Come Undone

Come Undone remained under the radar despite a strong showing of Southern-influenced modern rock. Vocalist David Leonard, guitarists Toby Friesen and Jesse LaFave, bass player Brian Meek and drummer Ryan Hawk had difficulty describing how their jangly modern rock distinguishes itself from similar fare by other middle-of-the-road rock acts. A dreamier, less funky Maroon 5 or a diluted version of the Turning might come closest to pinning down the sound on the quintet's Word debut. Producer Rob Hawkins (David Crowder Band) kept the guitars bright, and this extra gloss kept the album from veering off toward emo territory. The title track benefits from an After Edmund-like pulsating riff and soaring vocals that give shape to the lyrics. Other tracks find strength in lyrical transparency and powerful dynamic builds throughout. The lilting ballad "Center of Attention," which was featured on an episode of TV's One Tree Hill, describes the power struggle in an unbalanced relationship. Closing tracks "Give It All Away" and "Let It Fly" offer little in the way of memorable lyrics but make up for it with the album's most approachable and upbeat pop rhythms. Frequently compared to Matchbox Twenty and NeedtoBreathe, Jackson Waters showed they were perhaps just one hit away from taking the contemporary Christian market by storm. ~ Jared Johnson