Purple Door Radio

"Renegade" by Write This Down

2010-11-26T18:37:00.002-05:00

Write This Down - "Renegade" from Tooth & Nail on Vimeo.

"Believe" by The Letter Black

2010-11-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

Demon Hunter "My Heartstrings Come Undone" Acoustic

2010-11-03T16:22:00.002-04:00

Tedashii "Make War"

2010-11-03T16:21:00.000-04:00

Underoath "In Divison"

2010-11-03T12:17:00.000-04:00

Ivoryline "Instincts"

2010-10-28T16:23:00.001-04:00

The Almost "Monster Monster"

2010-10-25T12:50:00.001-04:00

The Chariot's "David De La Hoz"

2010-10-20T20:21:00.000-04:00

Abandon Kansas "The Golden State"

2010-10-20T12:26:00.002-04:00

House of Heroes "God Save The Foolish Kings"

2010-10-13T14:40:00.001-04:00

"Background" by Lecrae featuring C-lite

2010-10-11T11:54:00.000-04:00

Dave from Children 18:3 brushes up on some skateboarding skills...

2010-10-05T14:51:00.002-04:00

A look at Disciple's tour bus...

2010-09-24T14:28:00.000-04:00

Disciple Bus Tour from Disciple Rocks on Vimeo.

Flyleaf "Chasm"

2010-09-24T14:14:00.003-04:00

For Today "Devastator"

2010-09-22T13:12:00.002-04:00

B. Reith "Antidote"

2010-09-20T20:55:00.000-04:00

Disciple Talks Horseshoes & Handgrenades

2010-09-20T13:53:00.000-04:00

In the Midst of Lions "The Machine"

2010-09-08T14:52:00.002-04:00

August Burns Red CD/DVD "Home" Preview

2010-09-08T12:36:00.001-04:00

The Almost "No I Don't"

2010-09-08T12:32:00.001-04:00

Interviews from Purple Door 2010

2010-08-24T16:06:00.003-04:00

RED "Ordinary World"

2010-07-30T11:21:00.001-04:00

The Showdown in the studio

2010-07-09T13:04:00.001-04:00

Abandon Kansas "I Wonder If It's Me"

2010-07-09T13:01:00.001-04:00

More Underoath Studio Updates

2010-07-09T12:50:00.000-04:00

Children 18:3 "Rain's A' Comin'"

2010-06-28T20:54:00.004-04:00

When Children 18:3's self-titled debut came out in 2008, I remember loving their sound. It was different and fun. Their songs were catchy and I felt like the album was a fast moving train. Song after song was intense and high speed and by the time I got to the end of the album I remember thinking, "it's over already?"

Well, good news. Children 18:3 has released their sophomore effort on Tooth & Nail and it is absolutely delightful. These siblings have got a good thing going on. Rain's A' Comin' showcases David and Lee Marie's harmonies and I love how Lee Marie's voice is a prominent feature on the new album.

The title track is the first song on the album and it is a great way to begin. The song builds from the beginning until we hear David sing passionately, "crawl down, won't you come on down, run down with me..." Yes, I think you should join them because the ride is just starting. The album kicks into high gear with the next song, "Cover Your Eyes."

"Cover Your Eyes" reminds me of what I know and love of Children 18:3. They charge through the verses, and let up just enough for you to join in on the chorus. This is also the first song they made a video for. You can enjoy that gem here.

Highlights on the album for me are "Oh Honestly!" a much slower and pop-inspired song. But they make it work and don't lose the essence of who they are just to make a pop song.

Lee Marie's voice in "Wonder I" is fantastic. Almost like a lullaby, "wonder, wonder I, if I stood on your shoulders, could I touch the sky?"

The album ends perfectly. The first track was dramatic and last track makes me laugh. It's very much a carnivalesque song, and after seeing a few interviews with these siblings I think sometimes that might be what their life is like.

Overall, this album excites me. I'm hoping with two solid releases under their belt, Children 18:3's fan base will grow and they'll finally be recognized as one of the standards for great music.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Find out more about Children 18:3 here:

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The Fold "Neverender"

2010-06-22T13:11:00.000-04:00

Manafest "Avalanche"

2010-06-22T13:05:00.000-04:00

B. Reith "Comeback Kid"

2010-06-22T11:41:00.001-04:00

Anberlin set to release new album, Dark is the Way Light is a Place

2010-06-17T10:53:00.002-04:00

ANBERLIN’S DARK IS THE WAY, LIGHT IS A PLACE
SET FOR SEPTEMBER 21st RELEASE BY UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC

RECORDED WITH GRAMMY WINNING PRODUCER
BRENDAN O’ BRIEN, ALBUM FOLLOWS BAND’S
2008 BREAKTHROUGH, NEW SURRENDER

LEAD SINGLE “IMPOSSIBLE” GOES TO RADIO IN MID-JULY

(New York, NY – June 16, 2010) Universal Republic rockers Anberlin will release their much-buzzed about fifth studio album, Dark Is The Way, Light is a Place,on September 21st. The band recorded it at Nashville’s renowned Blackbird Studio with Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against the Machine), who won the GRAMMY award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical earlier this year. “Impossible” – the driving lead single that soars with an exhilarating pop Foo Fighters vibe as it captures love’s tug of war – will go to radio in mid-July. “We Owe This To Ourselves,” another track from Dark Is The Way, Light is a Place, will be the main song used on ESPN’s X-Games this summer.

The forthcoming record follows Anberlin’s New Surrender, which was the band’s second album to debut in the Top 20 of The Billboard 200. “Feel Good Drag,” New Surrender’s first single, hit No. 1 on the Modern Rock charts and now holds the record as the longest-charting single in Modern Rock history. Named 2009’s “Rock Song of the Year” by FMQB, it will be a featured song on the in-store version of “Guitar Hero 6,” due out this September. Anberlin’s cover of New Order’s “True Faith” appeared on the subsequently released deluxe version of New Surrender and was tapped for the season finale of The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries.” Anberlin, which formed in Winter Haven, FL in 2002, has sold over 700,000 albums and toured the world, sharing stages with American Rejects, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Paramore and many others.

Dark Is The Way, Light is a Place – which takes its title from a line in Dylan Thomas’ “Poem On His Birthday” – examines the battle implicit in life and in love. “Love is a friction, a chemistry,” says Anberlin’s front man, Stephen Christian. “We need to fight it out in a good way, not with threats of leaving, but to, in love, find an understanding.”

If such an understanding isn’t reached, the consequences can be shattering, as detailed in the hypnotic “The Art of War,” which veers from slow burn to full sonic assault and the heart wrenching “Take Me As You Found Me.”The cathartic “To The Wolves”tackles betrayal head-on while in the gentle, acoustic “Down,” the protagonist puts the blame squarely on himself (“feel like a shell of yesteryear gone by/bad decisions like ghosts that just won’t die”). The way may be dark, but a powerful vision of light permeates the album. The anthemic “We Owe This To Ourselves” is a resounding call to action: “we owe this to ourselves/to fight, to lead/we owe this to ourselves/we just can’t let this go.” This deeply rooted conviction speaks not only to Anberlin’s view of romantic love, but also to the band’s belief that we’re accountable for our relationship with the world at large.

To that end, Anberlin has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts. They’ve spent time in Africa, working with a local charity to meet the needs of a small community, and traveled to Calcutta, India with Faceless International, where they helped to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. Co-founded by Stephen Christian (lead singer), Faceless International (http://www.facelessinternational.com/)aims to defend the plight of exploited people worldwide who have gone faceless and unknown for far too long. The organization raises awareness about social issues happening throughout the global community, providing first hand experience and education through trips around the world and solution-based opportunities through regional resources.

Anberlin is:

Stephen Christian: Vocals
Joseph Milligan: Lead guitar
Devon Rexroat: Bass
Christian McAlhaney: Rhythm guitar
Nathan Young: Drums

The track listing for Dark Is The Way, Light is a Place is as follows:

1. We Owe This To Ourselves
2. Impossible
3. Take Me As You Found Me
4. Closer
5. You Belong To Me
6. Pray Tell
7. The Art Of War
8. To The Wolves
9. Down
10. Depraved

B. Reith "Old School" Acoustic Performance

2010-06-16T11:17:00.002-04:00

CD Review: Rapture Ruckus "Rapture Ruckus"

2010-06-14T16:13:00.003-04:00

Hailing from New Zealand, Rapture Ruckus is one of the newest editions to the BEC lineup. Rapture Ruckus is fronted by Brad Dring, aka MC Rapture. His first release stateside, Rapture Ruckus EP, has six songs and is filled with encouragement and spiritually direct lyrics. There isn't any sifting through to decipher what Dring is trying to convey. His lyrics are simply the Gospel. His method is a mix between Manafest and And Then There Were None. A bit of rock and rap flavored with some techno. High energy from beginning to end, Rapture Ruckus is definitely someone to get acquainted with.

Standout tracks on the album include the first radio single, "Hold On" and "I Believe"

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Find out more about Rapture Ruckus here:

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Switchfoot "The Sound"

2010-06-14T14:07:00.001-04:00

Underoath - In the studio

2010-06-09T15:03:00.003-04:00

Sent By Ravens "New Fire"

2010-06-07T13:43:00.000-04:00

Videos about Children 18:3's new album!

2010-06-04T17:23:00.002-04:00

Tracklisting posted for Children 18:3's new album

2010-06-04T16:26:00.003-04:00

Children 18:3 releases "Rain's 'A Comin'" on June 29th. Here's the track listing for the new album. Listen to "Lost So Long" on PDR and other new tracks over at their myspace page.

1. Rain's 'a Comin'
2. Cover Your Eyes
3. The Cruel One
4. Whispering
5. Hey Driftwood (Tides)
6. Oh Bravo
7. Oh Honestly!
8. Wonder I
9. Stronger
10. Jack 'o' Lantern Dreams
11. Lost So Long
12. The Last Laugh

The Rocket Summer "I Want Something to Live For" Acoustic

2010-06-02T15:45:00.001-04:00

House of Heroes "Save the Foolish Kings"

2010-05-30T20:50:00.001-04:00

Project 86 "Destroyer"

2010-05-30T20:49:00.000-04:00

Behind the Scenes of Children 18:3's new album "Rain's A Comin'"

2010-05-25T13:26:00.001-04:00

Fireflight "For Those Who Wait"

2010-05-25T13:18:00.001-04:00

August Burns Red "White Washed"

2010-05-25T13:11:00.000-04:00

August Burns Red - "White Washed"

August Burns Red | MySpace Music Videos

To Speak of Wolves "Darkness Often Yield The Brightest Light"

2010-05-20T13:31:00.001-04:00

War of Ages "Collapse"

2010-05-20T13:05:00.000-04:00

KJ-52 "Fuego"

2010-05-11T17:23:00.002-04:00

Manafest "Fire in the Kitchen"

2010-05-11T17:19:00.001-04:00

Another look at House of Heroes new album, Suburba

2010-05-04T15:34:00.002-04:00

CD Review: The Classic Crime "Vagabonds"

2010-03-26T15:08:00.004-04:00

Matt McDonald. How I love your voice. Seriously, Matt has one of those unique voices that can capture an immense amount of emotions that few others can replicate.

I loved TCC's last album The Silver Cord and was anxious to hear new music from them. Vagabonds did not disappoint. It's once again a collection of honest songs dealing with faith, love and the struggle of life. One thing that is a little different on this album is the amount of songs that are "corporate." And I don't mean "corporate" like a church setting, but in a concert setting. I can already hear people chanting back the my, oh my, what a beautiful day parts in "Solar Powered Life."

The album starts off with "A Perfect Voice." Matt's declaration of who this album is for and why he does what he does. I may not sing your favorite songs, but I don't sing for you, cause if I did I would have been done long ago.

There isn't one bad song on the whole album. An easy listen from beginning to end. I would list song highlights, but I can honestly say that I love each song for a different reason. Whether it be the realization in "My Name" that they can take away everything I have but they can't give me my name, or the guitar riffs in the opening of "Vagabonds," or the beautiful depiction of Christ's love for his bride, the church, in "Broken Mess" or maybe just the fact that I might be like one of those girls sittin' there sippin' smoothies with my sunglasses on in "Solar Powered Life"

This album confirms all of my beliefs that the guys in The Classic Crime are truly talented. I just hope more people find out about them even though Matt says, he's tasted fame but never fortune and he still couldn't care less for both.

★★★★★★★★★★

(this review provided by Intern Andrew Jones)

“I may not have a perfect voice but I still sing at the top of my lungs.” These opening lyrics about not letting the world dissuade you from being what you want to be really set the pace for The Classic Crime’s new album, Vagabonds. This album is the first I’ve heard from The Classic Crime, but with its upbeat music and relevant lyrics, it has me completely sold. I especially liked the songs "A Perfect Voice," "Four Chords," and "Different Now."

Between the songs and the knowledge that the money is going to a good cause (all the pre-release proceeds from Vagabonds are going to the Haiti relief effort) I could definitely feel good buying this disc.

The Classic Crime claims that “even if (they) die tomorrow, these four chords will keep (them) living on,” and I would have to say that I completely agree.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Find out more about The Classic Crime here:

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CD Review: Queens Club "Young Giant"

2010-03-21T20:35:00.005-04:00

Queens Club is comprised of former members of The Chariot. Upon hearing that you might have a notion of what Queens Club is going to sound like. Well, you're most likely wrong. Queens Club is evidence that individuals musical taste can vary, greatly. Fortunately, Jacob Ryan (drummer) and Dan Eaton (vocals & guitar) have very good taste.

Queens Club is pop and dance music in all of it's glory. Highlights on Young Giant include "Issinair" and "Dust" which is by far my favorite track on the album. The beginning is absolutely beautiful (and for a girl that doesn't really care for techno/dance music, that's saying something). The techno fades away as the song progresses into a more rock/punk sound. One of my favorite songs not only sonically, but lyrically too with lines like - ever since the day I was born I filled the void by crawling in arms, I think he swore to never let me go. And just because you run from the norm, I think he's saying, don't be alarmed. Other songs to check out include "Less Talk" which they recently released a video for. "Upstart" could be the theme song to a television show. It just has that feel to it.

Queens Club's Young Giant demonstrates that these guys want to have fun. I hope that with some time and experience maybe the songs can be more than just fun sounding but also have equal depth and longevity too.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Find out more about Queens Club here:

Myspace

Twitter

Youtube

Manafest "No Plan B"

2010-03-18T09:43:00.001-04:00

Queens Club "Less Talk"

2010-03-17T13:02:00.000-04:00

CD Review: Fair "Disappearing World"

2010-03-14T21:43:00.004-04:00

As a fan of Fair's debut album, The Best Worst-Case Scenario, I'm finding it hard to find any dramatic difference between that album and their sophomore release, Disappearing World. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way saying that it is a bad thing, since I was absolutely in LOVE with their first album.

This album is great in the fact that it seems to be more piano driven than their last album mocking the sounds of bands such as Copeland and Deas Vail (including the light, higher pitched lead vocals of Aaron Sprinkle). The album also feels to have more depth using a stronger guitar presence and additional production to enhance their already kickin' sound.

Overall, another fantastic album from Fair! I look forward to seeing what they will come up with in the future.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

(this secondary review provided by intern andrew jones)

Before being asked to write this review, I hadn't listened to any music by Fair. Now, having listened to this album I feel a pressing need to add some of their songs to my personal collection. There are a few songs, such as "Anymore" that I couldn't quite get in to, but I enjoyed some of the others like "Wayside," "Walking In My Sleep" and "The Escape Artist." All in all I found myself liking Disappearing World. It's songs are laid back and would be easy to listen to at pretty much any time of day. I look forward to seeing what else Fair has to offer.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Find out more about Fair here:

"Collapsing" by Demon Hunter

2010-03-02T16:18:00.001-05:00

Demon Hunter - "Collapsing"

Demon Hunter | MySpace Music Videos

CD Review: Number One Gun "To the Secrets and Knowledge"

2010-02-23T11:35:00.003-05:00

I will start this review with a disclaimer: I have not been interested in 85% of the Christian rock music that has come out in the last 5 years. I just feel like it has all been done and we are currently in a rut. I don’t know if that makes me jaded, but oh well. With that being said, I really enjoyed Number One Gun's new project, To the Secrets and Knowledge. I can’t say that it is ground breaking in any way, but what they are doing they are doing well. I am also comparing it to their previous releases, which never really caught my interest. I would say that the biggest difference is the use of space in their music and the integration non-distracting production.

When I say space I mean that they utilize dynamics well. Many pop/rock groups are “go, go, go” in their music which will just wear out the listener. It’s fine if you are listening to a single on the radio, but when you listen to a complete album you need the music to take you through a full spectrum of emotions. I feel that this album does that. They are not afraid to strip a song down like on “The People”, or go crazy with production, like on “The Victory". It’s refreshing.

As for the production, I will admit that I love the use of “ear candy” on recordings. Some people say it takes away from the true organic feel of a song. I disagree. I think production can add an entire different dimension to music. When I say this, I mean production that is truly integrated into the music. The production becomes the “hook” in some songs. This album does a great job of utilizing recording techniques and technology.

All in all I like this album. It is a solid recording and a record that will not easily bore me. I see it playing on my iPod in regular rotation for a while to come. Enjoy!

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Find out more about Number One Gun here:

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(this review provided by Brian Rohrer)

The Classic Crime in Haiti - Part II

2010-02-14T22:27:00.003-05:00

The Classic Crime in Haiti

2010-02-14T22:20:00.002-05:00

Mutemath - Backfire

2010-02-14T21:55:00.003-05:00

Interview with Mutemath & Life Performance

2010-02-05T13:26:00.000-05:00

Abandon Kansas "Close Your Eyes"

2010-02-02T12:37:00.000-05:00

Stephanie Smith "Back To Innocence"

2010-01-27T16:03:00.001-05:00

Deas Vail "Excuses"

2010-01-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

I Am Empire "The Elevator" video

2010-01-19T15:03:00.000-05:00

Showbread "I Think I'm Going To See You" video

2010-01-19T14:56:00.001-05:00

Showbread "I Think I'm Going To See You" Music Video from Showbread on Vimeo.

Onward to Olympas "Sink or Swim" video

2010-01-19T14:53:00.001-05:00

Video for Gwen Stacy's "The First Words"

2010-01-06T10:33:00.002-05:00

The First Words

Gwen Stacy (New Music Video Up!) | MySpace Music Videos

PURPLE DOOR 2010 ARTIST LINE-UP

2010-01-03T23:12:00.006-05:00

Chris Strayer, Purple Door Arts & Music Festival Producer, stopped by the show tonight to reveal what artists will be performing at Purple Door 2010! This unique festival is held at Ski Roundtop in Lewisberry, PA. The dates for this year's festival are Friday and Saturday, August 13th & 14th. Eventually you'll be able to get all the details here.

Here is the initial line-up. Just a reminder that artists are subject to change, and more bands will be added in the near future!

Performing on the Main Stage:
Children 18:3
The Classic Crime
August Burns Red
Thousand Foot Krutch
Ivoryline
I Am Terrified
House of Heroes
Lecrae
Project 86
Family Force 5

Performing on the HM Stage:
Ace Augustine
Texas in July
Mychildren Mybride
Showbread
Demon Hunter

Performing on the Gallery Stage:
Bradley Hathaway
Oceans in Love
Esterlyn
Besides Daniel
B. Reith
Deas Vail
John Mark McMillan
Seabird
Paper Route

Performing/Speaking on the Forum:
Bradley Hathaway
Th'isl
Andrew Schwab
Derek Webb
Family Force 5

The speakers on the Main Stage this year are Friday night, Renee Yohe, and Saturday night, Lecrae.

Tickets can be purchased now! Rates are scaled, so buy early for a better rate!

Hope to see you there!

Hands by The Almost

2009-12-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

notice the sign for "lonely wheel"... clever, very clever

Hand

The Almost | MySpace Music Videos

The Almost "Little Drummer Boy"

2009-12-09T16:56:00.001-05:00

Aaron Gillespie's Story

2009-12-09T16:54:00.001-05:00

Family Force 5... cartoon style!

2009-12-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

Behind the Scenes of Seabird's new album "Rocks Into Rivers"

2009-12-01T14:03:00.001-05:00

Coming to Rock Band soon... Emery's "The Butcher's Mouth"

2009-11-30T17:50:00.002-05:00

CD Review: Flyleaf "Memento Mori"

2009-11-24T15:07:00.003-05:00

After what seems like an eternity, Flyleaf has finally released their sophomore project, Memento Mori. And friends, the wait was well worth it.

I've only had the pleasure of seeing Flyleaf live once, and when I did I was so moved by the presence of God that they brought with them on stage. I recently came across an interview with David from The David Crowder Band (who covered a Flyleaf song on their latest release, Church Music) where he describes the first time he met Lacey:

"They're like right down the street from us in Temple area, which is about thirty minutes from Waco, so they would pop up to services occasionally, and [I] didn't know who they were but this group of people would occasionally appear and they usually would take up the front section of the deal and they'd just be quite exuberant in their posturing of worship. Finally, one Sunday, this very diminutive girl comes up and says, "Hi, my name's Lacey, I have a note for you." And she gives me this little note and along with it a CD. She says, "I'm in a band," and this is really before they took off, y'know? I hadn't heard of them until this moment. I read the note and it starts with this, "Every night we go into the pits of Hell and pull people out and your music has been an inspiration for us. It's very bleak and dark where we are, and we need bits of light and your music has been that for us. "

I loved that wording, every night we go into the pits of Hell and pull people out. Granted, I saw Flyleaf in a very Christian gathering, which is an unusual place for them to play. Usually they are on secular tours in not the most typical "Christian" places. With Memento Mori, they are providing more fuel for pulling people out. Lyrics that are beautiful in every sense of the word. Describing the true grace, love and hope available for everyone. For instance, in their song "Missing," the lyrics point to the need that we have, and the realization that others will leave us...

Oh, something's missing in me, I felt it deep within me, As lovers left me to bleed alone.

Other highlights on the album for me included the tracks, "In the Dark" (with the echos of Lacey's voice and the momentous build into the chorus of Jesus heal me inside this,
Raise me up to live again, Like you did), "Set Apart This Dream" and the description of Lacey's conversion experience on the track "Treasure."

Memento Mori is Latin for "be mindful of your mortality." I believe Flyleaf is doing that by taking every opportunity they have to promote Jesus in every situation they find themselves in. Mememto Mori is definitely one of the best albums - lyrically and sonically to be released in 2009.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Find out more about Flyleaf here:

Myspace
Website
Youtube

Video for FM Static's "Take Me As I Am"

2009-11-18T17:53:00.000-05:00

Video for KJ-52 "End of My Rope"

2009-11-18T17:48:00.002-05:00

Favorite 2009 Albums Contest

2009-11-13T17:32:00.009-05:00

Congratulations to Joel from Mechanicsburg! He was the winner in this year's contest. Keeping listening to PDR for your chance to win fun prizes... like Joel!

Which albums have you had on repeat this past year?

Purple Door Radio wants to know!

Email your top 5 albums of 2009 with your name, age and address to pdr@wjtl.com by December 26th to get entered into the contest.

One lucky winner will be walking away with 5 of PDR's favorite albums plus...

an autographed Disciple skateboard deck!

If you need some help remembering all of the music that was released this year, check out this site for a recap.

Listen to Purple Door Radio Sunday, December 27th from 9PM to midnight as we recap the great music that came out this year, countdown our top 5 favorite albums and announce the winner of the autographed Disciple skateboard deck!

The Fine Print:
*Must be 13 years of age to enter
*One entry per person
*Entries must be received by midnight on Saturday, December 26th

Video Premiere! Flyleaf's "Beautiful Bride"

2009-11-12T14:32:00.002-05:00

The Pledge performs live on PDR!

2009-11-03T12:43:00.001-05:00

Alternative Press goes behind the scenes of Blessthefall's new music video!

2009-11-01T18:49:00.001-05:00

Blessthefall: The Making Of The Video for "What's Left Of Me" from Alternative Press on Vimeo.

John Reuben "No Be Nah"

2009-10-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

CD Review: Relient K "Forget And Not Slow Down"

2009-10-13T16:23:00.003-04:00

Have you ever listened in on a conversation that was way too personal for you to listen to, but you couldn't help yourself? That's how I feel about Relient K's latest effort, and first album on Mono vs Stereo, Forget And Not Slow Down. This album is written in the aftermath of a breakup. To which, I have no knowledge of reasons or circumstances - but that doesn't matter. A heart affected is a heart affected. This album to me displays the full gamut of a heart in the weeks and months that follow brokenness.

AbsolutePunk streamed the album before the release and I kept listening to it over and over again... I couldn't get enough! Especially the last track "(If You Want It)." It's the same song as the track previous to it, "This Is The End," but the musical styles are entirely different. "This Is The End" displays a raw emotion while "(If You Want It)" seems to be full of sadness, but a beautiful sadness at that. One of my favorite lines is in that song, nourished back to life by Life alone. Beautiful.

By no means is the whole album full of downers, there are lots of fun songs too. Other standouts include: "Candlelight" and "Savannah." "Savannah" is so infectious. Another thing that made me super excited about this album are the special guest appearances that included: Matt McDonald of The Classic Crime, Aaron Gillespie of Underoath and The Almost and Tim Skipper of House of Heroes. All of these guys join in on the song "Sahara."

If you purchased the album from Amazon you got a bonus song called "Terminals" that featured Owl City. This song has Owl City written all over it. In an interview Matt Thiessan said if he ever formed a side project it would probably be with Adam from Owl City. So perhaps "Terminals" is just a foretaste of what might be in the future.

Overall, the album breaks my heart because I know where it came from. However, each song is so well crafted and Relient K continues on in their quest of providing thoughtful lyrics and throwing in some fun along the well.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Find out more about Relient K:

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Did you know Edward likes PDR?

2009-10-13T15:51:00.002-04:00

Nevertheless, calling it quits

2009-10-12T12:18:00.001-04:00

Lacey from Flyleaf talks about new album

2009-10-12T09:57:00.000-04:00

MTV Shows

Oh Sleeper "Son of the Morning"

2009-10-06T11:18:00.001-04:00

Flyleaf "Again"

2009-10-02T14:26:00.000-04:00

Flyleaf - New Music - More Music Videos

The Almost "Lonely Wheel"

2009-10-02T14:23:00.000-04:00

Lonely Wheel - Official Video

The Letter Black "Hanging By A Thread"

2009-10-02T14:20:00.001-04:00

Interview with Josh from Nevertheless

2009-09-30T15:41:00.001-04:00

CD Review: The Letter Black "Breaking the Silence"

2009-09-18T15:36:00.003-04:00

Tooth & Nail Records signed The Letter Black (formally known as Breaking the Silence) just a few months ago. According to the band's myspace the meaning behind the name is that, "all of us go through different chapters in our lives. In these chapters we write letters of good and bad times. Some letters in our chapters we are happy to share. Others, we are not so proud of. The Letter Black reminds us of the past mistakes we have made and helps us remember to not keep making the same mistakes." Now this five piece band is hitting the ground running with their debut album due out September 22nd and embarking on the huge Awake and Alive Tour this fall with Skillet and Hawk Nelson.

This is a hard review for me since I can be fairly particular when it comes to female fronted bands. The lead singer is Sarah Anthony and her husband, Mark, joins in with some background vocals here and there. I like Sarah's voice on certain parts of some songs, like "Hanging on By a Thread" and "Best of Me" but other times it just doesn't do anything for me. The six songs on this album are filled with very meaningful lyrics which I greatly appreciate. Like in the song "Collapse," It didn't take long to forget what I once learned, I never believed that there was someone out there who loves me, Until I found the One who loves me as I am. I can't live without You. My heart will collapse into your hands. The Letter Black is definitely rocking it out the whole way through. "Best of Me" has a bit more of a pop feel to it, but the majority of the album is straight up rock and roll.

If you're a fan of the likes of Illia or Eowyn, I suggest you check out The Letter Black. To me they have very similar musical styles.

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

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CD Review: Hawk Nelson "Live Life Loud"

2009-09-18T14:25:00.003-04:00

I find myself very confused and perplexed. When I think of Hawk Nelson I think of sweet pop music and the teenage girls going wild singing along. I mean how many other all boy bands can cover "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun?!?" But it works for them, and I can appreciate that. With that said, Live Life Loud isn't fitting into my perception of Hawk Nelson.

Granted, there are the Hawk Nelson must haves. The pep rally anthems are present ("Live Life Loud," "The Job") and the slow singalong Lord work in my heart songs ("Shaken," "Meaning of Life"). However, that's only four songs out of the twelve on the album. I love the short "Ode to Lord Stanley" in all of it's ukulele and vocal harmony bliss, plus the fun rendition of the classic "Tis So Sweet." But some of the other songs seem a little off to me. The talking part in "Never Enough" doesn't quite work for me and Jason's voice seems significantly raspier on this track and other songs on the album compared to his previous work.

Nevertheless, Hawk Nelson is consistent with their lyrics. Providing blatant, impossible to misunderstand lyrics that point to Christ and the continual pursuit of living a life that is pleasing and honoring to Him.

Overall, an album that has it's highs and lows and seems fairly transitional to me. Can't wait to see how these Ontario boys continue to progress.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Find out more about Hawk Nelson:

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This is...HILARIOUS!

2009-09-17T19:36:00.000-04:00

Sherwood Show - Band in a Box

New Music Video from Hawk Nelson!

2009-09-17T17:39:00.001-04:00

Hawk Nelson "Live Life Loud" Music Video

Interview with R-Swift at Purple Door 2009

2009-09-15T11:55:00.002-04:00

Skillet Music Video for "Hero"

2009-09-15T11:52:00.000-04:00

Music Video for Disciple's "Lay My Burdens"

2009-09-13T20:18:00.000-04:00

Interview with Run Kid Run at Purple Door 2009

2009-09-10T13:14:00.001-04:00

Go behind the scenes of the video shoot for Skillet's song "Monster"!

2009-09-09T10:46:00.001-04:00

Monster Video: Behind the Scenes

Interview with Everyday Process at Purple Door 2009

2009-09-09T10:02:00.000-04:00