"We live in a world that recently feels so filled with hate. I know it has always been there but it seems like racism, war, bullying, and just a lack of care for others has become the focus of so many news stories and Facebook posts that it's in front of us more than ever. TANKS came from the idea that we as Christians are called to love even in the midst of all that this world could throw at us and if we chose to combat these things with love and make our heart beat louder than the cry for war then maybe we can make some changes." - Geoff Hunker
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Love Is The New Fight| Posted October 12, 2016
This long awaited new fourth studio album TANKS by Satellites & Sirens has captivated my spirit. The album includes standout recordings like the sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs anthems "TANKS" and "Wildfire," along with the reflective vibe of "Who We Are" and "Old Souls." From my first listen, I wanted to tell others about this great new album which immediately reminded me of some of my favorite emotional alternative rock artists like Jimmy Eat World, The Killers and The Rocket Summer.
The project opens with "Hey (This is the Life)," which has a celebratory vibe and builds to an exciting refrain that stirs my soul to cry out loudly "Hey, this is the life." I'm really engaged by Geoff Hunker's emotional vocals and the sincere, enthusiastic and thought-provoking lyrics throughout the album.
"Who We Are" is a great song about releasing the burdens of guilt and shame that we carry and finding our true identities. The song will have you singing along in one listen. "Chasing Photos" has insightful life-lessons about transparency and identity not being based on chasing the perfect social media photos, a timely reminder in our culture.
"TANKS" is an upbeat, hooky rock song that represents the theme of this uplifting album with the bridge, "love is the new fight." These are some of the strongest lyrics I've heard by this talented band, all in extremely catchy songs. Geoff's emotive vocals and the exciting musical bed takes me on an emotional journey that causes me to excitedly worship along with the stirring lyrics every time I hear the song. In our society filled with war, bullying and a lack of care for others, this anthem is the cry of my heart with the much-needed call to action message for Christians: "Weʼre taking love to the front lines, where the heart beats louder than the cry for war, and like tanks you can trust, we will crush everything with love."
All of these songs are poignant and powerful with earnest, worshipful lyrics. "Old Souls" features Ronnie Petkovich with introspective lyrics and a beautiful refrain, with Geoff displaying an emotive vocal style similar to The Fray's Isaac Slade. It is yet another reflective track including a catchy musical vibe, a combination which can be found throughout the rest of the album in the standout tracks "Stereo," "Enough" feat. Joel Vaughn and previously released single "Wildfire."
Closing Thoughts:
Satellites & Sirens are back with TANKS, one of my top alternative rock albums of the year from both the Christian and mainstream music markets. Their list of influences includes Jimmy Eat World, The Killers and 80s music, and they are a fantastic blend of those musical styles. I truly enjoyed their first three albums and the stand-out hit songs "Jump Start My Heart," "Anchor" and "Take Me Back." If you liked those songs, you'll love this new album. TANKS is one of the catchiest, most energetic and emotionally engaging alternative rock albums I've heard this year, and a reminder that "love is the new fight."
Song to Download Now:
"TANKS" (Get it on iTunes here.)