Independant Bands

Here's a pair of reviews that independentbands.com published on Jars of Clay and Derek Webb a while back:

Who We Are Instead
Since their self-titled first release, Jars of Clay has been searching for their musical identity, and they have finally found it. Who we are instead is a delightful mix of vintage gospel feel. It blends acoustic rock with a touch of country, adds some driving programmed drums for a borderline pop feel, and the 1930's piano to balance the modern with ancient. The songs are simple on the surface, but gain depth each time the CD spins - and it will - this is the sort of record that you leave on repeat for days on end.

I See Things Upside Down
Derek has a lot on his heart and uses his songs as the vehicle for his message. With "I See Things Upside Down,” however, the vehicle looks a little bit different from Derek's past discs. It is a somewhat schitzophrenic journey from anthem to classic rockish ballad. Lot's of droning organs, electric guitars, old-timey piano, about quadruple the number and variety of instruments. Think the sound of U2, Beatles, Rolling Stones, with the message of a modern day John the Baptist. It's a welcome experiment in a new style that quite possibly may rub pure acoustic singer/songwriter fans the wrong way. But it's still worth the purchase just to study the lyric sheet.