This Beautiful Republic - 'Perceptions'

Last year, when This Beautiful Republic debuted with Even Heroes Need A Parachute, I said, "...there is a ton of potential for greatness here." (Review). On August 19, the band will return with their sophomore effort, Perceptions. Let me be the first to say "expectations achieved!"

In a little over a year This Beautiful Republic has grown musically and spiritually. That growth is the first thing that jumps out at you when you listen to Perceptions. You're then hit with a message that basically says that we just don't see things like God does and that's good because we couldn't handle it. Wow followed by wow again.

This Beautiful Republic - 'Perceptions' - Description

• Style: Modern Rock
• 13 songs
• Release Date: August 19, 2008

Perceptions Track List

1. Pain
2. Surrender Saved My Life
3. Learning To Fall
4. Beautifully Broken
5. No Turning Back
6. My God
7. For The Life Of Me
8. Last Second Chance
9. Stay With You Tonight
10. Change The World
11. A Point Between Extremes
12. The Ones
13. Say Goodnight

This Beautiful Republic - 'Perceptions' - Review

You never really see the whole picture from the outside. This Beautiful Republic members found that out after being signed by ForeFront Records. They thought (like most everyone else does) that being in a rock band that was signed by a major label would be a breeze. They didn't know the half of it.

"I think the overall toll that being in a band takes was underestimated by us. Until you're doing it and seeing how it affects your friendships, relationships, your bank account, your physical health, and your mental health, you can't really get a true grasp on it," said lead singer Ben Olin in a press release. "Yet at the same time, we never knew it would be so good."

That "two sides of the story" is the theme behind Perceptions and they explore the theme beautifully. Opening track, "Pain" is a love song to God with Him trying to give all the love in the universe and the recipient being hesitant, wondering if it's too good to be true. Delicate guitar riffs behind vocals that build to a satisfying crescendo in the chorus make this ballad a strong contender.

"For the Life of Me," with it's pop sensibilities, is 100% radio friendly and it clearly emphasizes the albums theme. God sees us as we really are -- sinful and undeserving -- yet He chooses to look at us through Jesus-colored glasses. Why? And why did Jesus, seeing us as the sinful creatures that we are, choose to die for us?

The hard-core rocker "No Turning Back" is about tolerance run amok. When you're so tolerant that anything is acceptable, sin is easy to slip into. That tolerance makes a great justification in our minds, but it's nothing more than a lame excuse.

"Last Second Chance," another rocker, looks at life through the eyes of someone who doesn't know Christ.

Getting personal, Ben shares a time when he wasn't very clear on what really being a Christian was on "A Point Between Extremes." Was it being all about the rules? All about grace? He shows just how easy it is to get caught up in religion and forget the relationship; just like he shows how simple it is to think of Jesus as "fire insurance." True balance in Christianity is being able to find your place between laws and grace.

13 songs in all and all 13 have something to offer. It's almost a guarantee that at least one song will speak to you right where you're at. Hardcore fans as well as new listeners will all find plenty to like about Perceptions.