Take The World, But Give Me Jesus
by
Ascend the Hill One of the best aspects of music festivals is being exposed to a variety of bands. At Revelation Generation festival last weekend, I was encouraged by a few people to check out a worship band called...
Wait For The Siren
by
Project 86 A lot has changed for Project 86 in the three years since the release of “Picket Fence Cartel.” Guitarist Randy Torres and Bassist Steven Dail have officially exited the band leaving lead...
Songs In Secret
by
Great Awakening Non-profit organization Come&Live! is home to some of the most unique worship bands, one those bands being Great Awakening. The North Carolina-based quartet is back with their second record Songs In...
The Medicine | Posted July-09-2010
The Medicine is a rare album, but then again singer/songwriter John Mark McMillan is a rare artist, at least in mainstream Christian music. His lyrics are universally relatable yet intimate, organic yet eloquent, simple yet profound. But if there was only one word to describe John Mark’s lyrics it would be “real.” These aren’t the lyrically polished, sugarcoated message type of songs that you hear on the radio (and this is, unfortunately, the reason why many of these songs will not get the radio exposure they deserve). Take the title-track, “When you said you weren’t afraid to die/I don’t think you brave for it/I just think you’re more afraid of being alive” or “Between the Cracks,” “He’s singing when are you gonna come out from behind these paper thin walls of your cardboard box reality.” Few artists write with such audacity and honesty. The instrumentation that carries John Mark’s songs is just icing on the cake. From indie rock to folk, the music on this record is therapeutic.
Top tracks: “Skeleton Bones,” “Carbon Ribs,” “Ten Thousand,” “How He Loves”
Rain's 'A Comin' | Posted June-28-2010
Tooth & Nail act Children 18:3 may only be on their second album, but after releasing arguably one of the best debuts in T&N history, this punk band’s impending sophomore release Rain’s ‘A Comin’ is one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Children 18:3 continues with the dark punk, while also expanding its musical palette by incorporating more pop.
The ominous, driving rock title-track leads into “Cover Your Eyes,” an in-your-face punk/rock tune that is reminiscent in style as songs on the first record and is likely to become a fan favorite. Another high-octane track, “The Cruel One,” follows. The lyrics are interesting to listen to, as David sings of an infamous Disney movie villain, Cruella Deville. Lee Marie takes hold of lead vocal duties on “Oh Bravo,” an anthem that will have listeners chanting along. Even though the message on “Oh Bravo” is metaphorical, it’s actually one of the more obvious spiritual songs on the album.
Pleasant harmonies, handclaps, and a syncopated acoustic guitar give “Oh Honestly!” a summery pop feel. “Wonder I” has more of a rock edge, but Lee Marie’s ethereal falsetto on the chorus lightens up the song. Moody rocker, “Lost So Long” is one of the album’s highlights and also resurfaces the theme of “coming rain.”
Rain’s ‘A Comin’ solidifies Children 18:3’s reputation as the finest punk/rock band Christian music has to offer. The harmonies, hooks, lyrics, guitar riffs, drumming- everything Children 18:3 serves up is top notch. This is a five-star album that is not to be missed.
Runaway City | Posted June-22-2010
Newly founded imprint, Vertusent Records makes its first mark on the music market with debut act Runaway City. The North Carolina-bred post-grunge rockers’ release, Armored Heart has the potential for mass commercial appeal and is perfect for fans of Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, and Daughtry.
Armored Heart is chock full of gritty rock songs (“Daybreak,” “Scars”) and irresistibly catchy anthems (“Fade,” “Lately,” “Only You”). Radio-ready power ballad, “Longing” provides a change of pace and adds to the album’s dynamic. Runaway City also defies the post-grunge genre in spots by moving away from moody-riffed rock songs in favor of upbeat tunes like “Save Me” and “Try.”
Runaway City’s weaker points lie in the lyrics, which are rather lackluster. Also, the overuse pronouns may leave listeners wondering if “You” is a girl or God; although this is probably an attempt to reach both mainstream and Christian markets. Even so, listeners will be able to draw hope from Armored Heart, with lyrics like- “You are more than this/Hope is not lost, hope is not lost” (“More Than This”).
Closing Thoughts:
Runaway City’s infectious hooks make up for its lyrical shortcomings. The messages are empowering and hopeful, but could be more poignant if the band clearly defined where its hope comes from.
Since October | Posted July-19-2010
Florida-based nu-metal act, Since October continues to bring aggressive vocals, honest lyrics, and rhythmic anthems on its sophomore release, Life, Scars, Apologies. Stylistically, it’s not much different from the band’s debut and avoids pushing any musical boundaries (the biggest chance taken is the use of a harmonica on the closing track).
The rhythm section is really the heart of the album, but many of Since October’s riffs and rhythmic elements seem to be drawn from the band’s industry peers, namely P.O.D., Disciple, and Thousand Foot Krutch. It shouldn’t be any band’s goal for its audience to think, “Hey, this sounds exactly like that Disciple song, (insert song name here).” With that being said, listeners may be willing to grant the band a pass on the similarities because of the band’s sheer passion and authentic lyrics.
“The Show” aptly demonstrates raw passion with Ben Graham spitting fighting words throughout the chorus- “Boom, boom, bang, don’t pull no punches/’Til the clock reach zero.” Gang vocals also add a nice touch on the verses. While the power ballads are over-produced and quite generic, Graham again injects life into these songs with vocal texture (i.e. trembling, straining) evoking vulnerability.
Heart-on-sleeve lyrics are also one of the better features of Since October, be it power ballads or rock anthems. “Life Of Mine” finds Graham desperately searching for something more than his current life. Groove-driven “Other Side Of Me” is similar in theme, regretting past mistakes and wanting change- “I’m so sick of my mistakes. Will I change?”
Since October has at least two things going for it, passion and authentic lyrics. And the latter is something that most bands struggle to produce. Unfortunately, these aspects are overshadowed by music that sounds all too familiar.
Sixteen Cities | Posted June-13-2010
Centricity Music’s second artist to debut this year is Portland-based, pop/rock act Sixteen Cities. The five-piece band took its name from the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19), which according to 1 Chronicles 12:32 were “men that had understanding of the times.” Sixteen Cities’ debut doesn’t stick to a particular theme, but it is relevant to both the churched and unchurched.
“Just Wanna Dance” is the perfect opener. While the title may come off as whimsical, the song is quite meaningful. The heart of the song comes out of Matthew 18:3, “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”
Shifting gears from jovial pop to melancholy rock, “Save Me From Myself” longs for God to soften a hardened heart. “Sing Along” is another standout, sure to be an instant CHR hit if released to radio. The worshipful lyrics awe at the magnificence and power of God, “I love the way the stars shine for You/And every single mountain bows down/I love the way the universe is singing Your song/So I’ll try to sing along.”
“Come As You Are” is written as a personal conversation between man (verses) and God (chorus and bridge). It’s a great message for the unsaved, that is, you don’t have to be perfect to come before God. Acoustic-driven “Innocent” expands on the idea in the previous song, “I can’t believe You take as I am/And I’m on my knees begging for forgiveness/I know I’m guilty but You make me innocent.”
Sixteen Cities also touches on self-worth, certainly a relevant topic with today’s generation. The power ballad “Someone’s Work of Art” emphasizes that every person is valuable to God, “You are someone’s work of art/Just the way you are/And you’re shining like the stars tonight.” “Bleeding For You” is similar in theme, giving hope and a sense of purpose to listeners, “You are more than a heart simply beating.”
Closing Thoughts:
Overall, this is a solid debut. Some songs blend together in spots, but the messages are powerful and uplifting. Sixteen Cities lives up to its name, every song on the album is relevant to today’s generation.
Vagabonds | Posted April-05-2010
A lot of bands nowadays have some pretty sweet pre-order packages that include vinyls, signed posters, and other goodies. The Classic Crime didn’t offer any special packages for its third full-length release Vagabonds, instead it did something more meaningful. The band sent all the proceeds from its pre-orders to a Haiti relief effort. This makes me appreciate the release of Vagabonds all the more.
What stands out most when listening to the opening track, “A Perfect Voice” is its simplistic nature, being comprised of only two chords. Although the rest of album is filled with more complicated riffs, there is almost a pure, natural vibe to Vagabonds. The album’s vibe makes more sense when listening to the lyrics of the aforementioned track, “Four Chords,” and the title-track. In those three songs Matt MacDonald essentially vocalizes that the band will pave their own way when creating music, rejecting the trends that seem to own most other bands.
The highlights of Vagabonds are not necessarily the fiery riffs on “Solar-Powered Life” or the in-your-face lyrics on “Cheap Shots.” It’s the slow builds and contemplative moments found on songs like “Broken Mess” and “My Name,” that give Vagabonds an epic feeling. Both songs also contain spiritual overtones. “Broken Mess” starts out describing love in negative light based on a bad relationship; however, it ends with MacDonald proclaiming, “Love is a beautiful thing/She can make your heart sing/When you’re walking on broken glass.” “My Name” is very honest yet, unrelenting, “I will walk through the fire/I will not be afraid/They can take everything I have/But they can’t give me my name.”
Vagabonds is one of those albums that you have to let soak in for a while. It’s not an album likely to grab you initially, as The Silver Cord. So don’t give up on Vagabonds after the first listen, because if you do, you’ll miss out on one the best albums of 2010.
Me In Motion | Posted March-23-2010
Barely three months into 2010 and the Christian music scene is already welcoming the emergence of several new bands, including Centricity Music’s Me In Motion. With the guidance of Dove-award winning producer Ian Eskelin, Me In Motion has crafted an undeniably catchy debut that is sure to resonate with Christian music fans.
Me In Motion’s sound is fun, free-spirited rock, a perfect fit for Seth Mosley’s punk-influenced vocals (think Adam Agee or Jason Dunn). The band’s debut is chock full of sing-able, hook-laden melodies, each song having the potential to be a radio-hit.
Love is a constant undercurrent throughout the record. Through its songs, Me In Motion wants people “to realize that loving everyone, regardless of circumstance, is what it’s really about,” says Mosley. “Losers” is about just that- loving people, while “The God I Know” acknowledges that the act of love isn’t always easy or safe- “He touched my eyes and I can finally see/That love is a dangerous philosophy/You and me have been hurt before/But that doesn’t mean we keep closing the door.” Other topics that pop up include social justice on “Seek Justice, Love Mercy,” living life to the fullest on “Gotta Be Something,” and rejecting complacency on “Here In The Middle.”
While Me In Motion has solid debut on its hands, I do not believe its music will be the factor that separates the band from its peers. What will set Me In Motion apart are the characteristics this three-piece band wants to be remembered for- being “available and accessible” as Mosley puts it. Connecting with fans on a personal and spiritual level resonates far deeper than a great album or show any day.
Miracle | Posted March-23-2010
Since the band’s debut on Sparrow Records, Robbie Seay Band has been known for its poignant and honest lyrics. The band’s third major release, Miracle, once again delivers some of the best lyrics CCM has to offer. The album doesn’t follow any particular theme; Robbie Seay simply shares his perspectives on life and his responses to experiences.
The first track, “Love Invades” welcomes God’s love and presence. God’s love is also a focal point on “Awaken My Soul,” “Awaken me to Your love/There’s no stopping it now/Love, there’s no stopping it now.”
After encouragement from his wife and fellow church members, Seay crafted his own version of Jon Foreman’s “Your Love Is Strong.” Seay’s rendition is not as organic as the original, relying on heavily on ambient electric guitars. Yet, Seay maintains the song’s authentic vibe through his emotive vocals. Seay also modernized the 19th century hymn, “Oh Love That Will Not Let Go,” by adding a new chorus, “Rejoice my heart/Rejoice my soul/My Savior God has come to thee/Rejoice my heart/You’ve been made whole/By a love that will not let me go.”
Arguably the most poignant song on the album, “Lament (We Cannot Wait)” was written response to the death of the Seay’s friend’s son. “Lament” begins somberly, slowly building with Seay crying out to God and singing “we cannot wait.” At the climax Seay exclaims, “You are here/Your Kingdom come/Rescue us from all we’ve done/Help us move and be the love.” The title-track was also born out of grief and trying times but offers hope in believing, “I need a miracle/When life don’t see seem to make sense at all/I believe You hear me when I call/Oh, I believe.”
Miracle is insightful and authentic, qualities that are absent from most music these days. There has been some good music released this year so far, but right now, Miracle tops my list.
Satellites & Sirens | Posted March-09-2010
Newcomers to the Christian music scene, Satellites & Sirens came together in quite an unconventional way, via Craigslist. Not only can you find a house, a job, and various other things on Craigslist, but apparently you can form a band too. Despite the band’s unorthodox beginnings, Satellites & Siren’s debut album fits right in with the current synth-infused rock fad.
Satellites & Sirens moves through an array of topics on its debut. The ethereal “Breaking the Noise” struggles to discern God’s voice above the noise of this world. “All The Same” emphasizes that fame won’t “matter when we’re in the grave.” “Light The Night” stresses the importance of unity and reaching out to others. The fast-paced “All We Need Is Sound” urges listeners to stand up for their beliefs because “time is burning out.” While the messages presented are positive, a few songs are somewhat left open to interpretation with the constant, vague use of “You.” Although, there are subtle hints as to whom “You” is. “Take Me Back” could very well be describing a romantic relationship until the line “Now I’m falling at your feet/And now you’re reaching to rescue me.” It’s not explicit, but probably implies that the “You” in the song is God.
Musically, Satellites & Sirens should appeal to a wide audience. There is a distinctive 80’s synth influence, but it’s not so overwhelming as to overshadow the band’s rock edge. Each song is instantly likeable, with hook-laden and anthemic-driven melodies.
Satellites & Sirens will certainly start some noise with this debut. While there are a few indistinct spots message-wise, overall the album is uplifting.
Everything Is Different Now | Posted March-09-2010
Everything Is Different Now, it’s a fitting album title for a band that has gone through a line-up and label change since its last album. The Arizona-based act, Stellar Kart has also taken a different direction stylistically with this album. Instead of the usual fast-paced, punk-influenced tunes, the band opts for a worshipful pop/rock approach.
Although the title suggests that this album is all about change, the more consistent theme is perseverance. The acoustic-based “It’s Not Over,” epic power-ballad “Like The Sun,” electronica-flavored “Something Holy,” and a cover of Audio Adrenaline’s “Until My Heart Caves In,” all revolve around pushing through trials and tribulations on the Christian walk.
Stellar Kart also incorporates a few tracks that would be appropriate in a corporate worship setting. The album’s opener, “All My Heart” is simplistic lyrically and melodically, but that’s in part what makes it a good worship song. Energy-filled “Rescue” would also work well in a congregational setting, with lyrics like “My God, my hope, my rescue/The cross has set me free/No power can stand against You/I’ll shout it out, shout it out.” The other two worship tracks on the album listeners should recognize as Fee’s “We Shine” and Matt Redman’s “You Never Let Go.”
The only concerning aspect of “Everything Is Different Now” is it contains four covers (the three aforementioned and Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit In The Sky,”), which seems a bit much for an album that only has ten songs in total. However, each cover is done well and stays true to the original, thus making it less of an issue.
Closing Thoughts
Everything Is Different Now certainly was not the direction, in terms of style, that I expected Stellar Kart to take. With that being said, I’m glad it did. This is a must-have album for 2010.
piano89's Music and Book Reviews 
