The InBetween
by
Scarlet White Black or white. Hot and cold. Good and evil. Dead or Alive. Extremes on continuums. And in-between? An infinite series of points on the scale. Something that seems to define Scarlet White....
If the internet era has bequeathed artists anything, it is the ability to find and grow an audience, and from there attract notice from the music industry. The independent musical landscape is...
Vertical Shift Records has done it again. If you're unaware of them, they are a mission and ministry-oriented label dedicated to signing and distributing bands whose first priority is sharing the "Good News" through song. The latest release from their roster of artists is Re:Zound's Abandonded to You; an album dense with charismatic, vertically oriented tunes.
This five piece band, hailing from Arizona has been together for 11 years (what a coincidence) and, with God's help, has managed to accomplish some pretty amazing feats. Early 2007 saw the band traveling to Asia. Their tour included stops in Cambodia, Thailand and India. They also played in Communist Vietnam where their live concert, with over 10,000 in attendance, was televised nationally. Prior to signing with VSR, the band was MTV's No. 1 Undiscovered Band of 2004, They have also scored three top 20 R&R hit singles during their indie tenure and performed with Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder Band and Tree 63.
The music of Abandoned to You is predominantly guitar driven but the layered rhythm keeps things interesting. Acoustic, electric and bass guitars are used for maximum effect but the band doesn't shy away from using keyboards to add depth and texture. The band creates music that is at once original and familiar but avoids being formulaic.
The band's maturity and experience shine throughout and the performance of every song has an almost majestic feel. Standout tracks include "Beautiful," "Abandoned to You," "How Amazing Are You," and "I Will Bow Down." It's easy to find yourself singing along with lead vocalist Jason Anderson or respectfully rockin' along with the rest of the band.
If your idea of worship music leans toward edgy (think Vineyard's Burn Service, Kutless, Skillet, Tree 63, Wavorly, and Jeremy Camp), then purchase / download this fantastic rock/worship album A.S.A.P.
This five piece, Queensland-based band has been together, in one incarnation or another, for 11 years. The JaeL moniker came about in 2001, along with the band's signature Nü Metal sound. Though JaeL is fronted by the Siren-voiced Bianca, mic time is shared with Scott, who delivers hard-hitting, Mike Shinoda-esque rhyme.
Despite some repetitiveness, easily attributed to the EP's shortness (6 songs) and it being an indie production, the band's compositions are extremely likable with a delivery that is both brash and frank. An outside producer and the band's deliberate pace in assembling new material for their upcoming national release, leave this reviewer in anticipation.
Fans who can't get enough of old school P.O.D., FireFlight, Linkin Park and Flyleaf should find their craving for music delivered with a healthy dose of attitude sated by JaeL.
There's a new player on the musical field in Vertical Shift Records- a mission and ministry-oriented label. They've gathered an impressive roster of artists, in a very short time, that includes MTV's #1 undiscovered band Re:Zound (review forthcoming), the previously reviewed Out of Ruin and Ever Stays Red, their latest band to release a national debut through the label's recent deal with EMI Music/CMG Distribution.
The band's national bow, On the Brink of It All, is a hook-laden, high-energy disc full of appealing modern/alternative rock. Fans of guitar and percussion-driven rock anthems will find there is no shortage of aural agreeableness. There's no lack of intelligence and originality in the heartening lyrics either. The band's 4 year tenure as an independent act and intense touring schedule serves them well, as a polished lyrical and musical maturity is evident throughout.
Dustin Carlson's vocals are conveyed with a strident intensity that avoids shrillness or impenetrableness. Carlson obviously sings from somewhere deep within his being and does so with an abandon and passion that rivals Audio Adrenaline's frontman Mark Stuart. His timbre, style and delivery bring to mind Nevertheless' Josh Pearson and TFK's Trevor McNevan.
The Arizona-based band recently wrapped a tour with Kutless, and have also performed with Jeremy Camp, Sanctus Real, Delirious?, Everyday Sunday, Falling Up, Seven Places, and others. Nick DePartee of Kutless had this to say about the band: "Ever Stays Red is one of the hardest working bands I have ever met. I think this hard work shines brightly through in this record. Catchy melodies that hook the heart at first listen."
"We love these guys and their music," adds Chris Rohman of Sanctus Real. "We've had the pleasure of touring together, so it's exciting to hear some new songs... and I can say this is definitely Ever Stays Red at their best!"
With such ringing endorsements, Ever Stays Red is a band that belongs on your radar. Fans of modern rock bands Fono, This Beautiful Republic, Kids in the Way, Stellar Kart, and Thousand Foot Krutch shouldn't hesitate to get this first-rate debut.
More than once upon a time, there's been a band that was ahead of their time, releasing an album to critical accolades and adoring response. In 1999 that band was Chasing Furies. The Furies emerged in the Christian music scene with a raw, poetic and worship-oriented lyricism and a fresh, innovative sound. Much like the title of their debut album, the band created music "with (carefree) abandon." And then, they promptly disappeared into obscurity. Until now, sort of. After an eight year absence from the national limelight, Sarah MacIntosh, Chasing Furies lead vocalist, song-writer and founding member, returns to the attention of the Christian music scene with the release of her solo album, The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me.
MacIntosh's prowess as a singer and songwriter have not languished or dulled during her hiatus. While there is much that is reminiscent of Chasing Furies, the songs of The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me confirm that her abilities have grown and matured ála Natalie Merchant's development apart from 10,000 Maniacs. The musical landscape of TW, TW, TL, TK & Me is an adroit fusion of pop and rock, accented by subtle touches of world-music influences. Much like the music, the album's lyrics are brashly worshipful and poetically simple.
The songs of The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me encompass everything from the sparse and simplistic arrangements reminiscent of Norah Jones to the musical variety and intensity of KT Tunstall. MacIntosh's voice is an instrument itself. An outstanding example of this is the contrast between the silken reed of her vocals and the militaristic cadence of the snare drum in "Just Tell Me." She ranges from the ethereal and breathy in her delivery of "Did You Know" and "Be Glorified," to a luminous mezzo-soprano of "Where You'll Find Him" and "Sunshine."
If "(f)aith and joy are the ascensive forces of song," as American poet, critic and essayist Edmund Clarence Stedman asserted and it is also true that "(l)ife is a song and (l)ove is the music" then the songs of The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me serve as a testimony of this singer/songwriter's masterful ability to craft breathing embodiments of Christian passion and élan. The poetic lyricism of TW, TW, TL, TK & Me is grounded authenticity- honest transparency, vulnerable dependency and earnest gratitude. Not a word or a note is wasted in this telling composition.
The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me is a collection of inspired, beautiful and dynamic songs. If you're a fan of intelligent, delightful and relatable music in the vein of Michelle Tumes, Bebo Norman, Leigh Nash / Sixpence None the Richer and Jadon Lavik - make the effort to obtain this album and set aside the time to fully savor it.
After a successful indie release in 2004 and two national tours, Our Heart's Hero gained the attention of Toby Mac and his label, Goatee Records. Shortly thereafter, September 2007 saw the release of their national, self-titled debut. With their debut, the band steps into the musical spotlight with their "spirited" version of vertically-oriented pop/modern rock.
From the compelling cadence of the first three tracks, through the affecting piano and string enhanced melodies of "Broken," "Every Breath" and "Alive" clear through to the closer, "Angel's Song," Our Heart's Hero creates a sonic testament to God that is nothing less than admirably wholehearted. The band's "desires to see kids encouraged and inspired to make their life count for something greater; to look past what the world might have them settle for and allow God to take control" is indelibly stamped on each song of this project.
Much like Rush of Fools, this four piece outfit (successfully) blends a youthful passion for God with superb musicianship and loads of polished talent. If encouraging and, dare I say it- fun, pop/modern rock along the lines of Storyside:b, Mainstay, Wavorly, Everyday Sunday, and Lifehouse, is what populates your ipod's playlist, then Our Heart's Hero should be there too.
With the release of their sophomore album, BEC artist Mainstay is out to prove that they are aptly named. Become Who You Are, the band's second release in as many years, avoids any hint of a sophomore slump and gives notice that this band is here to stay. In fact, it confirms the band's growth since the release of 2006's Well Meaning Fiction, and further reinforces the band's talent for creating mature, superbly-fashioned, melodic pop/rock.
The tracks of Become Who You Are are a study in dichotomy: they examine the fragility of life and faith; but instead of being brooding or anguished, the music reinforces the child-like expression of hopefulness in Justin Anderson's vocals. It could be argued that this is a concept album because each song seems to echo the progression indicated by the title. But it seems more serendipitous to believe that the songs are intimate glimpses of the band's soul. From the self-indicting title track to the intimate confession of "Hang On", each song of Become Who You Are acts as honest testimonies of faith and expectation.
Mainstay's Become Who You Are is a finely-crafted, modern rock album that is genuine and optimistic without being naïve, and encouraging without resorting to cliché. This sophomore album serves to establish the band as its namesake in the realm of modern rock. Fans of Stay-era Jeremy Camp, Switchfoot, new artists Our Hearts Hero and Sevenglory, and Sanctus Real will not be disappointed in the music or message of Become Who You Are.
It seems like every few years or so a band comes along that leaves you scratching your head. Are they for real? A one-shot wonder? A gimmick? For those of you old enough to remember them, I'm thinking of bands like One Bad Pig, The Swirling Eddies, etc. C'mon. A band that plays "Celtic Punk"? Gotta be something strange going on.
Indeed, something strange and wonderful is going on with Knuckles Up, the major label debut of self-labeled Celtic Punk band Flatfoot 56. The band actually has two previous indie releases, The Rumble of 56 (2002) and Waves of War (2003), not to mention a fanatically loyal fan-following and an intense live performance. A quick run through the checklist reveals Flatfoot 56 brings to the table Clannish membership (Yup- three of the four members are brothers.); Irish melodies (Oh my, yes.); Scottish bagpipes? (Aye); Clever and amusing rhymes (Uh huh); and a tempo that never lets up.
Brother Justin Bawinkle sets the very vigorous beat with pounding kick & snare drums and ringing cymbals. Brother Kyle reinforces the beat with his bass and Josh (no relation to the brothers) adds mandolin, bagpipes and a second guitar to the raw mix. From beginning to end, brother Tobin delivers the lyrics in a throaty, brassy yell, while sustaining a blistering pace with lead guitar.
If you are a fan of old school punk, think The Pogues, The Clash, etc., then by all means cinch on your Donegal tweed kilt, pull on your Aran Isle sweater, grab your shillelagh and fetch you a copy of these here tunes. Just remember, you may need to kick some lollygagger's shins so you can grab your copy of Knuckles Up. And rest assured, these tunes will not kill any old cows. (Translation- bad tunes kill old cows, according to an Irish proverb.)
Don't Forget Your (Red) Umbrella | Posted October-31-2007
The debut from indie label 7 Spin Music's Red Umbrella relies heavily on a sound inspired by modern retro brit-rock influenced acts Death Cab for Cutie and Athlete. Wishing for Boardwalk's musical, vocal and lyrical stylings made me think early of U2 co-mingled with the Seventy Sevens.
This album's catchy blend of pop/rock is quirky, yet accessible. Wishing for Boardwalk's lyrical depth is a pleasant surprise is a market monopolized by shallow and/or vague pretension. Red Umbrella is a refreshing band and Wishing for Boardwalk is a keen, stylish debut.
Take a Deep Breath | Posted October-29-2007
When 7Spin Music's band Sevenglory released their national debut in early 2006, their sound was an easily identifiable blend of musical influences: 80's southern rock bands .38 Special and Bad Company; 90's pop-rockers Extreme and Hootie & the Blowfish; and peers like Big Dismal and Seven Places. With the release of their sophomore project, Atmosphere, the band explores ever broader musical vistas, and in the process, soars to even loftier heights. The music of their debut, Over the Rooftops, was like an unremitting summer day- catchy, straightforward heartland rock, whereas Atmosphere's panoramic, modern rock influenced sound is more like a robust gust of fresh air after a spring rain.
Josh Parsons' guitar continues to be the definitive instrument, though it is much more nuanced exhibiting more layers and variety. Brothers Gabe and Caleb Johannes continue to lay down the crisp and dense rhythmic backbone for each track. Much like their use in Over the Rooftops, keyboards remains sparse and understated- guitars and drums are the hub that the songs of Atmosphere are built around.
The rousing pace of the opening track, "All You Want" continues unabated through "All Of This For You," "Just Me (the first radio single)," and "Let It Be Love (a Relient K-like ditty);" slows just enough to catch it's breath with "The Hope" and "The Best Is Yet To Come" bouncing between mid-tempo ballads with a anthemic choruses. The first real break, "Even The Blues," is a Coldplay-like ballad that showcases lead singer Fred Butson's vocal maturity and prowess. From there, the album segues into the mixed tempo, indie-rock flavored title track, before finishing things up with the tonally distinct "Lay It Down" and the radio-ready "Show The Light." Each song is unique and stands on its own merits. The band mixes things up but practices enough control to keep the sound coherent.
Much like their debut, this album has an ineffable quality- something you can't quite put your finger on that makes it distinctive and special. Fans of modern rock bands A.F.I., Downhere, Fall Out Boy, Jackson Waters, and even Relient K should take a deep breath and enjoy the freshness that Atmosphere offers.
If you're a fervent fan of modern worship music or a part of the emerging/post-modern church movement, chances are you've heard of Robbie Seay and his band. If not, do yourself a big favor and go track down their debut, Better Days or their latest album, Give Yourself Away. Go on. I won't go anywhere... You back? Great!
Give Yourself Away, the sophomore release from Houston, Tx. worship leader Robbie Seay & Co., is the tremendous follow-up to the band's overlooked 2005 Sparrow debut. Drawing on everything that made Better Days a exceptional, but overlooked debut, producer Tedd T. pushes Robbie, Ryan and Dan to the next level musically and, I suspect, lyrically. Whether it is the effervescent melody and attitude of "Song of Hope" or the encouragement offered in the subtly drowsy "Shine Your Light On Us," each song of Give Yourself Away is a succinct and inspired musical package that deftly avoids triteness, or presentation that is "too neat."
"Robbie Seay possesses one of the greatest voices bestowed upon the human race. Seriously. When you hear it you will understand. It is strange and lush and excessively subtle with all the gravel of humanity resonating within it." If this is how David Crowder describes his fellow Texan and worship leading peer, I don't think my description could do be any better.
Seay is equally as adept in his ability to turn a lyrical phrase. In fact, it is through both his vocals and lyrics that he exhibits a seemingly innate ability to capture the moments when and where human fraility and the awe-inspiring Divine intersect. The combined talent of this trio ensures the music of Give Yourself Away is finely crafted, multi-layered and aptly mirrors the unique mood of each song.
If you are a fan of the Passion Band, Chris Tomlin, the David Crowder Band and Tim Hughes, give some time and money away so you can experience Robbie Seay leading a worship experience.
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