Sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back to the basics, taking all of the raw energy and emotion of the past and channeling it into the present. This is exactly what THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH is doing on the aptly titled The End Is Where We Begin, which releases April 17 and finds Canada's favorite modern rockers voluntarily walking away from record label life altogether (even after a slew of profitable offers came along) to reignite the passionate DIY work ethos that first emerged over a decade ago.
While waiting for inspiration to arrive and fuel the writing process, TFK's front man/songwriter Trevor McNevan popped in the band's seminal debut, That's What People Do, which echoed respected rappers like Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys, cross-pollinated with the rhythmic grooves of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Those inspirations return throughout The End Is Where We Begin, alongside the group's continuously marinating blend of towering choruses, razor-sharp rhythms, epic arrangements and stadium shaking rumbles.
"Without trying, this record has a very militant theme to it, with songs like 'War Of Change' and 'Courtesy Call' painting more of a visual for that," states McNevan. "There's an urgency to it and I think the timing feels right. This record's heart can be summed up by 'Be The Change,' the album's lyric and phrase seen throughout the album artwork."
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TFK Continues to "Light Up" the Music Scene| Posted March 16, 2012 Thousand Foot Krutch has cemented themselves as one of Christian Rock’s signature rock bands. After leaving their longtime home at Tooth & Nail records, the Canadian rockers are ready to offer up their next full-length studio album (funded by a wildly successful Kickstater Campaign), The End is Where We Begin, and what a ride of an album it is.
The album starts off with a haunting introduction track, which features a brief “speech” (done in a creepy computer voice) that includes the line, “If you don’t stand for something, you might fall for anything.” This leads into the rocking opener, “We Are.” This track demands to be played and played loud. It features some of the most intense vocals by lead singer Trevor McNevan yet.
“Light up the Sky” follows, sounding very reminiscent of “Fire It Up” from Welcome to the Masquerade. The title track follows next--a strong rocker that plays it relatively safe, staying within TFK’s well-established rock sound. Lyrically, it emphasizes the theme of resistance and fighting back that is prevalent throughout much of the album. (In this case, the resistance is about fighting back against the parts of oneself that are corrupt.)
“Let The Sparks Fly” is up next and is also the band’s lead single for mainstream rock radio. This one took a bit to grow on me but it’s worth replaying multiple times just for the insanely catchy pre-chorus alone. The hopeful tune proclaims, “Let me take you into the light... Heaven’s not far away and I’m not gonna leave you here.” TFK fans should be eating this one up.
“Be Somebody” slows things down a bit, effectively mixing verses that sound a bit like McNevan’s other band, F.M. Static, with a passionate and emotional chorus. The track sings out “We all wanna be somebody. We’re willing to go but not that far.” This can serve as a strong reminder of the need to work hard in order to “be somebody.”
An instrumental interlude follows, sounding very Skillet-esque, leading into album highlight “Courtesy Call.” The chanting vocals in parts are spookily addictive. Lyrically, this song is as strong as any of TFK’s work thus far: “I think it might wash away tonight. Awaken from this never-ending fight. It takes more than meets the eye. This war we're fighting is not just rotting.” It may not be anything new, but Trevor’s vocals and TFK’s pounding musicianship make it sound fresh and rousing.
The first song fans heard follows with “War of Change.” A powerful rock track, it stays within the album’s militant themes, warning about a change about to be ushered in. The theme of fighting a “war” resonates on a deeper level as a result of the honest delivery of the message.
“All I Need to Know” and “So Far Gone” offer a balance to the chaotic rock, bringing in a stripped-down soft sound, reminding me a bit stylistically of “Look Away” from their previous release.
“The Outroduction” closes things out with a parallel to the “The Introduction.”
One thing that struck me about this release is the diversity. The signature rap rock of the band’s earlier years returns on several tracks. The emotional rock sound of recent releases still retains a commanding presence. There are also plenty of ballads to keep things interesting. It may seem like playing it safe, but I see it as the band taking the best of all of its sounds and blending it into one dynamic release.
Closing Thoughts: TFK has released quite a stunning rock record that should make many “Best Of” lists at the end of the year. Whether or not it’s their best yet will have to be left to the fans to decide. Ultimately, there’s a little something for everybody in this release and several of these songs should be livening up stages, radios, and playlists throughout the coming months. I’d be baffled if TFK fans weren’t eating this release up. To put it quite simply: TFK’s done it again and rock music is better off for it!
great| Posted September 30, 2013
TFK has done it again! this album is in no way a disapointment. the vocals are awesome, the music is great. It has several radio-worthy songs a few of which have not made the air yet. overall it is awesome
LOVE| Posted November 21, 2012
LOVE Thousand Foot Krutch, The End Is Where We Begin. It's energetic and rocking - or as TFK might say, it RAWKS - and really fun to listen to, yet with powerful lyrics.
When my daughter opened up the CD booklet and saw the words BE THE CHANGE written over and over on the cover, she asked me what that means. I had a chance to talk to her about being the one to make a difference when we see something wrong. We can't just sit back and do nothing. We have to take action and be the change. A theme that runs through this record.
As my young daughters sing along, and request this album on their own MP3 players, I love that they have this music. It's the kind of music they like, the kind of music they listen to on the pop radio station, and something that their friends can listen to. But I don't have to cringe at the lyrics or messages being spoken to my child's heart.
Thank you TFK.
The End Is Where We Begin| Posted September 04, 2012
Oh my goodness! This album is incredible! I love how they incorporate all of their styles into one album. They also try some new styles, which I must say are a huge success! Love this album so much!!! Definitely worth the money! TFK has done it again!
Great album, diverse range of music| Posted August 02, 2012
I picked up this album at a TFK concert and gave it a listen. Thousand Foot Krutch is one of my newer favorite bands, and lead singer Trevor McNevan has an excellent voice, both intense and melodic. After a computerized intro, the album kicks off with "We Are" and "Light Up the Sky". Both of these tracks rock hard, and set the mood for the album. "The End is Where We Begin" alludes to the band's name, a song about coming to the end of our own strength. "Let the Sparks Fly" is a very catchy song and one of the first singles I heard off this album. Following up this track is the somewhat unconventional "I Get Wicked" and one of my favorite TFK songs, "Be Somebody". Trevor's voice really shines through on this worshipful rock ballad with honest lyrics (When I could only see the floor, You made my window a door, so when they say they don't believe, I hope that they see You and me.) This follows up with the epic intro "This Is a Warning" leading into the equally epic track, my favorite on the album, "Courtesy Call". "War of Change" and the rap song "Down" are both energy-filled fight songs that keep the pace pumping. "All I Need To Know" is a slower, melodic track and the string-infused "Fly on the Wall" took me some time to get into, but now I really enjoy this song. The worshipful, intimate "So Far Gone" closes out the album. Since I acquired The End Is Where We Begin, I've been listening to it every day. It's great workout or pregame music, and arguably TFK's best.
Thousand Foot Krutch "The End Is Where We Begin" Review| Posted July 07, 2012
The Introduction- 4/5 I like the robot voice a lot. The music behind the intro is not too bad either. Great way to kick the album off
We Are- 5/5 This is basically where the album really starts to get going. The song has a great riff to it, although I heard the inspiration for the riff was from "Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins because it was danceable and I don't see how the "Zero" riff is danceable? But anyways "We Are" is a great track
Light Up The Sky- 5/5 Favorite song off the whole record. I love the riff, and this is the first track on the album where we hear Trevor McNevan's rapping, he does a great job. Best song on the record, definatly check it out
The End Is Where We Begin- 4.5/5 Trevor does a great job on the vocals for the verses for this done, also the drum beat on the verses is good as well. Good song
Let The Sparks Fly- 5/5 This is the first single off the album, and a great choice. Trevor McNevan says he wanted this song to be like their hit "Fire It Up," and this song is like that. While the messages to these songs are kinda lost on me, this one seems to be about someone wanting to accept Christ, kinda seems like a conversation between a believer and non-believer
I Get Wicked- 4.5/5 Great song about how we should not let our kindness as believers become weakness. Not bad rapping from Trevor, nice lead guitar intro as well. Have to deduct 0.5 points off (big difference right? lol) because the sped up section of the song took a little bit to grow on me
Be Somebody- 5/5 Best slow song on the album. Very nice guitar line, along with stellar vocals from Trevor. It seems like on their slow songs he really shows he can sing. The song kinda goes by fast though
This Is A Warning- 3/5 Nice string intro into "Courtesy Call." Two points off because it's not much
Courtesy Call- 4/5 Pretty good song. Message is pretty lost on me, but the music isn't too bad on it
War Of Change- 5/5 Love this song!! I like how Trevor McNevan words the message "Change can be beautiful and painstaking, but rarely is it comfortable." Nice chorus, like the handclaps and stuff in the pre-chorus
Down- 3.5/5 Not the album's best, but not horrible by any means. 1.5 points off because the raps are the least favorites of mine on the album, I like the line "Rock it like Queen when I'm under pressure" though since I'm a huge classic rock fan. The song is about not giving up on your dreams
All I Need To Know- 5/5 At first listen this song took me by surprise, since it does not sound like normal TFK, but I thought they did a really good job on it. Nice vocal performance from Trevor. The song is about how God is there with us during trials
Fly On The Wall- 5/5 Great song, seems to be about not letting a liar decieve someone anymore. It's really cool how the strings are the main instrument on the verses, they really go well with the vocals. The chorus has the only real guitar in it, and Trevor does a good job on vocals
So Far Gone- 4/5 Total worship song. Again, this one caught me by surprise because it does not sound like TFK, but they did do a good job with it
The Outroduction- 3/5 Not too bad. Both the intro and outro really get the message of the album across, arguably more plainly than the songs.
This album is TFK's best, it was cool to hear them do some rock/rap stuff and expand their sound with some of the ballads. It's also very cool how the album keeps a faith-based message despite the secular audience this band has. 10/10 for the album
Welcome to the Masquerade was a hard album to beat, but I think The End Is Where We Begin did it, or at least tied with it. The amazing thing is the band did it independently with the support of their fans. Trevor’s vocals really shine on the record (He’s such a good vocalist). The album is pretty diverse, without traveling too far from TFK’s usual rock sound, adding a little bit of rap in songs like Down. It’s very solid and there is no real weak point, though my favorite songs seem to be grouped near the end of the album. My favorite song off the album is Fly On the Wall or Courtesy Call, with my least favorite being We Are (which is still a good song).
All in all, I have to give it 5 stars and I have to admit I consider it one of my favorite albums of all time. I can listen to it the whole way through and not get the least bit bored. It has a really good message too. I recommend it to all rock fans, especially Thousand Foot Krutch fans. Actually, it's a must have for them!
My thoughts on TFK latest CD.| Posted June 28, 2012
The End Is Where We Begin is a fantastic CD. Not saying Thousand Foot Krutch's other CDs are bad just....this one is amazing. They blew my mind AGAIN with their music! Be Somebody, The End Is Where We Begin, All I Need To Know, and So Far Gone are some of my favorite songs now! I really hope you check this CD out and get it! And see TFK live. :)
TFK is awsome| Posted April 16, 2012
Once again Thousand Foot Krutch has done it again. I have been listening to the preview all morning long and I absoultly love this CD. I can't wait until Thursday to buy it. I own all of thier CDs and I believe this is going to be the best one to date.
Great sound!| Posted April 15, 2012
A great combination of new and old sounds makes this album the most diverse one yet. It brings sounds from where they started (songs like Be Somebody and parts of other songs sound like refined renditions of the style of Set it Off) and where they are going (songs like Fly on the Wall bring a new sound to the table). All in all a great album!
amazing| Posted April 10, 2012
This album is amazing. It amazes me how far you guys have come. You're still able to rock out with the best of them and don't seem to be slowing down at all. I love the fact that you've gotten harder over time. There is such a differenece between you and your alternative band (fm static). I hope to see you guys live when you are the lead act. I bet your show is amazing.
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