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Music
Press
Written by Shane Werlinger
Tuesday, 30 January 2007
A Common Misconception
by Vigilant
Independent
To be vigilant is to be aware. That’s the reason Brandon Collins named the band he formed with his buddy, Stephen King (no, not that Stephen King), and his brother, Kevin, Vigilant. Brandon says, “We have to be vigilant of what is going on around us. (T)here are so many issues and so many things going on that need our attention. People have to stop meandering through life, confront those issues, and find purpose.”
Their new CD, A Common Misconception, speaks to this. Collins puts much of what he has been through to song. Vigilant spans styles from all out metal to pop rock to jazz and everything in between. With all of the diverse styles on this CD, you might think it would be disjointed. It’s far from it. There is a continuous flow throughout, keeping the identity of the band.
The instant you press play the blast of distorted guitar assaults you. This is the title track and Vigilant starts off with some good, old-fashioned heavy metal. Not overproduced, it has just the right blend of guitar, bass, and drums with Collins vocals over top. Getting past the ‘80’s metal euphoria, the songs message is poignant, talking about the struggles of being a Christian and how it’s not as easy as one might think.
We move to funk with the next song, “Popology.” While a fun sounding song, the subject matter is serious. Being a young man, Collins knows too well about the troubles his generation faces. He proclaims that “our generation’s lost itself to popology.” Just what is popology you ask? It’s a culture of running blindly after sin to please our selves, and I don’t think the young are the only ones guilty of that.
Things slow down a little bit on the next few songs. “Searching” features some excellent guitar work interspersed with some heavy moments. It has great balance. It’s a song we can all relate to as we search for God. “Legalism” has a pop-Caribbean-rock feel, ala Sugar Ray. It talks about, well, legalism. Many of us have had problems on both sides of this issue and Collins presents this well. “The Point Being” is a beautiful piano ballad. It doesn’t seem like Collins should be able to pull off the vocals on this, but he does. He might not win American Idol, but his voice is more than adequate. This is a well done, emotionally charged song that will leave you thinking about the point of Him coming and what that means to you.
“Redundance” is a stripped song that has a neat sound; basic, but the way it’s arranged is unique. “A Question For You” is a good rock and roll song that asks the universal question - “Is this working now?” The bonus track, “Hell’s Fire,” is real treat for me and all other old metal heads. It has a metal feel shot through music and lyrics. It’s like they are channeling young James Hetfield and Tom Araya.
Vigilant shows their diversity on A Common Misconception. It’s a joy to listen to. King and the Collins boys know their stuff. One minor thing I must mention. This entire project was produced by young Brandon Collins. It sounds as if he’s been doing it for years. I have to think he has a bright career ahead of him on either side of the board.
- buddyhollywood.com
Vigilant: A Common Misconception
Review
© Kevan Breitinger
By Paul Landkamer
Guest writer Paul Landkamer describes alt-rock band Vigilant as young and diverse.
Their press kit sums up “A Common Misconception” by saying “People have this crazy belief that once you give your life to Christ, it’s all easy street. But that’s the exact opposite of the truth.” Styles ranging from piano solo to metal rock tells us that Jesus is the answer, but knowing that doesn’t erase all the questions.
A few measures into Vigilant's first track, I was into the music. The hard-rocking power pop that characterizes “A Common Misconception” blends with slight emo vocal intonations, carrying a message of consequences for your actions. “Popology” jumped into another favorite genre of mine: blues rock. The intro’s beautiful guitar work challenges us about our worldliness, and how we’re all getting so good at it. The ballad, “Searching”, brought jangly ‘60s-style guitar to a theme of knowing what’s right, but resisting the change demanded of a spiritual re-birth.
“Legalism” examines our inclination to make it on works, but reminds us that only Grace can save us. The song’s slow, Caribbean flavored rock reminded me of some of Paul Wright’s work. The piano-driven “The Point Being” warns not to work yourself to death without seeing God’s obvious gift of Grace. “Take Back” is another song of trying to make it on one’s own. An energetic heavy guitar bridge in the song served to punctuate the relaxed feel the CD had picked up.
“Cleaning Up” uses an analogy of a dirty room for a dirty life. Track eight, a soft-rock club song, sings of barriers to “Answered Prayer.” Don’t expect to see miraculous answers to your prayer while you’ve got monstrous planks in your eye. “Redundance” uses repeated phrases in a subdued guitar-based song to say we are only human, but God is still God, and He loves us.
“A Question For You” gets the pace back up a bit with some heavy guitar work. The question, “What is it you hide?” is asked of a spiritual seeker who won’t acknowledge that Jesus is the answer. The bonus track, “Hell’s Fire” is from a guest band, Freezer Beef. Heavy rock and growled vocals sing that Jesus is coming, and Satan’s days are numbered.
Vigilant’s honesty with questions shows young and even older Christians that it’s OK to wonder. Like Job, question God, but don’t give up on Him. Watch these guys. Vigilant is a promising young band!
- Paul Landkamer
Discography
A Common Misconception (2006)
Vigilant EP (2005)
A Common Misconception is available at cdbaby.com and iTunes.
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Bio
Hello, I am Brandon Collins. I write, record, and perform music. I write lyrics about my day-to-day experiences whether they are good or bad. I hope the music I'm inspired to write is an entertaining and/or therapeutic experience for you.
Ultimately, I would like to help humanity by exclusively touring the earth and being a servant for people in need. I'm doing all I can to get there but understand that God is all about timing.
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