Tymbral

Rob Shelsky, Author wrote on the 7th March 2011...

Something truly unique! This doesn't just apply to the name of the group, "Tymbral," but is particularly apropos in describing their music, as well. For not only is it new and inimitable in the genre of Christian music, but it's beautifully unique. Tymbral has a refreshing sound, one that once again makes us lift our heads toward heaven, open our eyes to possibilities beyond our ken, stirs our hearts with feelings once more, and makes us want physically to move with the rhythms this group creates. Tymbral truly does "make a joyful noise unto the Lord." And, oh, how we've needed that of late!

Christian music has been begging for something new, something fresh, and most of all, something good! It seems the genre has been in a real rut recently. We've had an endless-seeming series of groups all churning out repetitive styles of music, and all providing an unending parade of dreadfully trite lyrics to go along with them, ones that dim our souls with their redundancy. There has been a deadly dullness of late, a real staleness to the Christian music genre.

Tymbral has changed this. They have brought a sea change to this state of affairs. With an eclectic mix of music and styles, they've swept in like a fresh breeze off the cool ocean. I particularly like their bluesy style, which they use at times. To my way of thinking, this sound rivals or surpasses the best blues music out there, and I mean anywhere!

My personal favourite in this regard is Spiritual Cry with Sherry Evans as the vocalist. If ever there was a plaintive yearning, a cry from the depths of the soul unto God, then it is in this piece of music.

The guitar work is dazzling. Guitarist Ernie Saylor has stirring echoes of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, with maybe a touch of Steve Morse thrown in for good measure. I use the term "echoes" here, because Mr. Saylor creates his own unique style and blend. His is an exceptional synthesis that has created something new, something bright.

Like the result of sipping a good cup of robust coffee in Jackson Square, New Orleans, on a Saturday morning, the song, Spiritual Cry, awakened feelings in me that I haven't felt for a long time. And this is what good Christian music is supposed to do in my estimation, to awaken, to refresh, to remind us of not only the glory and grandeur, but to stir within us those deep-seated yearnings to be a part of it all.

But it doesn't stop there. The members of Tymbral are not only flexible in their talents, but they are unpredictably delightful in their demonstration of them. Another of my favourites, which exemplifies this, is When The Warrior Returns. Now there's a song with classic rock at its heart and the Christian joy in its soul. It's good listening, folks!

Mind you, it isn't just the efforts of the lead guitarist and vocalist making the music so good. Rather, it is a comprehensive and inclusive merging of talent, an incredible array of it, in fact. Matthew Rivera's dexterity on the drums, Sam Line's deft command of his bass guitar, Dwayne Cobb's skilful charge of the keyboard, and Charles Wilkins' expertise on the rhythm guitar, all combine to create a platform of music that stands on its own, and without apologies of any sort!

Then add in the vocalists, the plaintive-sounding Angie Ninan, the haunting voice of Ginger Buehl, the gentle and flawless Maggie Wilkins, and of course, that belting bluesy singer, Sherry Evans, and you have a winning team!

I enjoy many types of music, and I have to say, wherever this group plays, regardless of venue, I want to be there! I want to not only hear them, but also see them perform. I want to watch Sherry Evans belt out her Christian blues, watch Ernie Saylor work that guitar, and stare with fascination as Matthew Rivera plays the drums. And isn't that what it's all about? Isn't the whole point of Christian music to draw you in, make you want more, and in the whole process, bring you into the light of the Christian concept?

My hat is off to Tymbral, because they've certainly achieved this. They left me not only feeling joyful, but with a yearning to once again reach out for my God. And that, to me, is just about as perfect as you can get when it comes to Christian music.

My recommendation is to buy the album and see for yourself. I can guarantee you that you won't be disappointed. The music is marvellous! It will not only edify, but it will enchant you. A more enjoyable Christian album, I simply haven't heard--ever!

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Andy Halm wrote on the 5th March 2011...

This ain't your mama's Christian music! For many years, Christian music overall was often dismissed-
often rightly so-as pale imitations of its "secular" counterparts. Hot band or song on mainstream radio
or MTV? Within a few months, a song sounding oddly familiar would turn up on Christian radio-yet
safe for whole family!
Tymbral destroys this stereotype with their debut. This is what Christian music should be-which is
good art. Check the tasty guitar riffs in the first two songs, "You're My Savior" and "Awakened" for
example. You can feel the energy and confidence of this band as soon as you hit the play button.
But the record really takes off on the third track, a slow blues called "Spiritual Cry." In the middle of the
song the music stops, leaving vocalist Sherry Evans baring her soul, making you feel what she is singing.
This is so rare these days, and is the highlight of the record for me. Goosebumps every time.
Ernie Saylor's guitar work comes back screaming on "Movin'", a song about humanity's yearning for
spiritual fulfillment and the gratitude that comes with acceptance of the gift that God has given us in His
Son.
Perhaps the last two songs best exemplify the style of the whole CD. The blues return in "Prelude In
Blue" followed the progressive?rock fury of "When The Warrior Returns", both of which would be right
at home on any classic rock station.
Unapologetically Christian, bursting with talent, Tymbral is a band to watch.

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