Beyond Blue is a 6 piece Christian band from southern Maine with a unique, unpredictable sound. On"Give It All Up", Lead singer Beth Penley pleads with urgency that God needs our commitment. The music combines a heavy dose of keyboard driven pop, with blues, gospel and '80's overtones. The lead guitar of John Edwards adds a jazzy element and keyboard Justin Havu mixes in some late '60's sounds.
Right from the start you get the impression that Beyond Blue is paving new road on their debut album "The Wanderer". Musically the album get's bluesier on "Held On To My Faith", a song with much depth and which showcases a punchy guitar solo and some cool keyboard work. "Lean On You" is a beautiful ballad almost in the spirit of Will To Power or Berlin form the 1980's. Beth Penley does a wonderful job leaning on God with sincerity and warmth. The band shifts gears again on "Looking For An Angel" an even more stark ballad featuring soaring harmonies and a more organic mix.
Penley is able to bounce between gospel, blues and power ballad singing. As I listen, I realize that Beyond Blue is a band that incorporates almost every style in their music. John Edwards and Justin Havu show up to add their respective solos. "Forgive Me Again" is a late night ride down the blues and jazz highway-atleast at the beginning of the song, the tempo shifts to a mid-tempo rock song with Jason Reed pounding the kit with expertise. The tempo reverts back to blues/jazz mode with Penley smoothing it all out in the end. The lyrical content reads like a perfect prayer of forgiveness. The band is bold, honest and takes all kinds of risks. "On The Other Side" is a blues infused rocker that features Debra Hickling's rythmn guitar and sultry background vocals. John Edwards and Justin Havu then just tear the thing apart with killer solos. Wow! This band is a powerhouse! By the way, the song has a double meaning-we think the grass is greener on the other side, on this side of heaven. The lyrics then proceed to talk about where that may lead us when we get to the "Other Side". Beyond Blue's lyrics are as challanging and complex as their music.
"Save My Soul" may be the most memorable track on "The Wanderer" as the blues and rock elements of the song collide with impassioned harmony and background vocals. The bare lyric pleading for salvation further solidifies the musical content. The song has a great ending! The title song, "The Wanderer" is a pure 1980's power ballad that will also reside inside the cranium long after it's heard. The lyric is far from Dion's 1960ish ode to promiscuity. Christians love to wander from their shepherd, and ultimately, the song takes its cues from that. The keyboard and guitar mix are sooo 1985 you just have to love it! Just when you think you've figured these guys out, a folk song appears! "Follow Me" is a bare acoustic song with congas and guitars. The band takes the story from the Gospel of John and rides a kind of sonic bulid up that washes over you and creates marvelous imagery. "Be Thou My Vision" rounds out this masterpiece by being so atypical of an arrangement, that you might think the band wrote it themselves. The music inspires in a contemporary 1987 kind of way. I love this band! They combine so many musical elements. They do it in such a fun, rewarding way. They obviously have talent. And they manage to bring glory to the King! Jesus is central to Beyond Blue. Their struggles and concerns are laid bare. Their passion comes through the music. They take risks that pay off. Beyond Blue takes us to heavenly places and inspires us to run the race with faith Beyond Blue is beyond ordinary.
- David J, WYCM-FM 90.1

After a full year of production, BeyondBlue's new CD will be available August 19. Entitled "The Wanderer", this musical sampler will take the listener through all the facets of BeyondBlue's wide range of styles. From the progressive rock sounds of "Wanderer" to the edgy call and response gospel of "Save My Soul", this CD promises something special for everyone, and clearly delivers it's message of hope. This album features Beth Penley's soaring vocals in many of her self penned lyrics. While a blues singer at heart, Beth delivers those blues inflections, as well as her up close breathy and beautiful phrasing on "Lean on You". The back up vocal chores are handled adeptly by Debra Hickling, who at recording time, had just joined the group. She provides the wind beneath Beth's wings with close and complex multi-layered harmonies (Wanderer). There is a guest appearance of the Green Memorial Church's Nu-Generation Chorale that lends an almost indescribable quality and genuineness to several of the tracks. Their combined vocals give depth and majesty to the productions. Justin Havu pulls out all the stops on a wide variety of keyboard sound and stylings. There are amazing solos and textures throughout; setting the urgent piano tone on the opening strains of "Give It All Up" to the mystical flute on "Follow Me". Using a multitude of different guitars, John Edwards gets true vintage jazz/blues sound on "Forgive Me Again", layered electric guitars on "Be Thou" and "Held Onto My Faith", and the eastern sounding DADGAD acoustic guitar on "Follow Me". One of the most formidable rhythm sections we have heard in a long time supplies the rock solid foundation in what is becoming the BeyondBlue sound. Fusion infused Jayson Reed and bassist Steve Espling display a remarkable one two punch of serious chops under control.
The Wanderer was recorded and mixed at TuneTown Recording Studios by veteran engineer Giorgi Baino. Her production skill highlights the intended "feel" of each number without overproducing. Giorgi gets it done with a gorgeous sounding production that stands on it's own with major label contemporaries.
All in all, BeyondBlue's new CD "The Wanderer" is a great ride and certainly worth the air fare.
- Anonymous

Hey Friend!.... Okay, let's start with "Held Onto My Faith" I don't know who your keyboard player is...(actually I do..I think I DID meet him once)...but you better keep that dude! I love the way the song starts... it's a great.. I love how the music flows... it sounds somewhat the same as some of the blues-y tunes I've heard, however, there's something also very original about it too.. and I think it's your sound... as you know, there's blues progressions galore...but to make the same progression sound original... that's something! So, you've got something here! okay, next, "Save My Soul"..... man.... that's an AWESOMELY POWERFUL SONG! Especially with the teen choir at the end... dude.. you guys have some hits! I'm COVETING!
I truly believe all of you together that form BeyondBlue have been placed exactly where you are by God's Hand. Amen? Please always be true to His Word and you shall never fail.. no matter what your current circumstances!
- Christopher <><