Pillar’s first record Fireproof was originally
recorded and released under a small indie label in 1998. 200,000 record
sales later, Pillar had attracted several major name labels looking to
sign up the young rockers.
After releasing their follow-up album Above,
Pillar decided Fireproof could go beyond what little justice the indie
label had done them, and recorded and released the record under MCA Records.
The album was produced and remixed by Murdoch (Godsmack) and Rich Costey
(Audioslave, R.A.T.M.).
The reasons behind the rerelease seem obvious
enough after a single spin of the disc. The radio-friendly, Christian rap/rock
band stands up and in some cases rivals their cited influences and idols.
However if you’re searching for band which
pushes rock’s conventions to the limits with a distinctly different sound,
alas Pillar would not satisfy your palate. The bands influences can clearly
be heard, echo’s from P.O.D. and Linkin Park – and in small doses Foo Fighters
and Incubus - can be heard throughout the album.
The band’s first single and title track
Fireproof provides a solid rock feel, complete with a full-on onslaught
of guitars and a loud fierce hook. Perhaps the only song with a complete
absence of rapping (thank god), and a clear head above all other tracks
on the album. The single brings out the bands real potential, perhaps providing
them with some direction to gear future releases as the rock/rap ‘thang’
slowly fades into the background.
What follows is a hip-hop cross rap album,
although tracks like A Shame provide interesting hooks, and a slightly
more rock orientated introspective feel. And what CD would be complete
without a ballad? The final track Further >From Myself acts as the ballad
to this album, sounding painfully like a thoughtful Incubus-cross-Linkin
Park track.
The band shows potential, no doubt, but
the preoccupation with hip-hop brings the band down. Out of the eleven-track
release, only three refuse to submit to the extremely worn, torn and bored
rap structure. True, for some rap-rock does work, but for Pillar, the absence
of innovation produces a bland formula, which quickly slips into repetition.
If the single catches you, plan to be disappointed
and confused as you attempt to figure out if you’re CD players stuck on
repeat. The rapping only reiterates what has come prior to the disc in
the world of POD. However if you’re not interested in variety this may
be the band for you.
A well-produced album from a band with
an obvious future ahead of them in the world of the mainstream. Perhaps
their next release will diverge from rap and focus on the more Incubus
come Foo Fighter’s side of the band we can only glimpse at. Sadly the album
fails to deliver what the single so strongly promised.
Posted by Spyder:
Oh, and Jfreak204: I am not complaining or critisisng (its misspelled, I know), but above was released in 2000. They released Original Superman in 98 and Metamorphasis in 99. Metamorphasis got them signed on to Flicker.
Posted by Spyder:
Hey, uhh, I might be a little late, but have you heard Pillars new album Where Do We Go From Here? It sounds like you (Hobo) would like it more. I respect your opinion on Pillar, because everyone has their own opinion, but I think Fireproof is an awesome album. Pillar is my favorite band. I know how hard it is to be a reviewer, so dont sweat it. I do think you should rethink your belief of God. If you really pay attention to the world around you, you can notice all the little (or sometimes huge) signs that he puts into our lifes to let us remember he is with us. Its kind of creepy at first, but If you really think about it, its kind of cool. If you still check this out, get back to me.
Posted by drumbeast:
For one, I love the band Pillar and I saw them in concert for the first time a few months ago, and they ROCK!!! they put on a wicked show and by the end of the concert my head was pounding and i could barely talk. Totally sweet! Secondly... Hobo, if names reflect personalities then yours fits you perfectally, a ranting idiot nobody listens to.
Posted by fireproofboi:
again i must post, as have realised a few mistakes. First up, after "beliefs that being a follower" there was meant to be a "involves", "understand that no ALL Christians" is meant to read "noT ALL Christians", "one of my favorite bandS" and "a worthY point". Goes to show i should have proof read, sorry for any inconvenience. Hey, i'm English... what can i say!
Posted by fireproofboi:
apologies for such an essay but i wanted to give an informed comment on what i've read.
Posted by fireproofboi:
Firstly, a word out to all the Christian commenter here, whatever you think, no amount of "Pillar ROCK!!" comments will either change Hobo's mind or help your cause at all. This is not meant to be an offence on you guys, rather just some (hopefully) helpful advice. Mr. Hobo, i can understand your anger at those who have posted replies and have not bothered to spend the time to make sure there comments make sense and are spelt correctly. You spent the time to write your review, so as those posting replies, i feel that the least we owe you is to take care in the writing of our replies. In reply to your rather sharp comment about "BLEEDING HEART CHRISTIANS" i can unfortunately see your point. Many of those (though not all) who replied seemed offended by your comments, rather than taking them, "we take hard knocks, come back for more, 'cos we're hardcore, we fight for the one who died for (us)" and showing a true Christian stance. i hope that you can learn from Pillars lyrics. Also, to all you Christians, God does not call you to be mindless followers, "Love God with all your heart, soul and MIND" (Matthew 22 vs. 37). So lets have some more comments that are informed and not just rants (again no offence meant). Hobo, Christianity is for the blind, weak, needy and everyone else in the world. Its not meant to be an exclusive club. Jesus Christ died on the cross for everyone. And, as a gentle... warning maybe, please don't be tempted to say that you're an atheist. There is no such thing as an atheist, an atheist, by definition is "One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods." However, to deny the existence of anything, you have to have a concept of what that something is. An atheist is someone who has previously heard about God, and has rejected the concepts and beliefs that being a follower. Therefore this is where the saying that God does not believe in atheist comes in, as they are merely people who chose not to believe, an unbeliever. If that was not to philosophical for any of you, then maybe you (especially the Christians) could also consider this, i am a Christian and i would philosophically agree with someone who said that God does not exist. You see, philosophically something that exists has to have come into existence, and therefore has to pass out of existence. i know that there is a God, however, by saying that He "exists" merely limits Him. So Mr. Hobo (and others) please be careful before you go saying that God does not exist (or that He does for that matter), as you may find yourself supporting the opposite cause that you were arguing for. i hope that you, Mr. Hobo, can now understand that no ALL Christians are mindless ranters, who have a opinion that is narrow. i went out and listened to "And Justice For All" as you said, and though it is not particularly my type of music, i can see your point. Christians ARE a force to be reckoned with, and they have a very powerful source, so please do not be quick to knock us due to your experience of a small representative of us. Pillar are a good band, and i regularly chose to listen to them, and would go so far as to say that they are one of my favorite band, however i also fully accept Hobo's opinion of them, and hope that it is considered before commented on, rather than just disregarded. i hope that you find this post to be a worth point, and i would love to hear your opinions of what i have said (that goes for any who read this). If you wish to contact me directly, bassguitargeneral101@hotmail.com no viruses please!
Posted by mark:
i think you should go to one of their concerts...
maybe you are afraid of something, someone ...spiritual...
Posted by Adam:
First of all Above came out before Fireproof. also, PILLAR IS THE BEST BAND EVER!!!!
Posted by noahsgurl_:
i think that their fireproof album should be rated 5 stars! it awsome
Posted by doug:
Pillars awesome
Posted by bornagainchristian:
pillar rules i dont care what anyone else says. Pillar No. 1!!!
Posted by Jon:
Hobo is was reading some of your comments on this band. I agree with u in this that Pillar does need to mature more before they will ever sustain a lead position in any mainstream music chart. This band has potential but they need to tap into it more. I think the song Further is a hint of what in them as a band. But here's the thing man, u seem quick to point out that u don't believe in God. That's cool, I respect that, because most christians won't stand up and say what they believe. Look man, God loves u man, He's never left u, and even though u may have turned your back on Him, He will never and has never turned His back on u. Well man u got a great review if this band, stay up man. Peace.
One World One Love
Posted by Lorna:
Two words: Pillar rules!
Posted by MacGordon:
Oh, and Pillar Rocks. I don't think you can really give a proper review without having gone to one of their concerts, watching them perform and seeing the people.
Posted by MacGordon:
I think the opinion giver who chose to write this review needs to either expand what music he/she enjoys, or stick to reviewing only that which he/she knows. This isn't a put down by any manner. I just think it's way to obvious that the reviewer is too dead set on making a band, that has become popular (by one song or the whole album), into that which he/she most prefers. I don't think this is the proper use for a review. On the other hand, I'm not saying that a "Pillar" fan should be the soul reviewer. Although, someone who enjoys the genre where Pillar has emerged would be better tuned to what is good, best, and what stinks. There's my two cents, now flick them at somebody!
Posted by jesus freak:
this muisc is great
Posted by and1 baller:
pillar rocks
Posted by Hobo:
A noble cause Deadsun. In all my rants I'm going to post a definition of the very word "rant", because theres always one dolt that says I get carried away and should've put forward a comprehensive, detailed argument.
Posted by DeadSun:
In my beneficence, I am sending out free Oxford dictionaries, for the benefit of a few cement-heads who it would appear are confused as to what is inferred in the word "review", by definition. If you are correct in your idea that reviews should be exclusively positive, it then follows that there would never be a negative review. This must be great news for artists everywhere. EVEN in the event that they are lacking in any talent whatsoever, they will still be awarded praise on every review of their work. That should do wonders for the overall quality of art as it presently exists. In summation, your logic accumen is less than impressive. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for the dictionary to be delivered to your doorstep. Love and kisses.
Posted by Hobo:
Freestyling blindly following sheep, I researched. But then I didnt need to to identify the pathetically stale and overworked generic elements of RAP/ROCK. What value does this band add to the genre? NOTHING AT ALL. Pathetic rehashing of the vast majority of 'influences' cited on their biography. Yes I read it, no I dont care. The correct grammer is AN OPINION and tim, in but eleven words you came up with TWO spelling errors and FOUR grammatical errors. F*ck that kid, end your goddam pathetic life now. If you cant even write a sentence then what are you doing alive? THE ALBUM IS SH!T I DONT CARE IF YOU BLEEDING HEART CHRISTIANS DONT APPROVE OF MY REVIEW. GOD DOES NOT EXIST AND THE VERY FACT NONE OF YOU CAN SPELL LET ALONE FORM A COHERANT ARGUMENT IS JUST A TESTEMENT TO THE FACT THAT CHRISTIANITY IS FOR THE BLIND, THE WEAK AND THE NEEDY. LEAVE NOW.
Posted by tim:
wow hobos and idiot ya so i really like the band
Posted by Freestyl Trinity:
The deal is that while Noah (lead guitar) may have some Mike Einziger and Brad Delson running through his veins, he is inovative guitarist.
We are all built on foundations and his happen to be metal driving ones.
He states in his biography that it isn't clearly one style that he bases his play by but an eclectic taste, as he favors inspirations such as "Hoobastank, Incubus, POD, Sevendust, Underoath, Jimmy Eat World, Juliana theory, Harry Connick Jr., Big Fat Jam... Steve Vai, Clint Lowery, Tom Morello, Phil Keaggy, Michael Hedges, and whoever inspires me enough to write differently." And such a similar case follows for Rob (the lead singer).
While tastes in music as in other things can need only apply personally, I take innitiative to investigate the style, lyrics, and genre on my own and find that to me a opinion is something to be valued, but not taken on. Because to each His own.
Posted by Hobo:
OOOH! Another ghost post! I *AM* getting popular! No whoever posted that, to believe in Satan I have to similarly believe in God and thus the biblical concept of good and evil - which is a bit too Batman for me (though I do love the old skool animated Batman series...)
Posted by Hobo:
...by the way, I worship SATAN!!
Posted by Hobo:
Much obliged, good luck with your review.
Posted by Kati:
Hm...well as a christian white girl who is trying to do a review on the exact same cd, i have to say you're not quite as wrong as others would have you to be. I really like fireproof the first time, and when given the cd to review, i was interested. However, after a while, i was thinking, "wait, didn't i just hear that song?" There are a few great tracks on this cd, and the words really hit me quite a few times, but the sound can get monotonous. There's my op.
Posted by GREENMUSE:
revewing a cd is alot harder than one would think,ive done it a few times,and maybe one or so of those were acceptable in my opinon.i think hobo did a great job here.he could have just said"its garbage,aside from a few tracks"but he stated what he liked and what he didnt like.if antimusic only got people who loved the bands they reviewed the reviews would be pretty crappy.they might as well change the name to rolling stone and call everything a "rollercoaster thrill ride of the year"to everything that gets flushed out to them.
Posted by aG:
hum interesting comments here. To J Marie I have one thing to say. A reviewer connects one artist to another as a point of reference. It helps the reader get a feel for what the band sounds like. With that said, if a band doesn't want to be compared to someone else they should try to create a UNIQUE sound. Reviews are subjective by nature. Of course die hard fans of a group are going to love the music but a review has to take a look at it from the outside without the built in bias to give those who haven't heard the band an opinion on the music as it stands instead of the hard core fans basic "this is the best music in the world". It may very well turn out to be that way. But the idea that a review has to be a hard core fan of the music being reviewed negates the whole idea of music criticism. If we did that why not have the band put out their own reviews? Ok nuff said. Hobo made some good points in his review and his response below. But I have to say that we DO allow those who disagree to post their own reviews here for a reason. So they can tell you why they disagree. Unfortunately, most take to shooting the messenger instead of stating why they actually disagree. If you don't agree with the review then tell us why you disagree and what you like about it. You can attack the reviewer all day long but it's really pointless when you think about it. Give people who read these pages an other real opinion to go by and maybe they will check out the music and decide for themselves!
Posted by Hobo:
And why are all you white christians dropping rap street talk like 'da' 'bro' 'my boys' and so on. Can't you be ppl be yourselves? A review is by nature bias, it is literally impossible to do one without bias. You people are all close minded and obviously not musicans.
Posted by Hobo:
And i'm missing the part where i'm being unfair or bias. Shoe, its called a 'hook'. Hooks are used in poor mainstream bands, because the only thing that can catch a listeners ear is the (pro tools engineered) chrous, because the music is stale and boring. Hooks aren't amazing, they're stock standard and boring.
Posted by Hobo:
To the many telling me 'not to listen to teh albumns if i dunz likes it!@1', I get the cd's to review from the site, I dont choose them. Quest Kat i think YOU'RE (notice the RE) grammar's crap. Rock Rap is old and tired, I dont believe in god, Pillar have to mature more before I count them in. Go listen to And Justice For All. These 'believers' scare me, they're so violent in their supporting of a medicore rap/rock band.
Posted by crazyguitarman:
Pillar is AWSOME!! And there's nothing wrong with rap! The bands very roots very influenced by rap. Just listen to Above, thier fist album with Flicker records.
Fireproof actually expands thier sound.
It takes real artistry to write like Pillar does.
Posted by EVE:
THE MOST OF THE WORLD!!
IT'S AMAZING! WE ARE THE ARMY OF ONE. RIGHT.
Posted by Shoe:
If you hate it...stay away. The unremixed version of Fireproof was only #1 for 11 weeks, tied for most ever. Listen to it a lot. It grows on you. Especially Behind Closed Doors, A Shame. And have you listened to the choruses on Indivisible and Echelon? Amazing. Though Pillar does have room for improvement, THEY ARE STILL THE BEST BAND EVER. ROCK ON FOR JESUS!!
Posted by gsdpt:
Fun to check secular reviews out. Sorry Hobo, but give the album a chance, it'll grow on you (I love Stay Up and especially Behind Closed Doors). At first it reminded me too much of POD, etc. but Pillar has their own identity once you get to know it. I am a 40 year old rocker! (hope that doesn't send everybody running) ...and I LOVE this stuff and pray they nuke (not literally) the mainstream rock world.
Posted by QuestKat85:
I think your crap, the feeling is mutual? I can just feel the love. I dig Pillar, u know at lot of people are going to be pissed w/ u man. Be afraid of the UG, there are 'core fans (just sayin' not tellin'). Peace.
Posted by Ramon:
This little punk, really hates music huh? antiMUSIC is a good title. Your also antiTaste.
Posted by J Marie:
I love Pillar, simple as that! I love hardcore,all types of metal, & some rap. Even though I like a lot of different music & dislike some - I don't agree with Mr. Hobo. I think a reviewer should at least like the genre of music than report on something they obvious don't care or like (like Mr. Hobo). I am being nice here when I quote Grits (musical group), "Hire some one that like that type of music instead of draging our name's through the mud". I am sick & tired of these critics that act like the are reviewing an album & all they do is compare sounds to other artist that make more money, original thought on this method, huh Hobo? Are you being paid (cling, cling)? Another question is which album by Incubus & Linkin Park- I can name a few honey, and they sound a little different. No I didn't really like those group either, but I'll be honest & tell you I'm not interested. What kind of music does Hobo rock out/bang his head to(I'm not being catty on this question)& he could be a cool guy even though I don't agree with him on this review.
Posted by jesusfreak3368:
This is the best rock album in history!!! Pillar rocks!!! Fireproof is the rock song of the year by far.
Posted by Bobo:
This album is cool and you should get it if you find it. Fireproof and Epidemic are awesome songs!
Posted by ladyjai:
Pillar is soo awesome and there is nothing wrong with any of the songs on either album and i can't wait till the rerelease so i can check out all the newer versions of the songs, and i think y'all should know that pillar WILL top the rock charts and they've already been #1 on local radio stations in my area (tulsa... where pillar is from...) and it's only a matter of time b4 they reach the rest of the world... ROCK ON PILLAR!!!! late~
Posted by Believer:
Hobo,
Don't call my boys work crap. If you don't like don't listen to it. I agree Pillar would be better if they just went rock, but their songs still rule and they praise God.
Posted by Believer:
Hobo,
Don't call my boys work crap. If you don't like don't listen to it. I agree Pillar would be better if they just went rock, but their songs still rule and they praise God.
Posted by jfreak204 (aim name!):
you might wanta double check ur research. pillar's first album released under Flicker Records in 1998 called above. fireproof wasnt released till May of last year. the band attracted MCA because they topped christian charts everywhere and MCA new that they would make to #1 on Secular radio and thats why they wanted them. Pillar is btw the greatest band in da world.
Posted by gabby:
im with jessica. the band is number one and i love them. beckley is so hott
Posted by Jessica:
i think this band is so awesome and if you look deeper into them they have all it takes to be #1. i think they will get to the top and ill be there with them. Stay up. Rock on till were 101 yrs. old -late-
Posted by Nick:
Pillar is the greatest band on earth
-=Stay Up=-
Posted by better then biscut:
rock!
fred durst sux
im the man.
yeah!
Posted by Hobo:
Well... two tracks arent that bad... the rest is just complete crap
Posted by Shayn:
Is that a nice way to say you don't like the album?
