Manafest has been kicking around the Christian music scene for a few years now and is set on taking it to the next level with his fourth release, The Chase. Produced by Adam Messinger (Brandy, Chris Brown), the new album is more guitar oriented than his previous efforts and features Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch on three tracks.
The Chase reminds me a lot of early Papa Roach, Pax 217, and Thousand Foot Krutch with a little Toby Mac thrown in for good measure. The album has a really bright poppy sound, using the dirty sounding guitars as a backdrop rather than a focal point for the most part. The main exceptions to this rule is the slightly darker sound of “Supernatural” and “Bring the Ruckus” where the guitar riffs sort of drive the car over the cliff in a very anthemic way. “Fire in the Kitchen,” “The Chase,” and “Renegade” are also rockier tracks that sound like anthems made for giant arenas.
For those who might be disappointed by all the rockin’ and rollin’ there are some solid Rap oriented moments as well. The verses of “Better Cause of You” is one of the album’s brightest moments and also one of its most Rap oriented before it evolves into the very definition of Rap Rock. “Married in Vegas” leans more heavily on the Rap aspect as well but comes off as very confusing musically in the end, never managing to find its feet really at all.
Overall this album is a solid effort from an artist on the rise. I can’t say that it’s going to make many album of the year lists but if you are looking for something that just makes you feel goo or a positive and clean sounding alternative to popular Rap Rock bands than you’ll find a lot to dig into on The Chase.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
