Hailing from St. Louis, An Epic, No Less is one band you will want to take notice of! They create pop sensibilities that are positively reeking of heavy rhythmic electronica, showcased on their debut single "Mercy Light." Todd Larson (Vocals/Piano) believed Daniel Chancellor (Drums) would be the perfect person for the job as drummer, fulfilling the realization of a project that God spoke to Todd as he labored in an orphans' hostel in Uganda years ago. Joining Todd and Daniel in the mission to create genuine music born from a place of worship are Daniel's wife Hannah Chancellor (Piano/Vocals), Britney Strutz (Violin) and Neil Endicott (Guitar). "We want to create genuine worship music; that’s all," says Todd. "We simply want to sing, pray and encourage people. And it would be our honor, if by some way, God can use An Epic, No Less to help show the love of God."
"Echo Of Love," the debut BEC Recordings release from An Epic, No Less, features "Mercy Light," which at its core is about rescue. "It's about the church and her role here on earth. And we believe that, more than any other purpose, the church should be about helping and serving others. So, help us God," says Daniel Chancellor.
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A New Sound From This 'Echo'| Posted August 13, 2012
New band An Epic, No Less has an interesting story, not unlike their name, but those experiences are what's lead them to where they are today. Releasing their debut album Echo Of Love, has been a culmination of several paths coming together with one goal in mind – to help people in worship and prayer.
Frontman Todd Larson explains, "When it comes to my time on Earth, I know that I want to be seeking after the Kingdom of God. I want to help people in worship and prayer." This album does just that, but in a unique and refreshing way.
Opening track "We Need You" introduces the listener to a variety of electronic beats and symphonic sounds, reminiscent of Owl City. Both the music and lyrics are extremely upbeat and hopeful as Larson sings, "If You're hope for the broken, we are shattered glass, but there's a light that glows between the cracks… we need You, oh we need You!" Sometimes the simplest of truths is also the most impactful.
Lead single "Mercy Light" contains the same electronic drum beats, keyboards, and guitars as other songs on the album, but has a more reflective feel with less music and more vocals. Larson sings, "You're my mercy light in the darkest night, all I ask, don't hide Yourself from me." We've all felt those times when God seems distant and we plead with Him to reveal Himself. This song speaks directly to those feelings and the truth that God is always near.
"Echo Of Love" is the title track of the album, reiterating that as Christians, we are the "Echo Of Love," to the world. In one of the first lines of the song, Larson sings, "We are the hands, we are the feet, we are the love of God that people will meet."
As examples of God's love, we are responsible for making sure the love we show the world is one God would be proud of. What we do as Christians, should be an echo of what Jesus did for us on the cross. With reverberating drums and keyboard plunks, this song ebbs and flows as an anthem encouraging the church to live lives of love.
Closing Thoughts:
Fans of Owl City need to add An Epic, No Less to their list of new favorites. Combining an interesting and refreshing sound with simple yet profound lyrics, Echo Of Love is a shining example of worship that doesn't fit into a neat and tidy box. For this I am thankful and hope that more artists will follow An Epic, No Less in refusing to conform to what most consider, "normal worship music."
As long as there are unique and individual worshippers in the world, there will always be a need for a variety of worship music. Luckily for us, An Epic, No Less isn't your average worship band!
A few years ago, an independent electronic worship band called An Epic, No Less produced a short but solid album. Their independent release spread through what was at first a relatively small underground group of fans, but over the next two years their music would gain momentum— and the attention of label executives at Tooth & Nail/BEC Recordings. This summer brings us the electronic worship group's label debut, Echo of Love, featuring updated versions of past independent songs as well as several new tracks.
The project begins with the bright, cheerful track "We Need You." Although this song (and the whole album) aims in the direction of worship throughout, it does so without leaning too much on cliches or common Church phrases. "If You're hope for the broken, we are shattered glass," this opening track proclaims, establishing from the first chorus the band's ability to employ vivid visuals. This is a skill demonstrated even more fully on the title track. "Echo of Love" is a beautifully balanced blend of electronic and worship elements, supporting shimmering vocals singing "I hear an echo of love—we are the echo of love. I feel an echo of love—we are the echo of love."
The smooth vocals, heavy use of keyboards and synth patches, and innocent vibe is almost reminiscent of Owl City at times, with slightly less obscure lyrics and imagery. Many of the songs play like a sonic representation of light, such as stand-out track "Mercy Light." This worship song declares "You're the sparks at dawn, what I'm waiting on." The mood of the musical landscape perfectly matches the scene in the lyrics.
Some more gentle, poignant tracks balance out the overall cheerful radiance of the majority of the selections. "Come to the Cross" is a call to the comfort of Christ's sacrifice. This song could easily be found in a church setting as well as connecting on an individual level with beautifully crafted statements like "He didn't lose His life--He gave it away for you." Similarly, the mellow "Rescue Me" is an honest cry from a dark place for the Rescuer.
One of the strongest moments of the album comes at the very end with "Your Love is Louder." For the first time on the album, female vocals take the lead in a restrained, piano-driven moment of worship. It is the perfect finish: "Your love is louder than the ocean, Your love is louder than the storm."
Closing Thoughts:
This fresh, vibrant album promises to be one of the strongest worship albums of the year. An Epic, No Less crafts a beautiful soundscape of keyboards, vocals, and poetic lyrics to create a rich and layered sound that is instantly memorable. Echo of Love breathes a refreshing creativity and vibrancy into themes of God's love and His peoples' response.
Epic. No Less - Echo of Love| Posted August 30, 2012
An Epic, No Less-for a band to adopt such an august moniker, they have much to live up to. Taking their cue from a line out of John Elderidge's book that the Christian life is an epic, these youngsters have sought the help of producer Dustin Burnett (Newsboys, The Wrecking, Augustana) to craft a worship album that exalts the epic nature of God in our lives. Unhindered in their articulation, these 10 tracks are by no means shy about exalting the unparallel glory of God. Stylistically, An Epic No Less has treaded in the familiar path of Owl City in blending electronica and emo-pop over catchy melodies with occasional throwbacks to the 80s. However, unlike Owl City whose bubbling G-rated club anthems tends to pop and fizzes without much of a bite, An Epic, No Less is not afraid to tackle knotty issues like spiritual darkness, human trafficking and the depravity of sin. Entertainment value aside, many of these songs are theologically profound and they resonate with a reverent passion that draws us again and again to the Cross of Jesus. This is powerful, life-changing stuff. Vocally, group founder Todd Larson takes on the microphone for the most part. Though Larson is tuneful and he certainly sings with an engaging passion; nothing distinctively sets him apart from the copious male singers out there. However, it's when group member Hannah Chancellor is brought in to trade vocals with Larson things start to sparkle with more interest.
Save for the album closer "Your Love is Louder"-every other track here does not shy from the big-pop sounding underpinned with production that is loud and garish. The two songs that jump out with their effervescent sonic personalities both utilize the Biblical "light" imagery to great effect. Taken from Moses' cry to see the glory of God, lead single "Mercy Light" is a heartfelt cry to God not to hide from us in our darkest times. Listening to how Hannah Chancellor trades lines with Todd Larson towards the last third song; this gives us an assuring affirmation that we are not alone in our struggles to see God in our difficulties. The other "light" song is the catchy "One Bright Spot." "One Bright Spot" is a call to righteous living until Christ comes again is aptly paced over some futuristic echoes. Also, quite a stunner is "One Word"-this is a gorgeous well-written worship song that glories in the effectual nature of God's word. But instead of the traditional pop-faired backings, here producer Burnett has vitalized it with a glitchy electronic backbeat that gives it an alluring supernatural feel.
Don't let the somehow mundane title "We Need You" fool you into thinking this is an exercise of blasé. Rather, this is a song choke with arresting lines such as "if you're hope for the broken we are shattered glass." While the summery upbeat "Caught Up in this Moment" is a love song to Jesus that depends more on the song's hooks that the treacle of electro-pop beats. Precisely because all of the first nine cuts are all upbeat worship numbers there is a same-ness that pervades some of the songs. Songs such as "Echo of Love," "Come to the Cross" and "We Believe," for instance, suffer from anonymity recycling clichés heard far too often in worship songs over beats that seem repetitive across far too many tracks.
The only song that stands out from the pack is album closer "Your Love is Louder." Though it comes far too late in the sequence of songs, nevertheless, it's better late than never. Unlike the other cuts, here Hannah Chancellor takes lead. "Your Love is Louder" is an electronic ballad that cleverly stays clear from anything predictable. Chameleon with the traditional sounds of bagpipes yet fronting a futuristic sound of computerized beats, "Your Love is Louder" is easily a creative work of art that never loses its heartfelt tenor. With an album like "Echo of Love," An Epic, No Less may not have exhausted the meaning of their moniker but they are on the way. They do show promise that they can indeed be an epic not only success-wise but in the way they can change hearts for Jesus in fresh and innovative ways.
Music For the Current Generation| Posted August 11, 2012
An Epic, No Less brings a new approach to worship music that hasn't been explored before. They use Owl City-esque beeps and boops mixed in with more traditional guitars and drums to make them stand out from the crowd. The songs are fun, catchy, and meaningful and the younger sound will draw in more fans. Echo of Love is a great introduction to the band's style. It's very accessible to the younger generation and an all around fun album.
Who?| Posted August 09, 2012
I'd never heard of these guys before, but decided to give them a try since it was a free preview. The first song catches you right in and gives a great example of what they are. It has a feel almost like Owl City, but instead takes a much less pop/kid friendly tune and goes down a rock road. I definetely enjoy them. Give them a try.
I really enjoyed this album! As a youth group leader I am always looking for new stuff and I believe this group is going to be a huge hit with my teens! I like how the music sounds are a mix between a dance style, slight rock, with a hint of worship. I could see this band playing on a stage at an Aquire the Fire event helping to change the life of many teenagers in this country!
The message behind the title song is great! "We are the echo of love" this is a great visual of who we are, God's echo of love.
Echo of Love| Posted August 08, 2012
Just listening to the Echo of love song. It sure gives me goosebumps! Love it!! Wonderful songs..with lots of meaning! Mercy Light is really special too! Love their sound. Thanks for streaming An Epic No Less!!
Got me| Posted August 03, 2012
With one touch of eletronica, this poop album really got me. Truly lyrics and a catchfuly music make of this surely one of my next albuns to buy! Hope this guys keep working this way! God bless this music, this band!
An Epic, No Less “Echo Of Love”| Posted July 05, 2012
New band An Epic, No Less has an interesting story, not unlike their name, but those experiences are what have lead them to where they are today. Releasing their debut album Echo of Love has been a culmination of several paths coming together with one goal in mind – to help people in worship and prayer. Front man Todd Larson explains, "When it comes to my time on Earth, I know that I want to be seeking after the kingdom of God. I want to help people in worship and prayer." This album does just that, but in a unique and refreshing way.
Opening track "We Need You" introduces the listener to a variety of electronic beats and symphonic sounds, reminiscent of Owl City. Both the music and lyrics are extremely upbeat and hopeful as Larson sings, "If You’re hope for the broken, we are shattered glass, but there’s a light that glows between the cracks…we need You, oh we need You!" Sometimes the simplest of truths is also the most impactful.
Lead single "Mercy Light" contains the same electronic drumbeats, keyboards, and guitars as other songs on the album, but has a more reflective feel with less music and more vocals. Larson sings, "You’re my mercy light in the darkest night, all I ask, don’t hide Yourself from me." We’ve all felt those times when God seems distant and we plead with Him to reveal Himself. This song speaks directly to those feelings and the truth that God is always near.
"Echo Of Love" is the title track of the album, reiterating that as Christians, we are the "Echo Of Love," to the world. In one of the first lines of the song, Larson sings, "We are the hands, we are the feet, we are the love of God that people will meet." As examples of God’s love, we are responsible for making sure the love we show the world is one God would be proud of. What we do as Christians should be an echo of what Jesus did for us on the cross. With reverberating drums and keyboard plunks, this song ebbs and flows as an anthem encouraging the church to live lives of love.
Closing Thoughts
Fans of Owl City need to add An Epic, No Less to their list of new favorites. Combining an interesting and refreshing sound with simple yet profound lyrics, Echo of Love is a shining example of worship that doesn’t fit into a neat and tidy box. For this I am thankful and hope that more artists will follow An Epic, No Less in refusing to conform to what most consider, "normal worship music." As long as there are unique and individual worshippers in the world, there will always be a need for a variety of worship music. Luckily for us, An Epic, No Less isn’t your average worship band!
to add lyrics if not listed.
