Only You Are Holy (Single)
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Marthe She has an awesome voice, reminds me of Natalie Grant. If this is any peak as to what her future in the music insdustry will be like it looks, very, very, very...
Hallelujah (Single)
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Marthe She has a beautiful voice, her music I think is unique. When she sings her voice adds a lot of depth to her songs. Her lyrics are amazing as well. Hallelujah for Marthe ...
Preludes
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Marthe She has released a few singles from this album. She brings a diversity, in music, lyrics, and voice. She is reminiscent of Natalie Grant. If you are looking for the next break out cotemporary artist...
Debut...Not The Greatest | Posted April-28-2009
Ace Troubleshooter by Ace Troubleshooter is a decent CD if you're into punk. It's a cross between Green Day and MXPX. Pretty basic. It opens up with a song called "SE 101," a really good song with a good beat and good guitar. That is followed up by. Some highlights on this record are "Tonight" and "My Way."
A lot of the songs on the album carry the emo-type style of lyrics. "My Way" talks about questioning God's plan for the singer's life. But at the end, he declares his total dependence on God. "Yesterday" is a good song about prayer. The next song, "I Corinthians 13" is an OK song that talks about love. This song is based off the 'love' chapter in the Bible.
Perhaps my favorite song is "Phoenix," a half praise and admission-of-failure song. "Yoko" is about, what I think it is about anyway, is Yoko Ono. The one who some say broke up the Beatles. I think that it's written for any guy to be careful whom he dates. There's also an instrumental track called "Fortress." It's good, but they could have done more on this, which closes out the CD.
I was surprised by how much I liked the CD, it's decent. The lead singer John Warne has a decent voice and he wrote all the songs. Look for these guys over the next few years. If they release a new album in the near future, it should be one to check out.
Another Mediocre Album | Posted April-28-2009
When Ace Troubleshooter released their self-titled debut in 2000, at first listen I knew these guys had something to offer. I sensed something was there waiting to break out. A pop punk rock album with an emo flavor? Perhaps. Maybe it's the fact that Ace was born to record The Madness of the Crowds?
The Madness of the Crowds opens with the title track, a fast-paced punk song that isn't the strongest opener, but it'll be a familiar sound to Ace fans. "2:00 Your Time" changes things up immediately by slowing the tempo down for a more thoughtful moment. The rock kicks in quickly with Warne's vocals more passionate than previous tracks. "Have It All" is a infectious guitar riff-driven rocker where the punk takes a seat making way for more straight-up rock and roll. Unfortunately, after hearing the golden sounds it's hard to go back to the punk sounds of songs like "Amanda," although those tracks are usually a little too fun to pass by.
The more emo-flavored "Estella" serves as a strong album highlight in the same vein as "Have It All." Warne's vocals work well softer and more passionate. It's clear that the songwriting is stronger than on their previous effort. The instrumentation is a little more complex than the typical punk songs and has more feeling. "Let's Go Away" is a great pop punk song about just running away with the one you love and enjoying life together. "Numinous" picks up where "Estella" left off with it's ear pleasing beat and more melodic composition.
The Madness of the Crowds is the pop punk rock album to own. Ace Troubleshooter has firmly placed themselves among the ranks of the elite rock bands. Brave the madness of the crowds on June 18th and pick this one up.
Good Cd. Good Buy | Posted April-28-2009
Ace Troubleshooter has certainly made a name for themselves over the course of the past four years. Their self-titled debut made waves in the Christian rock scene. The Madness of the Crowds, their sophomore effort, proved they were to be reckoned with.
It’s Never Enough opens with "Ball and Chain," a tune about missing a loved one while the band is away. Any fan of Ace will recognize the familiar pop/punk sound a mile away. This song, and practically the entire disc, follow the same format as The Madness of the Crowds. In fact, most of the songs, if not all, would have fit nicely on their last release.
For the most part, this release stays on the lighter side of things, Ace does not stray from different, more intricate subjects. "My Defense" speaks of dying to yourself and giving your life completely to God. "Set the sights on failing/ Targets, no control/ Grips relax and lose hold/ I lose my defenses at your answers/ and I come all undone with Your gaze." "Anything" deals with the longing for unsaved friends to come to Salvation. "Here, my friend, take some of mine/ It’s freely given/ But will cost you everything you have/…I’d do anything, anything at all/ To get you, won’t forget you/ On the other side/ Over here."
Ace Troubleshooter does very, very little different on their third outing. It’s really not a bad thing at all. However, it’s the only real complaint, as well. These guys have improved in the lyrical department in finding new ways to bring depth to the pop/punk genre. Anyone who could not get enough of Ace’s last release will probably have the same dilemma upon listening to It’s Never Enough.
Good, not great | Posted April-28-2009
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, comes rock powerhouse Acceptance. In mid-2003, they released a seven song EP to much critical acclaim, and in April of 2005, they released this, their first full-length album, Phantoms.
This band is mostly popular in secular outlets, and Christian music enthusiasts are a few steps behind. It’s not entirely their fault, however. Most Christian media outlets offer them next to no press coverage. It’s almost entirely a word of mouth thing.
Still, spiritual references are few and far between on Phantoms. In fact, the entire album is fairly cryptic. Most songs, however, seem to address significant others, though "Different" makes a brief reference to God, and "Breathless" appears to allude to the supernatural, "Take this. Make it something beautiful again. Make this Heaven because you’re beautiful to them." The rest of the album is hard to decipher.
Acceptance possesses a whole lot of talent, and it’s no wonder their album released a year ago, and it’s still gaining momentum. If you are into aggressive rock with some pop sensibility that keeps you singing along days after the last time you listened, check Phantoms out.
Bad Debut :( | Posted April-28-2009
The Everlasting Man starts fairly ambitiously with "Iniquity: An Offering." Underoath influences are immediately apparent as the guitars grind, the vocalist screams, and the rhythm changes frequently. This is firmly within the established territory for current Christian hard bands, and it's a well-delivered sound.
Unfortunately, this does not last. Unexpectedly, the dynamic of the album changes. Beginning with "Babylon: The Insatiable Thirst," the pace slows down dramatically and the tracks grow excessively long. With the exception of the minute-long closing track, the remaining four songs are all at least five minutes long. These tracks all feature dreamy sections of smooth vocals interspersed with brief outbursts of screaming and stretches of simplistic instrumentals. It's not inherently a bad sound, but it drags more and more the longer you listen. In some cases, such as in "Masada: The Spiral Staircase" and "Restoration: The Return From Exile," the ethereal instrumentals become unbearably long and drawn-out.
There's no question that A Hope For Home has a lot to offer lyrically. This is nothing if not a dark album. "Iniquity: An Offering" addresses getting lost in today's culture and not living a fulfilled life for God. Noticeable lines are, "We've turned away from what we were meant to be, trading in conviction for a dollar's worth in dreams" and "Look how far we haven't come. We've been playing God." "Absolution: Of Flight and Failure" honestly looks at the desperation in trying to get back to God, as the band sings "These wings were built with purpose, but I have used them for my own. These hands were made to lift you up so high, instead they tear you down."
Unfortunately, it takes more than lyrical quality to make an album. The Everlasting Man would have been better as an EP with less of the six-minute-long drowsy meditations. Although initially strong, there is a great deal of unrealized potential here, and as a full length album it inevitably falls short of the mark
Groundbreaking Debut | Posted April-28-2009
Emerging from the musically fruitful location of Albany, Oregon, A Dream Too Late is ready to make their grand entrance into the music industry with the release of their debut, Intermission To The Moon. Having toured with well-known counterparts such as Falling Up, and fellow newcomers like The Send, and Ruth, they have already received extensive exposure.
The sounds of electronic synths and acoustic strums fill the atmosphere as "14th And Knott" opens up the album, providing the listener with a complex yet simplistic message about the roads of life. "Do You Believe (In Ghosts)?" is pretty self-explanatory lyrically, and with electric riffs and heart-pounding drums, this one is sure to become a fan favorite. "Intermission To The Moon" reveals the one true fact about life: we have only one chance and one shot, so let's make it count. "Trendsetter" illustrates that there is more to life than popularity, while promoting another positive message with added creativity and flare musically and vocally.
"The Life" relates to the art of the personal surrendering of our lives, incorporating elements of spirituality to the record. "City Parks" fuses harmonizing vocals with pulsating tempo, fabricating yet another favorite tune. The mellow rock ballad "Be Honest" is very direct in its approach, depicting the importance of honesty and integrity within a person's character.
"Can I Start New?" exemplifies the longing we have as Christians to start over with a clean slate, "Daylight" describes the omnipresence of God and how we can see Him in everything ("I am one, You are all around, everywhere"). "Airsick" intertwines ambient vocals with a solid, clear-cut rhythm, portraying the fact that we cannot accomplish anything by ourselves. "A Night Polaris" expresses the urge to escape and get away for awhile, delivering a finishing touch to the release.
It's very hard to find a Tooth and Nail band with the capability of great sound quality with spiritual messages bound throughout the entire record. A Dream Too Late has proven that one can have both, creating an album that's one-of-a-kind. This record is proof that A Dream Too Late has musical, lyrical, and vocal qualities that are beyond compare. To not listen to Intermission To The Moon is like not accrediting A Dream Too Late for the abilities that God has given them. There is no doubt in my mind: this is definitely an appealing debut from a promising new act.
Great Band And EP | Posted April-28-2009
It's been three years, one EP, and one full length release since Texas band Abandon emerged, and they now have a chance to make an impact in the Christian alternative scene. With a new deal landing them on Forefront records, Abandon has released a self-titled EP in anticipation of a full album scheduled for next year.
The five-track Abandon EP is a tasty morsel of what is to come. "Providence" starts this effort ambitiously, with a nice modern alt rock sound that will remind the listener of Sanctus Real and The Afters. "Be Alive In Me" is a simple heartfelt song of dedication, where lead vocalist Josh Engler asks God to "Be alive in me. I know I'm Your's forever... So take me and shake me. I know I'm needing You to be alive in me." "All Because of You" slows down the tempo with a more straightforward worship feel.
Musically, Abandon brings a cheery alt rock sound with plenty of catchy hooks. This well-excepted format brings many other bands to mind, including some traces of Switchfoot and Tree63. The lyrics, deal with themes of desire, a need for Christ, and humble worship.
Abandon has put together a solid EP that will definitely create interest. This band is good at what they do. This is a satisfying listen and the future looks bright for Abandon.
2nd Ep? Good Buy | Posted April-28-2009
Last year, Abandon landed a deal with Forefront and released their five-song Abandon EP.
If you have already heard last year's Abandon EP, then you will want to check out Abandon II, since it contains the new material. The EP starts off with "Song For the Broken," a mildly upbeat alternative rock track about a desire to influence the world for good. Next is "Give Me Love," which is catchy. "City Lights" is probably the strongest track, with a simple chorus and lyrics addressing apathy in a relationship with Christ.
"Gold" is a melancholy song about hopelessness and a need for God. "If I Could Write A Song" is a very heartfelt song about the singer's desire to bring hope to a depressed world, with an honesty that definitely resonates. The final track, "Hero," is a simple song about the life of Christ. These three tracks are all nicely done.
Abandon II is a different side to Abandon than what we heard on the Abandon EP. These guys can clearly do both upbeat, radio-friendly songs and slow, honest reflections. Abandon II is definitely worth getting
Awesome! For A Independent Effort | Posted April-28-2009
A reason to like Texas ( If You Didn't Before ) is because of San Antonio-based alternative rock band Abandon. Formed in 2002 and taking their name from Luke 9:23, Abandon is a 5-piece rock outfit that will have you wondering why major labels aren't looking more towards the underground scene for new and exciting talent like this. The band's latest EP Ambush is practically all self-produced with the assistance of Tavis Wilson
This album is far from being a boorish effort. For starters, the smooth and melodic sounds of "Cover Me" convey a simple message of one crying out to God to cover him with His blood as he vows not to fail the Lord again. Solid rock hooks are often in the songs. The songs include "Surrender" and "Find A Way," The rhythm pattern of Ambush takes a slightly heavier turn with "Running" and "Everything" while creating masterful instrumental arrangements. What makes the album even more unique is that the closer, "Waiting For," tones the tempo down heavily, but carries on a prolific message of urging the listener to make a difference in the world instead of waiting for the world to change on its own.
Abandon's mission statement is abundantly clear throughout the entire album. As stated by the band's drummer Dave, "We have a purpose and know that we need to be a light in the darkness, raise our voices, and share the love of Christ." If that alone is not proof enough that these guys are worth spending a few dollars or more for their music, then some listeners may not have the same motivation as others when it comes to purchasing great music from bands who love the Lord. Make no mistake, Abandon is a pop/rock band that pulls no punches and presents straightforward, in-your-face lyrics with well-polished musical accompainment.
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