure out why life seems so hard. Sometimes we just have to hang on to God and give Him everything that we have, even in the face of the tough times.

The music of Everyday Sunday would fall into the general category of alternative rock, but touches on other styles as well. "Stand Up" will be played on Christian radio for its melodic and acoustic sound. "Lose It Again" is pretty much a punk rock song, and "Wait" is on the verge of rap-core. The music on this album does have evenly distributed strumming and electric distortion. However, because of the placement of different kinds of songs, there is a nagging feeling that the album is trying too hard to satisfy every different musical taste.

Everyday Sunday's music is very easy to listen to, combining rock roots with pop sensibility. The hooks on this record are often incredibly slick. There is a problem, however, with all of this. Everyday Sunday sounds like every other Christian band you've heard. The songs are sincere and sound cool, but the lack of creativity seen in this record is hard to overlook.

If you are trying to find some Christian music that goes outside the box and is musically challenging, you might want to search elsewhere. However, if you're looking for some fun music to listen to that provides spiritual insight as well, do yourself a favor and check out Everyday Sunday's new disc, "Stand Up." I'd give this three out of five stars.

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