Internationally-renowned South African rock band
Tree63 independently releases its seventh full-length album,
Land, today (Sept. 11) through The Fuel Music distribution. On hiatus since 2008, the band re-formed following the enthusiastic reception received at a series of
reunion events last year in South Africa. Inspired again by fans that participated in a successful Kickstarter campaign for the album earlier this year, Tree63's new 12-song recording reflects the natural evolution and progression of the original trio consisting of John Ellis (vocals and guitar), Darryl Swart (drums) and Daniel Ornellas (bass).
Revealing a mature, sonically powerful and lyrically complex album, Land features the anthemic first single "
The Storm," which shares the intense imagery in the song of a man being swept overboard, treading water and crying out to God. Other stand out tracks featured on Land include "Hard To Believe," a beautiful and brutally honest confession about dark days and silence that ultimately ends with hope, and the songs "Ship" and "
Standing On It" that continue the theme in what begins to feel like a single story, stretched out over the length of the album, of a man struggling with doubt and fear, beaten down by the storms of life, and yet remarkably hopeful.
Responding to the music and message of
Land, critics are heralding the recording:
"...the delivery of Tree63's Land deserves nothing short of a ticker-tape parade. Expect a flood of enchantingly creative melodies and arrangements perfectly matched with the vocal acrobatics of front man John Ellis." --
CCM Digital Magazine
"This is what it looks like when worship is written from the heart of the soul's storms, honest and raw and incredibly powerful. The guitar grit married to some melodic whimsy creates a perfect backdrop for those themes...for any who choose to sail into its rich waters, it is a voyage well worth the taking." -- NewReleaseToday.com
"The fact is that Land is without a doubt the most diverse, nuanced, and interesting Tree63 album yet, while maintaining a worshipful tone." -- JesusFreakHideout.com
