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The Face of Love

Sanctus Real | April 4th, 2006

Sparrow Records artist Sanctus Real has produced yet another great album with even more maturity and a greater passion than their first two albums.  The Face of Love came as a result of various hardships the band had to face in the two years prior to its release.  For one, original bass player Steve Goodrum departed from the band and was subsequently replaced by Dan Gartley.  But the trials didn't stop there.  On the day drummer Mark Graalman became a new dad, he learned that his own father had just been diagnosed with cancer; he died only two months later.  Around the same time, lead singer Matt Hammitt's grandmother also ended up in hospice care before her passing.

The emotions that came from these unfortunate events are definitely displayed throughout The Face of Love.  The closing track, “Benjamin,” was specifically written for Graalman's newborn son and also touches on the recent losses: Children born while fathers die / It's that circle of life that we all live in time / ... / He gives and He takes, and it makes us stronger.

The album opens with “I'm Not Alright” which is about realizing the reality of humanity and finding hope in moving closer to God.  “Eloquent” is more of a confession of oneself with lyrics like I'm difficult / Argumentative /' bout as thick-skulled as the dinosaur bones on a display in a glass case / I can't believe you haven't run away.  The title track is a powerful song about looking like Christ by putting on a face of love.  The lyrics are effective and the musical score backs it up.

This album might not be as straight-up rock as Sanctus Real's previous albums, but their original touch is still integrated in this diverse album.  “Don't Give Up” is top-notch rock with very encouraging lyrics for those heading towards a breakdown.  “We're Trying” is another catchy tune with a great message that is clearly expressed through lyrics such as If you want reality / Then here it is / I believe that / Nobody is good.  But then there's a simple response to God's grace, gratitude and loving others in the same way.  “Thank You” and “Where We Belong” express this well.

The Face of Love is indeed an album of brokenness, searching for answers and comfort from God.  Not only are the lyrics bound to capture you, but the music will keep your attention as well.  The album title might fool you into thinking that Sanctus Real has gone soft, but once you give it a listen, you may think otherwise.  They've kept their original rock elements with catchy lead guitar riffs throughout and memorable melodies, but their overall sound has definitely improved as well.  The Face of Love is reminiscent of the melodic modern rock sounds of Switchfoot, Mae, and Coldplay.  Although some of the tracks lack modern rock punch, I still consider this a great album.

Reviewed by Jenna Rothhaar on March 24th, 2008

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