For one person to take on a solo project, it is a massive undertaking. There’s so many elements, from the lyrical content to writing the music for each instrument, then recording and mixing it into an album. In a world filled with AI “musicians,” it’s quite impressive to see an artist craft a solo album by hand. Eric Tuffendsam brings in over 16 years of experience in the music industry to his solo project, Sower. His latest release Contrast is full of great songs with a common theme throughout the release. Each song has an opposite on the record. For instance, the first two tracks are “Fear” and “Courage.” This is the common thread throughout all the songs on this release. I am excited to dive into this release and hear how it sounds.
Contrast Album Review
Tracks: 10
Length: 38:00
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Label: Independent
The album starts with “Fear,” which was one of the first singles released earlier this year. The dueling guitars give a fun, energetic start, while the vocals add a touch of rock attitude to it. The chorus is catchy and you find yourself singing along before you know it. The drum/bass combo that drives the second verse is impressive and something that we’ll see often throughout the rest of the album. The passion heard in the vocals relays the belief and conviction that Eric stands by.
“Courage” was co-released with “Fear” as contrasting themed singles. The synth starts the song before a gritty guitar strum comes into play. This same strum plays under the vocals and helps give the song depth. I like the incorporation of the keys into the mix as it helps to round out the overall body of the song. The lyrics in the chorus along with the rhythm is catchy and it sounds like something that you could hear on Christian radio.
“I’ve made up my mind. What’s wrong and what’s right. I’ll stay up and fight through the night. When You’re by my side. I don’t have to hide. This darkness subsides, engulfed by the light.”
These are strong lyrics coming from Eric and he wants to make sure that what he writes is inspired by the Word of God. In this, he is emphasizing the ability to have courage and know that no matter what God is always by your side. Later in the song, the lyrics “don’t be afraid of the one who can just take your life. But fear the one who can cast into Hell.” It is easy to think of this concept as I can do anything with God, but there is also a fear and respect that should be given to God. While yes He will always be with you, He has the authority to cast people away from Him. It sounds harsh, but it is a harsh reality.
Following the album's pattern of contrasting tracks, it continues with "Apathy" and "Zeal," two tracks that sit at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. “Apathy” has a steady slow drum beat at the beginning and overall the song has a gentle approach before the guitars come in with a classic rock influence. There’s a constant contrast, alternating between the gentleness and the loud, amplified guitar riffs. It adds to the context of the song as the sound is laid back (apathetic) to go along with the lyrics, “I don’t have the strength to care anymore. But I’m pretty sure He cares for me. And if I’m being fair, I’m as scared as hell I’ll end up there if something doesn’t change in me.” You could say, “Wait a minute, they’re cursing.” To which, I would look at the context of the lyric. The main character is worried about being too lethargic in their faith and that if they don’t do something about it, then they’ll be considered lukewarm and spit out as described in Revelation.
The opposite of “Apathy” is our next song “Zeal.” The drums and synth styling sounds like something we would’ve heard on an 80s movie or TV show seemingly set in a shopping mall. After this nostalgic intro, the bass drives the song back to reality. The chorus pipes in and once again you find yourself singing along. This is another song that I could hear on radio with its fun, gospel-driven, hopeful sound.
“And now I can’t contain the Gospel of Jesus. I have no shame, redemption is freedom. I was on my back, dead in my sin. You raised me up. Breath life into my lungs.”
Moving from the previous track's focus on a lack of enthusiasm, this next song is filled with the optimism and joy found only in the name of Jesus Christ. I love this back and forth between themes. It shows the depth that Eric is getting to with his lyrics and it’s a credit to his dedication to putting out the best that he can do.
I continue to adore this back and forth with the contrasting song themes. Our next back-to-back concept songs are “Sorrow” and “Joy.” “Sorrow” begins with a heart-breaking phone call that forebodes a depressing turn as our main character is dealing with the loss of a loved one. The song has a gentle tone with vulnerable vocals. The piano continues to add to the emotional side of this song and you can hear the passion and emotions in the guitar solo.
“I’m stuck inside a cloudy room and I can’t see how it ends. I’ve never felt this much sadness and now it’s flooding in…I know that You have told me that trouble’s on the way. But never have I imagined the pain that I’ve felt today.”
The lyrics paint the picture of dealing with grief, but knowing that God is going to be with you every step of the way. It might not feel like God is with you, but it is through the pain that God will continue to show His faithfulness.
We transition from the grief-stricken “Sorrow” to the reminder that joy comes in the morning in “Joy.” The intro is happy and filled with synth and guitars. This synth intro doesn’t have the 80s vibe to it like we heard earlier. This song also featured Zambroa bringing his techno influence and the work helps give that happy, joyous tone. I continue to enjoy how Eric takes scripture and uses it for lyrical inspiration. “I can relate to the rain most days, but today You’ve opened up the floodgates of grace. And I’m reminded of Your goodness, O God.” The previous song walks through the grieving process and this song reminds us that we will have time to mourn, but that we are covered by God’s righteousness.
“Cost” starts with another piano intro, but has these subtle guitar strums that help give it a full sound. This is another song on this album that I could find on Christian radio. While it’s radio-friendly, it still offers something unique in the sound, vulnerability and lyrical content that separates it from everything else that you hear on the radio. They play with such passion and fervour to let the listener know that they completely believe in their faith and they are forever rooted in it. “Cost” is centered around what it means to deny ourselves and follow after Jesus. Then we go into “Reward” which has an opening that sounds very similar to a Weezer introduction. The bassline drives the entire song. The vocals are so clean and the lyrics are catchy throughout the song. The song has a fun sound that is filled with hope, salvation and redemption. The “Cost” is about what it costs to be a follower of Jesus Christ and “Reward” is about the eternal reward that comes from following after Jesus.
We come up to the end of the album with our last combo, “Doubt” and “Faith.” For “Doubt,” I love the bass on their songs and how they highlight the basslines and what it brings to the overall sound. The bass and drums compliment each other throughout the verses until the guitars come in to add some attitude. The lyrics are vulnerable because there are those times that we feel alone and we wonder where God has gone. But that’s when we need to have faith in those times of doubt. Sower has a great transition between “Doubt” and “Faith.” The vocals continue to show this vulnerability about the reality of having faith in those difficult times. Eric transitions between piano and synth quite well to show a variety of sound throughout the song and the rest of the album.
“Nothing. Oh, nothing can separate you from my love. Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness. Danger or sword. No, in all these things you are more than conquerors through me who loved you.”
These lyrics were very encouraging to remind us that God will never leave us or forsake us. If you’re struggling in your faith, this is a great album to listen to and reflect upon.
I remember a video coming out featuring The Glorious Unseen and various metal band members (Andy - A Plea For Purging, Brook - Impending Doom, Jake - August Burns Red and many others) shared about how the band gave them spiritual encouragement while they’re out on the road. This album from Sower reminds me of that similar approach. I could see bands out on the road listening to this album and finding encouragement. This album obviously isn’t limited to touring bands, but to everybody. This is an album that anybody in their walk can relate to. A person who’s struggling in their faith can relate to this album. A person who’s going through the loss of a loved one can relate to this album. From the catchy, uplifting sound to the spirit-filled lyrics, this album is solid from start to finish. Sower has been putting out singles and EPs and now they have blessed us with a full-length release that can inspire and encourage the body of Christ.
