Boochie Shepherd: Press/Reviews

If you've somehow forgotten, Boochie Shepherd will make you remember all the reasons you first fell for rock 'n roll. "Vertical" serves up some thumpin' old school rock.

Boochie Shepherd comes rippin’ out of the gate with rapid-fire lyrics and heavy guitar riffs on opener “Vertical,” but it’s the rock beats that first turn your head. The melodic chaser, “Perfect Little World,” grabs you with its bounce, but it’s the slow-burning “All is Forgiven” that seals the deal, as frontman Brandon McCaghren’s warm tones soar over the old school rock chord changes in recognition of the cross and its hard-won gifts. McCaghren’s vocals are easy to listen to, clear and warm, moving easily from fun (electrified opener “Vertical”), to fierce (“Brighten Your Eyes”), to quietly worshipful (with the sparkling Jennifer Hubbard on “I Am Safe”). The strong melody line of standout track “All the King’s Horses” is putty in his hands, the well-crafted song packing a poignant punch both lyrically and vocally.

Those writing chops shine once again with the wildly hooky “Plain and Simple,” featuring spotless instrumentation and irresistible beats. The second half of the album moves into slightly more overtly worship, with the harmonious “What Should I Fear,” its sweet background vocals and guitar noodling beautifully supporting McCaghren’s passionate vocals. Electric howler “Pull My String” features lumbering chord changes and a blistering guitar solo, placed, in an interesting move, next to the sleepy soother, the closing “Voice.” But Boochie Shepherd is more than capable of handling a wide range of styles, as you’ll see if you catch them on their “Get Vertical 2007” Tour. It’s a safe bet to assume we’ll be hearing more from Boochie Shepherd.

Boochie Shepherd is a band which is clearly comfortable playing everything from heavily layered guitar-driven rock to intimate acoustic worship, and you'll find some of both on their newest album Vertical. In fact, there are times when both are present on the same song. Lyrically, the band brings a fresh approach to Christianity by making it clear that we can only make an impact with God's help, but that He fully expects us to do our part by boldly stepping out to use the gifts He has given us. Songs like "Vertical" and "Perfect Little World," for example, make it clear that although life will always be full of obstacles, we can and should choose to confront them openly, rather than letting them overwhelm us. On "All The King's Horses," the album's most thought-provoking track, we are given a vivid picture of what can happen when we abandon or abuse the responsibility God has given us to share the light of His love with the world around us. But even when we miss the mark, God chooses to forgive and restore us, and this is the message of "All is Forgotten." So, for an album which will fully engage your heart, mind, and ears, check out Vertical from Boochie Shepherd.

Decatur's Boochie has CD due soon
Friday, January 05, 2007

As we start a new year, let's consider some upcoming events in what we hope will be the best year ever.

If you are looking for faith-based music, you don't have to look further than our own local music scene for some good stuff.

Decatur's own Boochie Shepard has risen to the top over the last year. The group opened Faith Nights at Joe Davis Stadium in the summer, and Boochie's diverse musical styles are making it a favorite for music fans across the Valley and, I predict, soon across the country.

The band was named for a guy band members knew in school. (Sorry, no deep spiritual meaning here.) They are looking to make a difference with their music and their lives. Their new CD project, "Vertical," can take you from rock and metal to acoustic and pop in a matter of a four-minute song.

Something else I appreciate about this band is that Boochie Shepard members don't act like they're rock stars or anything special. These guys are real. They are humble and bold. They stand firm in their values and are passionate to what they are called to be as a band.

They take time to meet fans after a show. And as they get to know you, you can get to know them through myspace.com/boochieshepard.

Music has always given us, for good or bad, memorable songs and role models. Boochie Shepard is a worthy role model, no matter what your age.

Check out the band's first single on a MySpace page called "Pull My String." The single is picking up radio airplay in Denver, St. Louis and Cincinnati. The new CD, "Vertical," hits stores on Jan. 15.

Ace McKay is afternoon host at 88.1 WAY-FM. ace@wayfm.com.