Mike Farris - Salvation In Lights [CD]

Compass Records is proud to re-issue Mike Farris' 2007 classic, SALVATION IN LIGHTS. The album was originally released just a few years after the former lead singer of the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies went solo, a time when Farris' overcame addiction and found himself drawn to the sanctified sounds of Southern black gospel and Memphis soul. Immersing himself in that music, he came up with SALVATION IN LIGHTS, an electrifying collection of classic hymns-Mike Farris style-and inspired, Gospel-soul originals. The "salvation" referenced in the album title referred to a moment at a relative's funeral, a cathartic moment where Farris decided to overcome a decade-long personal battle with alcohol. Pouring sweat and radiating newfound faith, Farris throws himself into these songs like a sinner answering an alter call. It takes nerve to tackle such iconic tunes as Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down" and Sam Cooke's "Change Is Gonna Come," but Farris more than acquits himself with smoldering, drop-to-your-knees performances. From the slinky, Daniel Lanois-like "Devil Don't Sleep" to the Dixieland horn inflections of "I'm Gonna Get There," Farris' self-penned tunes have an authenticity and musical resonance that can't be faked. Produced by Farris with Matt Martone (3 Doors Down, Skillet), SALVATION IN LIGHTS veers into a Mardi Gras-style celebration on "Sit Down Servant" and serves up guitar-fueled swamp-rock on "Take Me (I'll Take You There)." Whether he's wailing to the rafters or savoring a bluesy phrase, Farris convincingly delivers the fervent message of his music in this album everyone needs to hear.