Over the past decade, Green River Ordinance grew from kids making music in Fort Worth, Texas to men utilizing their talents to help change the world. The powerful five-piece’s message on their latest release, Under Fire, evokes the challenges and triumphs of each individual as they continue to grow personally, spiritually and artistically.
In 2007, GRO’s intensity and strong fan connection prompted EMO to sign them to Capitol Records. In 2009, Out of Our Hands, the band’s debut album, shot to number 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and catapulted two singles, “Come On,” and “On Your Own,” into the Top 40. GRO shared stages with Needtobreathe, Switchfoot, Lifehouse and other headliners. They earned press coverage from CNN, Billboard, Alternative Press and were featured in 56 network and cable shows, as well as three films.
And then in July 2010, they walked away to start anew.
Working with producers Jordan Critz, Chad Copelin and Jared Evans, GRO recorded Under Fire in Texas and Oklahoma. For this album, the band assembled strong high-impact songs, combining walls of guitar, hushed and intimate acoustic moments and rousing harmonized vocals.
Oh when we’re broken, we’re not forgotten. You will be strong and even though the fight that you’re facing leaves you burned out and shaking, you’re not alone.
Music is only the beginning of their efforts to reach into the world and spread the Truth of hope and love. In April 2010, Green River Ordinance began promoting a new website, TheHopeGros.com. TheHopeGros provides friends and fans an opportunity to download B-sides and previously unreleased tracks in exchange for a donation to any of five charitable causes, listed as GRO’s favorites. One of which is International Justice Mission - a cause reappearing throughout GRO’s career.
Besides appearing as a cause on the site, IJM has included GRO in many projects. These include the soundtrack of their documentary, At the End of Slavery, as well as their compilation “Freedom: Artists United to Support International Justice Mission,” also featuring artists such as TobyMac, Phil Wickham and Jars of Clay. In addition to raising awareness and funds for their favorite causes, GRO also actively participates in hands-on help, including local and international mission trips. “Our goal has always been to spread the truth of hope and love however we can, and currently, that’s through Under Fire,” says vocalist, Josh Jenkins.
Their urgency to grow and spread love will guide GRO through years to come, continuing with their tour in early February 2013 of Naval bases and Air Craft Carriers in the Middle East and Africa. With the help of Under Fire and their incredible friends and fans, Green River Ordinance is transforming the world one song at a time.
Hearts for Christ!| Posted January 20, 2012
This band is young, energetic, and Christ followers! Their work is not always "Christian music," per se, but their lives are poured out into His work. Popular in many circles, and local [Fort Worth] with Kari Jobe, April Geesbreght (My Hope Is In You), Tim Halperin and other greats, have given me an opportunity to follow them for many years. Give a listen. You will enjoy it.