If you ask Jeremy Spring, frontman for the quartet Abandon Kansas, what it is that motivates he and his band, you may be shocked at the answer. And in the answer to this question lies the very thing that sets his band apart from the endless parade of fame-seekers in this industry:
“As far as long term goals, none of us have any desire to be rich and famous. If we can keep connecting with people through music then we'll be content. There are way too many bands out there already so we're trying to make what we do a little bigger than music.”
And deliver something larger than just music is exactly what they do on their debut release from Gotee Records, the We’re All Going Somewhere EP, produced by Mark Lee Townsend (Relient K & House of Heroes). With fearless hearts, ingenious songwriting, and poignant wit, Spring and company shine like supernovas among fading stars. This is indie pop/rock that will surprise you with its candor and cause you to contemplate the deepest recesses of your heart.
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INDIE CRED COUPLED WITH MAINSTREAM APPEAL| Posted November 09, 2009
The moniker Abandon Kansas is remarkably fitting for this four-piece alternative rock outfit hailing from Wichita. While the group amassed so much attention locally that its sound earned the attention of Gotee Records, this debut EP (available exclusively on iTunes) maintains its artful, indie rock roots—yet creatively manages to have mainstream appeal in the process.
Part of that winning formula may have to do with producer Mark Townsend, who's crafted a similar equilibrium with previous collaborators like Relient K and House of Heroes. Nonetheless, Abandon Kansas scores kudos all their own for writing instantly attractive hooks, towering melodies and astute spiritual insights (in the latter category, most notable is the wondrous "We're All Going Somewhere").
But the ultra-sharp players' musicality is truly the centerpiece on songs like growling opening cut "The Harder They Fall" and its fervent follow-up "I Wonder If It's Me," both falling somewhere in between the stylings of House of Heroes or This Beautiful Republic. "Close Your Eyes" isn't as intense straight out of the gate, but it builds in grand fashion to once again highlight Abandon Kansas' gritty guitar lines and militant beats. In fact, that finale to this six-song offering leaves listeners wanting much more, building anticipation for a full-length offering that will hopefully follow in rapid order. —Andy Argyrakis
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
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