Birthed in high school music classes and Northwest garages and raised on a heavy diet of classic R&B, Seattle grunge and melodic rock 'n' roll, Hyper Static Union enters with an album that is intensely original, instantly memorable and immensely compelling. With influences ranging from Parliament to Led Zeppelin, from Seal to Sade to Sting to Steely Dan, it's easy to see why Shawn Lewis (guitar/vocals), Ray Burnham (drums), Mike Jackson (bass) and Bryan Albrechtson (guitar) don't want to limit their sound to just one definition. Instead, this four-piece act from Vancouver, WA crafts its own style of pure musical excellence and significant lyrical impact.
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Mission Accomplished With Debut Album| Posted June 12, 2007
When Third Day discovers a band, Mac Powell produces the record and then says that lead singer Shawn Lewis of Hyper Static Union is "hands down, the most talented guy" he knows, well, I pay attention. Artists have made plenty of mistakes hand picking and recommending before (remember Jaci Velasquez's Michael Cook or Michael W. Smith's Taylor Sorensen?) so I approached this latest find with caution. However, after just six tracks when my wife entered my office and stated "Who is this? This is some of the best Christian music I've heard in a long time," I knew it was something special. A few complete spins later, I was also on board.
The first single, "Sunny Days," spent a complete 30 minutes on repeat and the rest of the album has quickly found it's way into my musical rotation. The album is a combination of Lenny Kravitz and Shawn's voice is a polished version of the late Scarecrow & Tinman's lead singer (going a few years back). Shawn's also got a great range with a falsetto that seems to complete any song. Shawn says, "Ultimately we are about the craft of songwriting, and occasionally we are able to incorporate all things funk and rock into a sensible, three-and-a-half minute package laced with a passionate melody. We feel inclined to produce music that requires people to 'tune-in' mentally and spiritually. We want the audience to consider certain things about their salvation, the state of the world, their hearts and their relationships." Personally, I would say mission accomplished.
They were "discovered" by the multiple Grammy winning band Third Day. Impressed by their demo, lead singer Mac Powell signed them as the first artist to Third Day's new production company, Consuming Fire Productions; calling lead singer Shawn Lewis "hands down the most talented guy I know". Their national debut is the inaugural release for RKT Music- launching Michael W. Smith's Rocketown Records' long planned modern rock imprint. Quite a few "firsts" for a fledgling band to shoulder. Do they pull it off? A resounding heck yeah!
Hyper Static Union is a four-piece modern rock band hailing from Camas, Washington. Getting their start as a garage band, they've been honing their craft since 1998... and it shows. The band's influences range from R&B/Soul and Classic Rock to Gospel and Modern Rock. They deftly meld and sculpt these styles to create a uniquely blended sound, without forsaking engaging, yet buoyant lyrics.
The CD opens with two Lenny Kravitz influenced tracks featuring stacked vocals and thick, fuzzy guitar riffs layered over deep, funk-fortified rhythms. Lifegiver doesn't lose momentum through the next eight tracks, flowing between retro-inspired modern rock and soulful pop-rock- emphasis on the rock. A generous dose of strong harmonies, contagious grooves and appealing melodies abound throughout. On many cuts, Lewis's vocals are evocative of Marc Martel (downhere) and Kevin Max.
Quoting from the band's bio, frontman Shawn Lewis says, "Ultimately we are about the craft of songwriting, and occasionally we are able to incorporate all things funk and rock into a sensible, three-and-a-half minute package laced with a passionate melody. We feel inclined to produce music that requires people to 'tune-in' mentally and spiritually. We want the audience to consider certain things about their salvation, the state of the world, their hearts and their relationships."
Lifegiver delivers a polished and thoroughly original debut that is full of fun, funk-flavored rock music. Hyper Static Union should appeal to fans of creative bands in the vein of Earthsuit / Mute Math, Starflyer 59, Cross Culture and, if you remember them, Imagine This. My recommendation, "Keep your eyes on this band and Buy This Disc!"
Funky| Posted May 29, 2008
Hyper Static Union refuses to give up the funk and I like it. This is a very strong album the whole way through. From the falsetto on Sunny Days to the great harmonys on songs like Right Where you wanted me. Shawn Lewis' range is amazing. I'm glad they don't sacrifice their unique sound for stardom.
joining this union| Posted February 22, 2008
I love this cd! its amazing! its one of those good cds after a crazy day just to chill and listen to! I definately recommend it!
Amazing!| Posted September 16, 2007
These guys have an awesome new sound. This CD rocks out with funky rhythms and true lyrics. If you are looking for a fresh sound in christian music, check these guys out!
great sound| Posted July 24, 2007
this band has a great funk sound with them. they aren't only funk, but they can be hard at the same time. this album is great and a must have. best song is by far overhead.
Great CD| Posted July 16, 2007
This is one great song after another, its like 10 different songs from ten different bands, none of them sound the same. I love it. too bad this will be their only CD. :(
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