Press
Superbly conceived pacing, eclectic sounds and infectious rhythms _ Ann Arbor Observer
author: Deborah Pohrt
FREEDOMLAND The Camaro Brothers and Sister Saroya are seven talented Detroit musicians who have traveled many lands. Gathering musical influences from each, their combined experience makes for the eclectic mix of melodies and rhythms showcased on their debut CD: Freedomland. This is Christian rock music at its best: inspiring, driving, devotional and bound for Glory – pedal to the metal all the way. The cover photo, an expansive stretch of straight and narrow highway, invites us to get behind the wheel and see where the journey might lead.
Get ready for a great ride! The opening song, Reason for Beauty, is a revelation. The sheer vocal power of lead singer, Hassan Watkins, hits like a lightening bolt. In this voice there seems to be two voices combined. The first is one of great and expressive purity: the second ignites every word with the passion of rhythm and blues and muscular soul grooves.
The highway stretches onward. The journey has just begun… The second song, Victoria, features the brilliant, harmonizing vocals of Watkins’ sister, Saroya. Clearly, God has bestowed great gifts on this family. Accompanying her on vocals are Kevin Knott and Ron Thurau. Freedomland’s superbly conceived pacing, eclectic sounds and infectious rhythms, will hold the listener’s attention track after track.
Amidst fine vocal performances, powerful instrumental statements are performed by brothers Ron and Dave Thurau, Kevin Holevar and Kevin Knott, and, of course, the band’s namesake – Jesus Camaro (aka songwriter Stephan Iscoe), who provides a strong and driving beat on electric bass. From the first note sounded to the last chord struck – This music delivers. The seventh track on this album is a delightful piece entitled Gumbo. Freedomland, in fact, is a kind of delicious, musical gumbo. It combines influences too varied to enumerate: from Zydeco to driving metal rock, from lyric jazz to melodic swing.
Like the best New Orleans gumbo, each ingredient serves and enhances the next. Nothing here is heavy-handed or obvious. It is for the listener to discover and discern the subtleties, the spices, the flavors here-in to be savored. Freedomland satisfies, elevates, and rocks to beat the band. So hop in the Camaro with Jesus. Come along for the ride.
Freedomland highway is a groove, and at every curve a sonic surprise
~Deborah Pohrt~ Freelance Writer ~ The Ann Arbor Observer