BDA – 'Better Days Ahead'

Five twenty-somethings meet at Illinois’ Greenville College, lead worship for their church youth group, graduate and do some opening for groups like Jars of Clay, Switchfoot and Audio Adrenaline, and finally record this energetic debut. That’s the highlights of their story. The real details take place in the process of this journey, as God teaches, trains and forms them into this tight band that seeks to help listeners “encounter Christ.” Now that’s a good story!

The band consists of Matt Jones (lead vocals), Dave Ray (vocals, guitar, and principle songwriter), Clint Milburn (lead guitar), Ben Eggebeen (bass) and Jake McDaniel (drums), and they are having a great time. It’s contagious.

It’s pop, yes, but there’s enough truth, passion, instrumental skills and energetic vocals to get you over that hump. They’re not doing anything vastly different than a number of other similar bands, it’s true, but they bring a level of excellence to this CD. Thematically, their focus is on the grace and love of God, and on worshipping Him for these qualities. There are hot guitar riffs galore and an abundance of catchy hooks, as well as numerous standout tracks: the haunting tones of “Love is Here,” the fervency of “Mystery of You,” and “Don’t Be Long” overflows with truth. Closer “Into Our Midst” is a passionate plea for God’s presence and “All to Thee” is the perfect closer for the project. Nicely done, BDA, I predict we’ll hear much more from you.