CHRISTIAN SINGLE Magazine Indie Pick of the Month

Continuing in the tradition of husband/wife musical acts comes Illinois' Chuck and Lynette Giacinto, otherwise known as the worshipful pop rockers Final Quest. Since the couple's mid-90s musical formation, they've opened for prominent artists Third Day, Kathy Troccoli, The Newsboys, and Out of Eden, and also teamed up with acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Kevin Chalfant. Not only has such a union increased the band's exposure, but it's artistically refined members on the band's new release Discovery, which blends Lynette's crystalline vocals, Chuck's stellar songwriting, and superb overall production. Examples of Lynette's radiant pipes are best found on the disc's single "Hear the Roar" (about believers joining together in praise) and a cover of Natalie Merchant's "Kind & Generous," while the balanced combination of a live backing band, studio-driven loops, and appropriate sound effects showcases the band's production prowess. Chuck's lyrical development is strongest on the gritty "Where You Are", which focuses on a believer's need to seek holiness over worldliness. Not only does this disc serve as an uplifting soundtrack to such a noble goal, but Final Quest is an admirable example of independent excellence worth studying.

CCM Magazine           Sonicflood / Final Quest

Though the sound of Sonic Flood has changed significantly over the years, the band can still draw in a crowd and lead spirited sessions of corporate worship. Newly recorded cuts like "Everyday," "Cry Holy," and "God is Great" got a facelift, courtesy of the band's crisp rhythm section and potent energy display. And upbeat audience's unwavering backing choruses, prayerfully paving the way for Heil's touching testimony. Much of the crowd's reverence, prior to Sonicflood's set, was built up by co-headliner's Final Quest, the contemporary-edged worship rockers whose nucleus of husband/wife duo, Chuck and Lynette Giacinto, conjured up visions of Out of the Grey and Wilshire. Solid sonic direction and songwriting craftsmanship free of cliche were apparent throughout the tribal/world beat tone of "Discovery" (the latest disc's title cut) and the reggae-infused gem "Come Back to the Son."  A finale worship medley featuring an alternative-edged Rich Mullins "Creed" cover and a scripture reading of John 3:16 over the chords of U2's "With or Without You" were just what the doctor ordered on this uplifting and ministry-minded day.