Underoath Fall Tour
Dec 10, 2009 Concert News
This past Saturday (12/05) I was in the Madison area and I had a few options for entertainment. Matthew West was touring his Christmas show at a nearby theater, with a special appearance from the Veggietales stars Bob and Larry. While just a few miles away (several actually), Underoath was headlining at The Rave in Milwaukee. I chose to join a few friends and head to Milwaukee for the metalcore over the mellow and what I got was a whole new experience for me in many ways.
I have seen a handful of “screamo” acts at Lifest, but never in a secular venue like The Rave. The Rave is a cool venue in an old theater full of architectural styles and multiple stages. Prior to the main arena opening there were three smaller stages sporting local and regional bands. We previewed three of these acts and of the three only one was worth listening too. One of the acts still had not learned that there was more to the genre than just screaming lyrics that were in comprehendible. It was torture as the young lead sounded like he was going through puberty all over again mid scream. Fortunately this was not a precursor of how the main acts were going to be.
I was very interested in how the show would go down and how different it would be in a more secular setting. When the main doors finally opened, we were able to find a decent spot in the upper balcony to take it all in. Not too long after settling in I got my first dose of just how different the night would be, as we were asked if we had any “herb” to spare. It’s been a long time since I’ve been questioned like this at a concert. It was quite humorous. Aside from that one incident there was no indication that others were interested in cooking spices and there was only one annoying drunk, who just happened to park herself right behind me during the headliner, singing (I use that term loosely) every lyric along with the band. My only consolation was that I was sure she was going to pay for it in the morning.
All that aside the show was amazing and the crowd reaction was mind blowing. Right from the start when Emery, the opening act at 8:00pm, came on board singing a Christmas tune until the final note from Underoath at 11:15pm, the crowd never stopped jumping, slamming, and shouting. I have never seen such unbridled energy in a mosh pit before. Yet it was all quasi-controlled and more disciplined than a square dance on a Louisiana Saturday night. The etiquette was amazing to watch. As a person fell, there were at least two others that instantly jumped into action and picked them up. Others stood by in the circle and protected those who were just watching the bands. The coordinating hand signals and synchronized moshing was so distracting I had a hard time deciding which to watch, the moshers or the band. It was a cool experience and a much more energized feeling than I had expected.
As I mentioned, Emery opened the night and I was most familiar with their music over all of the other bands. Having not been a big fan of the screamo style of music, I was quickly won over with their dual vocals and their amazing performance. Following up Emery was the band August Burns Red. August Burns Red was straight up screaming compared to the mix of melodies and scream from Emery. I was imagining that many parents would think ABR low guttural screams were demonic, as well as the impulsive slam dancing in the mosh pit, but at the same time, I was picturing the lead singer teaching 5th grade history while not on the road or even Sunday School at his home church. He just had that kind of vibe that although he sang like a mad man, he was far from it. Closing out the night was of course Underoath and I was really blown away by their live show. I have never seen such a spaztastic display of keyboarding as I did from Christopher Dudley.
The musicianship was tight and I particularly liked how Aaron Gillespie sang some leads and backups, equalizing the screamo with a bit of standard hard rock. Towards the end of their set, Spencer started to thank the audience for coming and he started to allude to why they did what they did and why they so much enjoyed playing music. It peaked my attention right away and I immediately wondered to what he would give the credit. I was ignorantly stunned when he broke out and shared the gospel at that point. It was short and concise and not at all inappropriate for the moment. It was a moment when I realized how prudish I was with my preconceived ideas of how the night would go.
Overall the night was entertaining and enlightening. I believe I have a much more openness to the genre, which was evidenced by how well I enjoyed the screamo sampler CD that was being given away outside as we exited the club. I look forward to seeing more bands like Underoath, August Burns Red and Emery in the future. As well as writing more reviews for the genre on AlphaOmegaNews. There are just a few dates left in the United States before Underoath heads overseas for some shows. Check out their MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/underoath or their official website at http://underoath777.com/index.php for more details.
- Ken W.
Tags: August Burns Red, Emery, Underoath
iShine Update
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews, DVD Reviews
iShine Update
There is a lot of activity to report on the iShine brand recently. Including the addition of a new artist Paige Armstrong and the release of at least three new projects. The Rubyz and Mission Six both have new EP’s and there is also a DVD titled “iShine Live.” With these new projects the iShine label is perfectly poised to strike at the heart and soul of the Disney pop crowd with their blend of fun tween pop and a strong gospel message.
The Rubyz – Sound Off
The best of the three new releases is “Sound Off” by The Rubyz, a tween duet that consist of Alexis Slifer, a homeschooled high school sophomore and Cammie Hall, a college freshman, a perfect age combination to span the market of teens. The girls harmonize well together and on this particular project they took some ownership over the content as they co-wrote on all 5 tracks.
The soundtrack is a typical dance beat but the lyrics are incredibly original and uplifting. The lead track on the album is called “Ladies and Gentlemen” and it hits hard at the dangers of relationships at such a young age. Taken from a press release, “It’s about how girls and boys should treat each other – like ladies and gentlemen,” says Cammie. “Kids can lose sight of God in those relationships…” A highly important message that most parents are having a hard time conveying to their children.
The fun part of the album includes the track “Watch the Girl” which is sampled with a nod to the Eurythmics’ song “Sweet Dreams.” The EP is 5 tracks long; there are however duplicate tracks for each song with a “sing-a-long” tag. The sing-a-longs are more bent towards an anthem like soundtrack.
Mission Six – Not Too Young
Mission Six is a quintet of friends who were all attending the same Christian school in Evansville, Indiana. The friends collectively worked their way up to a label contract with iShine through practicing hard and playing live as much as possible. It is a very different formula than boy bands in the past. I find it very affirming that they have come up this way and I think it gives their message a bit more credibility as well.
Their new EP is a mix of pop and rock that is refreshingly upbeat and mature for their age group. Probably has something to do with the title – “Not Too Young.” The title is taken from the verse 1 Timothy 4:12 which says not to let anyone look down on you because you are young.
Like the Rubyz EP, “Not Too Young” also includes sing-a-long tracks at the end of the album. Another highlight is the remake of “I am Free,” a song formerly recorded by the Newsboys. All together the “Not Too Young” is much more mature than expected and if the band can play live as well as the recording came out, I bet we’ll be hearing more from them as they transition from the tween world to the more adult rock scene.
iShine Live DVD
Sadly, this is a very disappointing DVD. Although it is titled “live,” I do not believe the soundtrack is totally live. It is more like live footage dubbed over with studio audio and poorly dubbed at times. It took a lot away from the project and I just could not get into the DVD. Also, I was looking forward to a live appearance by Paige Armstrong, but it did not happen. Paige was onboard sharing her personal testimony, which is totally relevant and powerful, but the DVD did not include a performance by Paige. Lastly, the parts that did sound to be live were quite muffled and not recorded that entirely well. I would imagine that companies get paid big money to produce such a product, so I do not really understand why this one falls so short on the audio production.
You can find information on all of the iShine artist and their projects at http://ishinelive.com.
- Ken W.
Tags: iShine, Mission Six, The Rubyz
Sara Groves – Fireflies and Songs
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Sara Groves
Fireflies and Songs
INO Records
Grade – B+
Sara Groves is well established as a Singer/Songwriter and she has consistently produced beloved songs. The direction of this project is reportedly different from what she has done in the past, which was to focus on a topic and write songs around that. This time around on “Fireflies and Songs,” Sara was asked by the president of INO to try something new. He asked Groves to change her focus and to bring it more inward. The end result is a project that is more reflective of Sara Groves as a person – a wife, mother, daughter and friend.
It is incredible how she approaches this all in song so poignantly on “Different Kinds of Happy.” In this song Sara sings about bearing her soul and the redemptive nature of confession. The title track is also an example to of how conversational the album is. It is like Sara is just sitting down at the piano to have a conversation over music. While most of the songs are piano based, there is one song, “Setting Up the Pins,” that has more of a country feel. The album closes with “Joy Is In Our Hearts,” a reminder of God’s great love and how He is why we should have joy in our hearts.
- “For good reason, joy is in our hearts”
The new album is peaceful and a joy to listen to and the personal approach is a welcomed new tool for an already superior artist such as Sara Groves.
- Ken W.
Tags: Sara Groves
Kutless – It Is Well
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Kutless
It is Well
BEC Recordings
Grade – B+
While this is the second worship album from the rock band Kutless, it is truly more unique than their first. According to the press release “It Is Well” was sincerely intentional on many levels – song selection and the recording process. The process was turned into something more than just another project when the band members had more input as co-producers. More importantly, they spent time each day during the recording of the album in prayer and bible study. Thus the band created a spiritual bond that allowed them to go at this particular project with a fresh perspective.
There is also an intentional balance of traditional and modern worship songs selected. However, all of them are recorded in true Kutless form (minus the scremo from the early years). The group did a very respectable job of creating a song called “Redeemer” which is a combination of two Keith Green songs (“There is a Redeemer & “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful.” For the more contemporary fan there is also a Kutless-ized version of “God of Wonders” and “Hungry” that rocks.
One of the originals that I like a lot is “Remember Me.” This is all Kutless when it comes to the soundtrack. The lyrics and the back-story of the thief on the cross, translated into a vertical worship song is amazing. From their press release, “The idea of a lifetime sinner falling into the arms of salvation at the end of his time on earth was redemptive to us.”
“It is Well” is a definite push above their phenomenal “Strong Tower,” and the addition of the unique originals dispels any concerns of their future potential for another full-length original Kutless album. “It Is Well” is a great gift for Kutless fans and it really lets you know where their heart is when it comes to their music.
- Ken W.
Tags: Kutless
Phil Wickham – Heaven & Earth
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Phil Wickham
Heaven & Earth
INO Records
Grade – B
Wickham’s third studio project is a concept album that was in part derived from his reading of the novel Searching For God Knows What, by Donald Miller. Miller’s book described the tragic loss of a personal relationship between God and Adam and Eve. Wickham takes it a step further and contemplates the memories of Adam and Eve as they longed to have back the paradise they lost – being face to face with God as they walked through Eden.
The album starts off with the song Eden where human life began and then coils itself through life as we know it in “Safe,” then ending with a heartfelt “Heaven Song.” The song “Safe” was written to encourage listeners to stand strong in the promises of God. This song also features a duet with MercyMe’s Bart Millard. The overall sound is big and filled with technical guitar parts and plush strings. There’s also a bit of modern rock to the sound, for example the song “Hold On” has a nice modern rock sound.
Having read the same book by Miller, I have a great appreciation for Wickham’s response and I think it is great that both are using their perspective stages to remind us of how awesome it will be to be in heaven where our relationship with God will be right again thanks to our savior, the lamb of God.
- Ken W.
Tags: Phil Wickham
Pillar – Confessions
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Pillar
Confessions
Essential
Grade – B
With a half-dozen releases behind them, Pillar is keeping it all alive with “Confessions.” As the lead track states, their keeping it all going with the “Fire on the Inside.” Not a lot has changed stylistically, but at the same time the project has newness to it due to the quality of the new songs.
“Confessions” has a very accessible sound for a hard-rock album and the themes are refreshing. For instance, “Whatever It Takes” sings about the drive men have in pursuing the woman they love and how much more God pursues our hearts, a different perspective for sure. Back that up with some edgy guitars and you have a sure fire hit. Overall the themes are encouraging and passionately played out.
Also included on the album is a cover song – “Shine.” Not a bad rendition, but Charity Von made the last remake of “Shine” that I will ever need. Lastly, I am impressed with the consistency of the band on this album and on their career in general. They continue to redefine themselves while remaining true to their original form.
Along with the CD release, the American Bible Society is publishing a booklet titled “Confessions.” The book is a sort of devotional on the subject of confession. It is a cool little devotional and it’s just one of many resources applying to the new album. Check out http://www.pillarmusic.com/confessions for more information.
- Ken W.
Tags: Pillar
Shane & Shane – Everything Is Different
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Shane & Shane
Everything Is Different
Grade – B
Incredibly, “Everything Is Different” is the duo’s seventh studio project! This time around, the worship pastors/artist have reached into their influences as worship leaders and created a contemporary worship album with deep scriptural influences, hence the lead single “My Hope Is Built.” This version of the classic hymn has an updated sound that is very original and lively. The new album is an impressive 15 tracks long and over an hour in length. Furthermore, the duo went back to the basics and recorded the majority of the album live in the studio. The norm today is to create projects in parts and it is rare that the whole band tracks the songs together.
The new album is a good mix of the contemporary and the classic and I love the message. The new versions of “The Lord’s Prayer” and “My Hope is Built” fit well with the more contemporary originals from Shane & Shane. For more information check out their official web site at http://shaneandshane.com/.
- Ken W.
Tags: Shane & Shane
Philmont – Attention
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Philmont
“Attention”
Forefront Records
12 tracks @ 41:50
Grade = B-
Lead singer Scott Taube says much of his band’s national debut is “about giving up control to God and letting Him work in our everyday lives to steer us toward the plan He has for us. It’s an important message that we hope will have a huge impact.”
Important, yes, but overall the lyrics on this disk are generic. I’d like to see this band stretch them selves a bit musically, too. After awhile, the songs started to sound the same.
Five of the songs here are recycled from the band’s cleverly-titled EP “Oh Snap.” Fans of Stellar Kart and Sanctus Real should enjoy the band.
- Rob S.
Tags: Philmont
Abandon – Searchlights
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Abandon
“Searchlights”
Forefront Records
12 @ 46:56
Grade = A-
This is the first full length release from this San Antonio-based rock band. If you picked up there EP then buyer beware-there are only three new tracks here.
However, not having heard anything from this band before, I really enjoyed this disk. The band has a great modern rock sound and demonstrates a range of styles throughout.
At times lead vocalist Josh Engler reminds me of Kevin Max. The band’s PR likens their sound to The Killers, something I don’t know anything about.
Themes range from hope, Hold On;” to redemption, “Here We Are Now.” I liked the lyric “Can you use someone who already feels used?” that shows up in the latter.
About the band’s new record, Engler says its “a promise of rescue from a dangerous place, that if you look up, you will see the light of hope through the dark.”
While there’s a fair amount of generic lyrics and an over reliance upon pronouns, the song “Hero” offers a glimpse into the potential for this band to be bold.
- Rob S.
Tags: Abandon
Tamela Mann – The Master Plan
Dec 10, 2009 CD Reviews
Tamela Mann
“The Master Plan”
Tillymann Music Group
12 tracks @ 53:06
Grade = A
Tamela Mann received 2008 Steller Award nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year. Her newest record should earn her additional nominations.
Mann does a wonderful job of working in several musical styles, including Gospel, smooth jazz and contemporary urban.
I loved the rousing “Joy of the Lord” and the foot stomping “In Him.”
The schmaltzy ending to her rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer” does not mar the overall song, where Mann’s off-mic vocals remind me of Mahalia Jackson.
This is a wonderful record.
Mann, who also stars in the TV program “Meet the Browns,” says, “My recordings are my way of thanking God for the gift of music. I like to say that I don’t mind singing in the rain because the rain is not a distraction. [T]here are times when I look out at the audience, close my eyes and forget they are there-and all I see is Jesus in the front row and I’m singing my heart out for him as if it’s the last time I will ever do that. That’s the love God inspires in me which makes everything else in my life possible.”
- Rob S.
Tags: Tamela Mann
