Salvation Station

iTunes Review

Canadian quartet Newworldson proves that sanctified sounds don’t have to be delivered with excessive sobriety. This feisty group takes old-time gospel as a departure point, then stirs in elements of ‘60s garage rock, ‘70s funk, and reggae as the mood arises. On Salvation Station (2008), the group's first U.S. release, the music has a spark and wit about it that transcends easy pigeonholing. Singer/keyboardist Joel Parisien is a born soul man, preaching the Word with unflagging swing. Josh Toel’s rockabilly-dipped licks, Rich Moore’s happily-slapped standup bass, and Mark Rogers’ punchy drumming keep the sound light and flexible. Much of the album sounds like a stripped-down R&B review — tunes like “Borderline,” ”Gimme,” and “Babylon Is Gonna Fall” are at once funky and faithful. From the trashy rock tones of “Working Man” to the hip-hop groovery of “Down from the Mountain,” Newworldson bobs and weaves between genres with abandon and signals the arrival of a freewheeling, smile-inducing Christian combo with wide potential appeal.