Indie Rock Show Review
by Sonia V.

39 Stripes – “Saving Me A Place”  (2002)

Dive into the incredible limited edition EP release “Saving Me A Place” by one of Florida’s hottest indie bands, 39 Stripes.  Following the musical trends of Audio Adrenaline, The Newsboys, Downhere and DC Talk, you’ll enjoy this refreshing and original new blend of modern pop-rock bliss.  Already making their presence known in the music scene by performing with such well-knowns as Jars of Clay, The Newsboys, Out of the Grey, Margaret Becker, Carman, Geoff Moore, and now slated to open for Rachael Lampa this June, 39 Stripes is on their way to joining the independent artists in high ranks.  “Saving Me A Place” features guitarist Steve Henderlong, Joe Costa on drums, Mike Chakar on bass guitar, and the talented original lead singer Jaimie Lloyd who is now no longer with the band but we’ll be hearing from later on a solo effort.  Joining the band’s lead singer slot just recently is the awesome talent of Matt Lande who will be adding to the new full release in late 2003.

Upon first listen, it’s clear to anyone that this band has got the goods to make a name for itself.  With catchy hooks, great musicianship and excellent songwriting that feeds the cravings of today’s pop culture, 39 Stripes has both musical integrity and spiritual depth.  It’s no wonder they are already receiving radio airplay on The Dove Award winner “The Joy Fm”.  These songs sound like the best of the best Christian music out there.  Surprising since they recorded it on a very small indie budget in a house with no fancy gear…one would never know.  The recording came out great.  

You’ll find hidden treasures in songs like “Amazed” that the band tells me they used an “e - bow” on which generates a violin type sound by creating a magnetic field on the strings of the guitar.  With an extremely catchy pop-guitar riff, you’ll be involved immediately in what is probably the best tune on the CD.  I had to look twice at the credits to make sure it really was an original song by the band because it sounds too good to be true.  I thought it might have been a cover of one of the Newsboys or Phil Joel’s tunes.  Needless to say, I was impressed.  Continuing this month’s summer theme are the songs “Look” and “Sonshine” which are two great hookers with creative guitar driven arrangements.  As on all the tracks, the guitar arrangements are very well done and in line with current trends.  Among the array of winners is the title track “Saving Me a Place” originally written by guitarist Steve Henderlong for his grandmother who passed in ’97 which boast very thought provoking lyrics with a bit of a Terry Taylor/Daniel Amos feel to it… “Did Jesus tell you I said hello?”…it remind us of how those who are in Christ will see our loved ones again for eternity which is something awesome we can hold on to as Christians. 

39 Stripes will be releasing a nationwide radio single in late 2003 with a full length CD to follow, but until then, summer is short and so is this CD…which should hold us until then!