Hope amid change
Sanctus Real’s first album in four year is called ‘Changed’
Change is good. Change is also scary.
Sanctus Real has experienced some change since its last album four years ago.
Lead singer Matt Hammitt left the trio to spend more time with his family.
The vocal reins have since been taken over by Dustin Lolli, while original members Chris Rohman (guitars) and Mark Graalman (drums) remain. The new trio’s first project from Framework Records is appropriately titled, “Changed” and was produced by Chad Bird.
Says Rohman of the change in personnel, “When Matt left, Mark and I just started praying and waiting to see what God had planned for us.”
Graalman adds, “We immediately loved Dustin’s approach to songwriting and lyric structure and knew he could be a refreshing addition to the band.”
Lolli, who was working as worship leader in Michigan, soon saw the heart of the group.
“I saw in these guys a real focus to write songs that move people toward an understanding of their identity in Christ.
They’ve built an amazing platform to be able to share God’s love, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.”
Despite the change in personnel, the focus of Sanctus Real is constant that of hope in Jesus, the saviour of the world.
“We’re focusing back on the simple message of the Gospel...it’s the simple message of God’s love,” says Graalman.
Sanctus Real is stretching its genre, though. Varying from their rock origins, “Changed” spans the realm of pop, rock, hints of reggae and even a bit of a country.
The album opens with “Your Love is Loud,” a rhythmic pop anthem, followed by “Survival”, a striking rock number.
“I wanna live like I’ve been set free, breaking the cage that was holding me/ I want more than survival.” A reggae-inspired, “Safe in my Father’s Arms,” is a catchy reminder that the listener is “a child of the King”.
“Confidence” is another strong tune, both musically and lyrically. It speaks of the challenges we face, and the fear we have.
“Give me a faith like Daniel in the lion’s den/ Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness/ Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense/ so I can face my giants with confidence.”
“Hide and Seek” is a quieter tune, emphasizing the love of God and what He has done.
“Unrestrained” stays with this theme in its desire to feel the love of God burning inside.
The title track is a fairly typical pop tune, but it’s lyric is a statement of faith in God’s transforming power: “I’m gonna be changed, a little each day / Even when I fall I’ll trust You when You say/ I’m gonna be changed, by Your grace/ You won’t let me stay the same as yesterday, I’m gonna be changed.”
Altogether, I have to say that I truly appreciated “Changed”. Sanctus Real has stayed true to its mandate of preaching the Gospel, and listeners will appreciate the stylistic efforts put forth by this talented group.