"With purpose, poetry, and passion, we choose to follow Jesus Christ and the ministry example He set". Thus goes the mission statement of alternative rock quartet Candlefuse. Based out of Rainsville, Alabama, Candlefuse plays an emotional brand of pop/rock, with thoughtful lyrics and catchy choruses. The band's tone is set by the powerful vocals and guitarwork of frontman Ben Honeycutt. The rest of this stellar lineup includes Drew Garrett on guitar, Brian Hechler on drums, and Steven Howell on bass.

Candlefuse, originally called One fifty, is not only a musical entity but also a group of guys ministering to and caring for their community. As part of this ministry, each year before Christmas the band performs for mentally-and physically-challenged students at
Dekalb County Special Services Center. As frontman Honeycutt notes, "For me, it's giving back because these kids don't get to experience music like other kids do".

In 2004, Candlefuse released its debut album 'Last
Chance'. That spring, they also made their national television debut on INSP. Later in the year, they began working with Barry Blair (formerly of Audio Adrenaline) on a self-titled EP. Released in January of 2005, the Candlefuse EP contains five new songs of inspiring, melodic rock.

First off, Candlefuse weighs in with the ultra-catchy rocker ?Fighter?. After a light piano intro, the guitars kick in, with sweeping riffs leading to the unapologetic chorus: "I'm a fighter, strong and brave
/ won't you run with me / I'm pursuing a life of faith / cos I believe". These lyrics echo of the Scriptures, as well as the old hymn 'Onward Christian Soldiers'. Next up is 'Bulletproof', the heaviest of the five
songs here. Opening with rapid-fire riffs, this track has multiple hooks and combines punk energy with pop melodicism. The chorus, sung in a low, semi-distorted voice, is a nice touch. The lyrics talk about how he feels 'invincible' thanks to Jesus ("one man's
sacrifice"), since he knows he will live forever. The third track is 'Carousel', a catchy, profound mid-tempo pop song. The vocal hook (with emphasis on the word around) is excellent, and the choir chants near the end work to perfection. As for the lyrics,
they serve as a call to believers to step outside their comfort zones and take some risks. Metaphors are used to fine effect: "Can we step away from the pews within / outside the walls of tradition".

'Angel's Cry' is another solid mid-tempo tune, with a cool chorus and an intro that reminds me of Stone Temple Pilots' 'Vasoline'. The vocals here are in the Live/Our Lady Peace vein, and the harmonies are indeed angelic. Lyrically, this song is all about the return of Christ to reclaim his Bride (the church). The final song is 'Search For Life', the least memorable of the five. While it has some good riffs and harmonies, it seems to plod along and sounds too much like common
radio fare. Also, the phrase 'holy rendezvous' is
clever but falls flat as a song lyric.

With songs as strong as these, it is no wonder that
Candlefuse nabbed a spot opening for Kutless (an excellent band on the national scene). While it is clear what Candlefuse's mission is, they do not browbeat with Christian cliches, and thus they may also appeal to secular audiences. If you're looking for some good Christian music, or are just a connoisseur of catchy alternative rock, go to www.candlefuse.com and give this band a chance to enlighten you.

 

(photos courtesy of Candlefuse.com)

 

 

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