NOT SINCE THEIR SELF-TITLED DEBUT have I so enjoyed a Jars of Clay album. The Long Fall Back to Earth is both different and the same. Layers of meaning stack up in the lyrics, laid on top of music that is simultaneously reminiscent and exploration. There is (to my ears) no doubt influence by Jon Foreman in all of his various goodnesses (Switchfoot, solo etc. etc.) but all for the better. JOC does an excellent job of challenging cultural issues through beautiful musical parables and insights.A band that seems to be able to continually musically recreate themselves without losing lyrical or technical credibility, JOC have proven themselves as veterans without becoming cliches.
I do realize this came out in April, by the way. All the more reason to get on top of checking it out if you haven't already. If you have, let me know what you think.
