Kind Words For Our Band

"Christian rock has often been criticized—fairly or unfairly—for being formulaic, overly polished, and lacking the musical edge that rock purists crave. However, In the Beginning, the recent release from Isaiah 61, completely shatters those preconceptions. This album is not only a testament to Steven Farber and company's musicianship but also to the sheer quality that Christian rock can achieve when approached with the right mix of passion, skill, and high-level production.

From the opening track, it’s clear that this isn’t the standard mid-tempo, radio-friendly worship rock that dominates Christian airwaves. The guitar work—undeniably led by Steven himself—is aggressive yet tasteful, balancing soaring lead lines with intricate rhythmic textures that provide a powerful backbone to the album. There’s a weightiness to the riffs that leans more into harder rock, yet it never loses sight of melody and structure. Steven’s playing is dynamic, delivering both high-energy moments and more nuanced, emotional passages that show a deep understanding of his intent.

Vocally, Steven carries the album with remarkable authority. His voice is rich, commanding, and expressive, exuding a passion that feels deeply authentic rather than manufactured for mass appeal. He navigates the heavier sections with an appealing, urgent delivery but can just as easily shift into more melodic, soaring vocal lines that elevate the emotional weight of the songs. The range of his vocal performance adds another layer of depth to an already impressive sound.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of In the Beginning is its production. This album sounds expansive—every instrument is given room to breathe without losing cohesion. The mixing is meticulous, allowing the lead guitar to cut through without overshadowing the rhythm section, and the drums sound crisp and punchy, providing a reassuring drive that pushes each track forward. Effects are used strategically, enhancing the overall aesthetic without becoming a distraction. The atmospheric textures and subtle electronic elements woven into the mix give the music a quality that few modern-day rock albums—Christian or otherwise—manage to achieve.

Despite not being someone who typically listens to Christian rock, I found myself captivated by the quality of the artistry on display here. In the Beginning, doesn’t just stand out as a solid Christian rock album—it stands out as great music, period. Steve Farber and his band have crafted something that transcends many genre boundaries, proving that faith-driven music can have as much grit, intensity, and sonic depth as anything in the mainstream rock world. If more Christian rock sounded like this, I might have to reconsider my stance on the genre entirely."

- Dr. Eric Downing

  Author of Friday Night Music Delights