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>> DAVID CROWDER BAND INJECTS NEW LEVEL OF FUN--AND HONESTY--INTO CHRISTIAN-BASED ELECTRONIC ROCK

November 12, 2009 12:36 am

BY JESSE SCOTT

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Few bands can claim they have a robot on tour with them. The David Crowder Band can, and it's true.

On their current trek across the country, the Christian-based electronic rockers brought along a second drummer in the form of a robot named Steve 3P0.

The robot is the latest in a string of live gadgets including toy pianos and converted "Guitar Hero" guitars that the band may break out when it visits George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium on Tuesday.

"I don't know if it's because we get bored or have ADD that we keep coming up with these gadgets," laughed lead singer David Crowder in a phone interview from Waco, Texas.

"Something new or interesting is always within arm's length. His name is Steve 3P0, but he likes to go by Steve. It's a legitimate drum machine with triggers."

The seasoned sextet simply likes to have fun, and it shines through its tunes. There's always something new with DCB, whether it involves a turntable or a ukulele. With vocals that mirror Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida in his prime--accompanied by poppy, dance-inducing beats--it's hard to take the ear buds off after spinning any of the band's albums.

While some Christian bands resort to more abstract lyrics for the sake of potential mainstream success (ahem, Creed), DCB hides nothing. Its latest album, "Church Music," is chock-full of rhythmic tunes that get to the core of the band's faith.

"We thought that we'd call the album what it is, which is church music," said Crowder. "It's what we're doing, so it's better to be straightforward."

Apparently folks are enjoying the band's honest nature. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200.

"Just one time in our career, we'd like to crack that top 10," laughed Crowder.

"Really, we were thrilled. It was awesome that so many fans stayed with us, and so many new ones jumped on board."

In support of "Church Music," the band is hitting a number of large churches and venues across the U.S.

"We like to get everyone singing," said Crowder. "Our shows are like a big group singing-fest. Sometimes it gets so loud that even the band gets drowned out."

The DCB live experience is bound to provide a shiver or two. It's what happens when the music's good and you can feel a band's passion and sincerity.

"We love what we're doing and couldn't be happier with where we are," said Crowder. "If we continue to let our music come out of our experience in life, then we will be very happy."

Jesse Scott, of Fredericksburg, is a freelance writer in Colombia. Reach him at
Email: jesserobertscott@gmail.com.