By Tim Wood

The Michigan-based band Lazarus is named after the man whom Jesus raised from the dead.

Lazarus (the band) is resurrecting some musical styles of another time. With airy keyboards, flanged-out guitar and thundering drums, the sounds of 70s arena rock are brought back to life.

The band describes their style as "classic rock" and counts Christian rock groups Petra and Whiteheart among their influences. Other influences include secular groups Journey, The Police and the Beatles.

The band is based out of Flint, Mich. Mick D'Aigle is the lead singer, bass player, songwriter and co-founder of the group. He's had 20 years of experience in various aspects of the music industry, including being a road manager, sound company owner and host of a Christiani radio talk show.

David Keeth is the lead guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the group. He has 20 years of experience playing the guitar and before becoming a Christian, was in a secular band that had a major label record deal.

Keyboards are handled by Terry Kirby, who also is a songwriter. He's played keyboards for 18 years.

Rounding out the group is Sam Galizia on drums, who has played in various East Coast bands for 23 years. He's also in-demand studio musician in the New York/New Jersey area.

The group has a self-produced release featuring a variety of songs. Among the stronger songs are "Follow" and "Obedience." Keeth's guitar playing is on a par with most any guitarist on record today. D'Aigle's songs are based on Bible verses, which are listed on the back cover of the CD case. Kirby complements the sound with his keyboards. Galizia did not play on the album, but performs with the group live.

Lazarus plays the Christian festival circuit as well as the Michigan area. They also performed at a showcase in Columbia earlier this year.