A Great Sophomore Record Posted November 11, 2023 By RyanAdams_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know Sand & Cinder, Tide & Timber is American Arson's second full-length studio record, following the success of 2020's A Line In The Sand. The hard rock band signed with Facedown Records and promoted their record through five singles, including the triple release of "The Heat." This self-proclaimed "two-man wall of sound" continues to tour, play festivals, and work hard to get their music out to all willing to listen.
What It Sounds Like
American Arson's style of hard rock is catchy and accessible to all fans of rock music. Some songs and styles lean more heavily into punk or hardcore genres, but altogether, it's a hard rock experience that's unique in its own right. The band's impressive use of loops, pedals, and instrumentation compensates for the absence of a full band in every song. There are two songs shorter than the rest, acting more as interludes.
Spiritual Highlights
I have loved American Arson's songwriting since their 2015 EP, The Blood and Bones. Their lyrics continue to be mature, provocative, thought-stirring, and hope-inspiring. Their Christian faith isn't hidden, yet it's not always the only centerpiece. They write about politics, mental health, the music industry, and more.
On this record specifically, you'll find more openly faith-influenced songs like "Hammer & Gavel, "Blood," and "Low Tide." The band's humble beginnings are displayed in "Adversity." Meanwhile, the band encourages their listeners with "Arrowheads" to stay focused on our victory found in Christ.
Best Song
Some of the best songwriting of 2023 comes with the "The Heat" trilogy of songs. A three-part address to the state of the Christian music industry, greed in the church, and idolatry. "Run" calls out the greed of the prosperity-focused preaches and bands, warning them to run before it catches up to them.
"Moonlight" exposes the idolatry of looking up to fallible heroes, even if they were respected people in the industry. "Goodbye" is the declaration that we don't want to be like those called out previously, willing to sacrifice to keep ourselves upright. It feels wrong to pick one of the three, so their trilogy serves as the album's best highlight.
Bottom Line
Listening to Sand & Cinder Tide & Timber brings comfort and honesty to a world that often feels increasingly cold and fake. The genuine passion poured into each song is heard with empathy and sympathy for our complicated lives. Although "The Almighty Arsonist" and "Promises" feel more like interludes than full songs, they fall short compared to the rest of the album. American Arson continues to cement itself as an incredible musician, songwriter, and a powerful voice for this generation.
