The name MIKESCHAIR piques a lot of interest and begs for an explanation. “The 'chair' was the central gathering point where we got our start,” says Sam. “All of us lived on the same floor of our dorm at Belmont, except for Mike. But, since he was always hanging out with us on our floor, we decided to get him a piece of furniture to make him feel a little more at home. The chair was his only piece of property on our floor. He wrote his name on it in big capital letters, and it kind of became his seat of inspiration for writing songs and being creative. The name is a reminder of our humble beginnings and how far God has brought us.”
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
MIKESCHAIR [MIKESCHAIR]| Posted July 15, 2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
The origin of MIKESCHAIR was set in a freshman guy’s dorm room one night at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. The band’s name, MIKESCHAIR, begs for an explanation. “The 'chair' was the central gathering point where we got our start,” says Sam. “All of us lived on the same floor of our dorm at Belmont, except for Mike. But, since he was always hanging out with us on our floor, we decided to get him piece of furniture to make him feel a little more at home. The chair was his only piece of property on our floor. He wrote his name on it in big capital letters, and it kind of became his seat of inspiration for writing songs and being creative. The name is a reminder of our humble beginnings and how far God has brought us.”
MIKESCHAIR is a very good debut self-titled album this year by a promising new band. I like the history behind the band name and in the past couple of years, Rush of Fools, Tenth Avenue North and Fee have all made a big impact as new bands on the Christian music scene, all having been nominated for best new artist and I expect a similar outcome for MIKESCHAIR. Their sound seems to be a very nice combination of the sound of those acclaimed bands. Right away, the sound of this album had me hooked as opening song “Outside of Me” set the worshipful tone for the whole album. Vocally, Mike reminds me of Wes from Rush of Fools and the second song “Straight To Your Heart” reminded of me “Lose It All” by Rush of Fools both in sound and message about God reaching out and pulling us closer to Him. It has a great keyboard part and instrumentally is my favorite song on the album.
“Back To Life” keeps the rock going, and has a great positive message about “being tired of going through the motions and God bringing us back to life”. Great honest straightforward message. “Can’t Take Away” is already a top 10 hit on Christian radio and is the stand-out song of the album. According to the band, it was the last song they wrote and got added late to the album. What a blessing as the song really speaks to the Truth that no matter what happens in the world around us, “you can’t take away my God”.
“Let The Waters Rise” is a great ballad and a great crying out in faith that no matter what, we will follow God. “Hallelujah” rings out with another great keyboard part and cry out in thankfulness and the song reminded me of “Burn For You” by Fee. “Fight The Feeling” and “Silhouette” are both nice mellow tempo songs great for quiet times of prayer and reflection with God. “Keep Changing The World” is a great anthem about taking action. As believers, we are called to fight for the broken, hold onto love, and reach for the lonely. This whole album is very encouraging and always stays true to themes of hope, faithfulness and praise to our Great God!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
For me the standout songs are “Outside Of Me”, “Straight To Your Heart”, “Back To Life”, “Can’t Take Away” and “Let The Waters Rise”. If you like Rush of Fools, Tenth Avenue North and Fee, you can’t go wrong with MIKESCHAIR.
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
BELMONT ALUM YIELD OUT OF THE BOX SUCCESS ON NATIONAL DEBUT| Posted August 18, 2009
Born out of an impromptu jam session in a Belmont University dorm room, MIKESCHAIR has been cranking out tunes since its freshman formation six years ago. From the band’s first Christian music showcase at the Nashville university to signing with Curb Records in 2007 to releasing their self-titled debut, Mike, Sam, Jesse and Jon have been musically exploring faith through the lens of love since day one.
After testing Christian radio with the moody, programmed pop of “Other Side”—which peaked at a modest No. 24 on the AC charts and is ironically the record’s finest track due to its provocative lyrics, tasteful use of overdubbed violins and excellent drum sounds—MIKESCHAIR has turned a viable corner with the worship-driven single, “Can’t Take Away,” currently hovering in the Top 5.
Following suit, back-to-back disc highlights, “Let the Waters Rise” a la Coldplay and praise-perfect “Hallelujah,” capitalize on a commercial-ready formula that, though not innovative, could launch these fellas into the realm of consistent radio play given to acts such as Casting Crowns and MercyMe. If shown similar love at retail, it could potentially allow the band to choose from a radio buffet of Praise & Worship, AC and CHR if they so choose.
And yes, the worship-influenced band’s mainly-vertical lyrics often favor rhyme over substance; but from a production vantage point, MIKESCHAIR’s debut offers much more creative pounce than its predecessors.
Considering the CD’s excellent production, accessible slick rock and maturing ability, MIKESCHAIR has honed a formula for success. Here’s to continued creativity and growth on record No. 2. –Andrew Greer
amazing. :D| Posted August 05, 2009
mikeschair is one of the greatest bands i've found in a long time. their passion and love for God comes out in their music and the way they interact and keep their fans involved is great!
i haven't even listened to this whole album and i already love it.
i definitely recommend this band let alone this CD to anyone who wants to enjoy good music along with positive encouraging lyrics. :)
Mikeschair| Posted June 30, 2009
This album is awesome! I look forward to purchasing it and hope to see them in concert some time soon! I especially love Can't Take Away, but all of the songs were very good. I don't usually like every song on an album. I like the lyrics and the sound to each one also. Thanks for sharing! Dee
i LIKED IT , POSSIBLY, MORE THAN LIKELY, EVENTUALLY, WITH COUPONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN
BOOK STORE, PROBABLY ON A TUESDAY, OR THE DAY THAT IT COMES OUT, I WILL BUT IT.
MIKESCHAIR| Posted June 30, 2009
I loved listening to this album! I can't wait till it comes out on July 14! I am definitly buying this cd! The songs were inspiring and moving! The songs have so much to say about God and His love for us and how we should never get comfortable in our walk with Him. That there is so much more for us to experience, so many blessings He has in store for us if we just step out in faith and ask!
Mike's Chair by Mike's Chair| Posted June 30, 2009
I liked the album. It was pleasant to listen to.
I would not mind listening to this album again. The lyrics were clear and could be understood and the tone of the voices was just right, not too high and not too low.
Best Christian Album EVER| Posted June 30, 2009
I have been a big fan of Mikeschair since hearing their first single on a local Christian radio station. I starting listening to this album thinking that Can't Take Away (their first single) would be the best thing on the album. I am so happy that I was completely wrong. From the first song, I was hooked. This album is amazing and has touched my soul. If it wouldn't fling my headphones off, I would be throwing my hands up in praise and worship right now, while I listen.
Mikeschair has created music that will be bringing people closer to God for many years to come. Praise God!
to add lyrics if not listed.
