Until We Have Faces
by
RED So, I am very excited to be writing a review for RED's new album as I was just a couple days ago listening to their last album wondering when they would be putting a new album out, and Vua-la! Here it...
Horseshoes & Handgrenades
by
Disciple So, here I am writing another review, however I am very delighted to be writing this one, in that it is a review on my favorite hard rock/Christian band. SO! Without further-adu, Here goes.
This CD...
Stories
by
Addison Road So as a general disclaimer, I havent heard anything from Addison Road's last CD except their singles. So I can't contrast their new CD to that one very well.
But now for the Review!
Listening through,...
Back in RED. | Posted February-02-2011
So, I am very excited to be writing a review for RED's new album as I was just a couple days ago listening to their last album wondering when they would be putting a new album out, and Vua-la! Here it is, so without further-adu, here's my review.
Listening through for the first time, I have disapointments, and excitements. My disapointment comes from my own personal musicianship, meaning nothing seems to stand out as overly talented, or extremely different from their last album. Most of the intros to the songs sound the same as on Innocence and instinct; werbly sound effects, electric drum beats, crashing into heavy guitar driven grooves, (sadly most of the songs start that way).
My excitement comes from hearing how Mr. Micheal Barnes used some unique and interesting vocal melodies on the tracks and coupled them with good harmonies, as well as the variety between the songs, which range from heavy rock, to slow ballad type songs. As always, Barnes conveys much emotion through his voice which helps the listener to connect with the music. I was also happy to hear RED utilizing new elements to their music, from simple "OH oh"s, to overlapping vocal parts, to female vocal improve, they seem to have stepped up the elements within the music.
I have a near bittersweet feeling about the album, in that I was hoping for some faster tunes that can get your heart thumping, and while they did have a couple slightly faster tempo tunes, they were not fast or near fast. They were still rather straight heavy rock. For me it was a disapointement, however for heavy rock-go-ers, it may be just the ticket.
I have not focused very much on the lyrics this time through, but from what I have caught they are rather connective to how I imagine most people feel at times, and may be just what people need to hear to know they aren't alone in feeling that way, I imagine there is more meat to them than that, but that's what I picked up from one run through of the album. :] Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this review and that it helps you decide about whether to purchase this alubm or not.
Disciple's disciples... Or something. | Posted September-12-2010
So, here I am writing another review, however I am very delighted to be writing this one, in that it is a review on my favorite hard rock/Christian band. SO! Without further-adu, Here goes.
This CD starts off with a interesting song that I can't exactly make out who the lyrics are focused on, stating in the chorus, "You don't own me". And proceeds through the CD with hard rock guitar riffs, heavy drums, and killer rock vocals as usual from Mr. Young.
Disciple I believe has been characterized in the last four albums by Kevin Young's vocals, which he belts out with no regret to pump the message of the music out loud and clear. However, in this latest release I believe they have effectively begun a change from relying on Kevin's vocals, to supporting them with intricate guitar leads/riffs, as well as more intricate drum parts, which myself being a drummer, am impressed by.
This CD I believe is a good step forward for disciple with exploring more instrumental intricacies, and vocal melodies. I do think on a couple songs the vocals seem a tiny bit shaky as though Kevin wasn't used to the new way he was singing a particular part. But he may have intended for that effect.
All in all, I personally endorse Disciple very much, Kevin has some great things to say, and is not afraid to break out God's word on stage, which all true Christian's should be able to do,
and their music is great if you are into music that blends 'almost-screamo' and singing with impressive instrumentals.
Can you tell I like this band? haha. Well, that's my review, hope it helps someone decide whether they should buy this CD or not, I very well may once I have the money. :]
Clean and clear | Posted June-15-2010
So as a general disclaimer, I havent heard anything from Addison Road's last CD except their singles. So I can't contrast their new CD to that one very well.
But now for the Review!
Listening through, I'm hearing very clear lyrics with messages that are honest and comparable to my life personally. Things like finding who we are in Christ, to the general ups and downs of life.
Unfortunatly all reviews deserve a possitive and negetive side, so... *Deep breathe*
While this CD is clear with message and has good vox. The instrumentals are lacking and rather repetative both with other songs on the CD as well as other bands that are closely related to Addison Road's style of music. Which if you are not into more complex music this would not be a problem for you listening to this CD! The music is calming and fun. Myself being a musician, I find straight forward music to be boring when it is straight through every song, but thats just me.
All in all, its a good CD. Nothing ground breaking, but good music to just chill out too and get some encouragement through. :]
Rock on everybody.
~Andy
Smoothe but crashing. | Posted October-13-2009
First off this is my first time hearing Jadon, and this is the only CD I've heard, "The Road Acoustic". So Don't let this review hinder your checking out his other music if he has it.
Ok, to start the review I'd like to say that well, this is an acoustic album, meaning all the songs are done with acoustic guitars and vocals only, so your looking at some plain-ness there right off the bat, and you kinda have to shift gears if your into heavier music or not so much heavier, but more full music to appreciate it.
I was intrigued at the start of the album by his sound and was interested in the rest of it, but as I kept listening he kept getting more and more repetative with instrumentals and "Christian glazed" with the lyrics, meaning they are pretty standard lyrics that everyone sings... :/
A few of the songs have good chill feels which I enjoyed, however I mainly listened to the guitars because of what they were doing, and didn't find myself listening to the vocals because there was a lack of depth.
Jadon has a good voice, but I feel like the music he writes holds it back from it's full potential. And that, I believe, hurts the over-all CD.
I would suggest if your into pretty standard worship music with a chill feel this CD would be a good buy. However, if your into more intricate instrumentals, deeper lyrics (Than normal artists write), or strong vocals that carry, this specific CD may be a poor choice. :[
My final opinion on the CD for myself is that when I'm down or just want to lay down and relax on the couch or something this CD would be a good one for me to listen to, but any other time it doesn't quite cut the cake.
Anticipation to let down. | Posted August-18-2009
Probably one of the biggest anticipations in Christian music was Skillet's new release "Awake". After hearing their two singles "Hero" and "Monster" live and then on their myspace page, I was expecting an amazing album... Unfortunately, their singles are just that, singled out from the rest of the CD.
Musically the talent of the band shines, with melodic guitar solos, edgey vocals, and a new drummer (Jenn) who is not only the best female drummer I've ever seen and heard, but also has a great voice that she blesses two or three songs with, (I was actually hoping they would make more use of it, but I guess with this being the first time using it they didn't want to over-use it).
All bands with long careers hit ruts with their music where they start writing songs that sound the same album to album, and I fear Skillet has hit that rut transfering from their last smash record "Comatose" to "Awake".
'Big Anthem Rock' is awesome for one album, but when you pull it out more than that, it loses the anthem, adds a third wheel, and kinda just drags on.
About half the songs on "Awake" Are slow dragging songs that have great lyrics, but all sound the same musically; big booming drums, soaring guitar lines, and big hung out vocals.
And the rest of the CD is made up of songs that are reminiscent of "The last night" and the title track, "Comatose" off the "Comatose" album.
All in all, If you were a fan of "Comatose" you will really like "Awake", if you were not, well, I would suggest not buying this record.
I do not believe it will make it onto my "Albums to get" list. :- *sigh*
An alternative to check out would be Decyfer Down's new album: "Crash".
Rock what you got, but not to much. | Posted June-17-2008
From beginning to end to be honest, this album never really takes off with any spectacular songs.
Superchic[k] has deffinatly kept in line with their themed music of empowering girls with believeing they are someone, and that they are beautiful despite what the world says which is very needed in this modern time what with the degrading of girls going on.
In comparison, I would have to put this album below par with their previous album "Beauty from pain" (which really touched me lyrically and instrumentally). With rocked up songs, as well as toned down contemplative songs, this is a good album to make you think about how you look at life.
I personaly think "Rock what you got" is a good album, but far from earth shattering.
My personal favorites off this disc are:
"Crawl" (Carry me through)
"Hold"
and "Hey Hey".
But this is just my opinion, check it out for yourself, and see what you think. :-)
Thanks for reading!
~Andy-M.
11T7 gone electro?? | Posted March-04-2008
Yup, so I was pretty shocked when I heard Eleventy Seven's new album "Galctic conquest", not because it was outstandingly better, or worse. But because they changed their style! If any of you have heard their first CD you know they were good fun fast music, with some thrash punk elements.
Well, Galactic conquest is electro punk! (They now have an electronic running astronaught on stage with them when they perform). This CD is a good cd, but I enjoyed it slightly less than their first, due to the style change. some of the songs are great, but over all the electronic sound doesnt do it for me. I gave this CD a '4 star' rating because of the electronic-ness. But if you can over look that and look at the amazing lyrics and sound of this CD, youll love this CD.
lildrummer's Music and Book Reviews 
