Plugged ®

31 Mar 2010
Comments

Trevor Davis - Nothing Ringing True

Artist: Trevor Davis
Album: Nothing Ringing True
Year: 2007
Label: Mirth Records/Trevor Davis
Website: http://www.trevordavismusic.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/trevordavis
Twitter: @trevordavislive
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - CdBaby
Sounds Like: Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Jack Johnson, The Rocket Summer, Kevin Max, Ferras, Jason Mraz, Maroon 5, MuteMath, The Beatles, Hootie, Gregory Page, John Mayer, Bjork, D’ Angelelo, Elliot Smith, Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Jonny Lang, Jon Brion, Lauryn Hill, Led Zeppelin, Luke Temple, Matt Chamberlin, Michael Jackson, Muse, Musiq Soulchild, Nick Drake, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Rage Against The Machine, Ray Lamontagne
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

“If Stevie Wonder and Jack Johnson had a baby, not only would be a totally disturbing set of circumstances, but that child would probably sounds like Trevor Davis”. A hilarious concept, but absolutely right. The passion and talent of this singer-songwriter combines pop, rock and soul building incredible songs that are now placed on his latest project “Nothing Ringing True”. Trevor produced this album with the help of Jonathan Macintosh (Sarah Macintosh, Jimmy Robeson, Sanctuary Worship Series, Luna Halo, Dreamseed, Brenton Brown, Vicky Beeching, Daniel Bently, Hilary Watson, Joe Henschel).

“Arrowplane” has a reggae-soul air with those touches of bass, percussion and organ waves (Korg MS2000). The song was written to his wife and refers to a relationship at a distance with a palpable pain of nostalgia. It achieved great success in some radio stations. The funky/retro-soul facet is just beginning with “Change” and a message that the only constant in our lives is change. Despite being short, its acoustic sound hypnotizes you with the sweet falsetto of Trevor. Similarly, the seductive “Rely On You” is sung almost entirely in a Prince-like falsetto. This track talks about how shallow are the levels of commitment these days. “If something is convenient enough, then we will do it” Trevor says, “but if we have to go through the flame for someone, we go bouncing out, just like a kangaroo”. Inspired by Matthew 6, “Treasure” calls us to reflect our true interest and intent with respect to the Kingdom of God: “What is the key to the kingdom?/ I said, Where your treasure is/There your heart will be also / There is a treasure inside your chest / It could be full”. It may sound like a kind of funky, acoustic and stammering MuteMath. The vulnerable “Mr. Mister” certainly speaks about the doubt of Travis in the Lord: “It seems my prayers just bounce off the ceiling / I cannot hear you calling me sitting here at the edge of my bed / With no reception to the monologue in my head / Are you gonna call me, Lord? / Are you gonna call me sometime soon?”. One of the darkest songs on the album, moving from the constant drumming and questionable lyrics into the guitar and a shrill cry of pain for answers. The beautiful “Wife To Be” is the sweet essence of love that every girl wants to hear: “I want to hold you close / Maybe I’ve met you, maybe I haven’t yet / There will come a day when I say to you / Oh, I thnik you’re kind of cool / And if you want a soccer mom minivan / I’ll get you whatever makes you smile”. Reminds me to Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson. We could say “Not Enough” is the second single from the album, due to its large reception on the radio. Influences of Maroon 5 with a lively and nimble piano melody: “You know when you think / You know what you want and then you don’t want it anymore”. With a classical Wurlitzer piano on the background, “Across The Clouds” is a clear love poem to God to see his wonderful creation with a musical synergy that is impregnated in a quiet melody: “I cannot fit you in a song”, while “Pour Me Out” is diversified with a chorus peppered with “Sgt Peppers” by The Beatles. The titletrack “Nothing Ringing True” says our limitations without God, and how our lives seem to be upside down when our trust is in Him. Touches of acoustic soul/funk, Jimmy Needham and John Mayer, this masterpiece also reveals that God often keeps the thorns in our flesh so we can depend on Him as our strength. Finally, “Caterpillar” is a metaphor about this peculiar insect; it’s about looking more deeply and find something beautiful beyond our imagination. The strings and violins are caught by the gentle melody wind and ends with a simple guitar strum.

Trevor says of himself: “So here is the heart behind my beats and the hand behind my strum. My music has edge, but you’re still able to bring it home for your mama to enjoy. I’ve heard I am a mixture of Prince, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, and Fiona Apple. I consider myself a big oxy-moron always reaching for two opposites and bringing them together to create harmony. I try to combine both a joyous and an emotional sensation as I disclose my innermost thoughts. I feel extremely privileged to live out my passion”. Like a bittersweet taste, his music creates a cataclysm of emotions and experiences. “Nothing Ringing True” is deep and personal lyrics that fit perfectly with his beautiful voice.

“Si Stevie Wonder y Jack Johnson tuvieran un bebé, no solo sería una perturbadora serie de circunstancias, sino que aquel niño probablemente sonaría mucho a Trevor Davis”. Un hilarante concepto, pero totalmente acertado. La pasión y el talento de este cantante y compositor combinan pop, rock y soul construyendo increíbles canciones que ahora se colocan en su más reciente proyecto “Nothing Ringing True”. Trevor produjo este álbum con la ayuda de Jonathan Macintosh (Sarah Macintosh, Jimmy Robeson, Sanctuary Worship Series, Luna Halo, Dreamseed, Brenton Brown, Vicky Beeching, Daniel Bently, Hilary Watson, Joe Henschel).

“Arrowplane” posee aires de reggae y soul con aquellos toques de bajo, percusión y ondas de órgano (Korg MS2000). La canción fue escrita a su futura esposa y se refiere a una relación a la distancia con un palpable dolor de nostalgia. Logró una gran acogida en algunas estaciones de radio. La faceta funky/retro-soul recién comienza con “Change” y un mensaje acerca de que el único constante en nuestras vidas debe ser el cambio. A pesar de ser breve, su sonido acústico te hipnotiza con los dulces falsetes de Trevor. Del mismo modo, la seductora “Rely On You” es cantada casi enteramente en falsetes similares a los de Prince. Este track nos habla de cuan poco profundos son los niveles de compromiso en estos días. “Si algo es lo suficientemente cómodo, entonces lo haremos”, dice Trevor, “pero si tenemos que ir tras la llama de alguien, iremos rebotando hacia afuera, así como un canguro”. Inspirada en Mateo 6, “Treasure” nos llama a reflexionar nuestro verdadero interés e intención con respecto al Reino de Dios: “What is the key to the kingdom?/ I said, Where your treasure is/There your heart will be also / There is a treasure inside your chest / It could be full”. Tal vez te suene a una especie de funky, acústico y balbuciente MuteMath. La vulnerable “Mr. Mister” habla sobre la duda de Travis en el Señor: “It seems my prayers just bounce off the ceiling / I cannot hear you calling me sitting here at the edge of my bed / With no reception to the monologue in my head / Are you gonna call me, Lord? / Are you gonna call me sometime soon?”. Una de las canciones más oscuras en el álbum, moviéndose desde los constantes tambores y la letra cuestionable hasta la chillante guitarra y un grito de dolor por respuestas. La hermosa “Wife To Be” es la dulce esencia del amor que toda chica quiere oír: “I want to hold you close / Maybe I’ve met you, maybe I haven’t yet / There will come a day when I say to you / Oh, I thnik you’re kind of cool / And if you want a soccer mom minivan / I’ll get you whatever makes you smile”. Me recuerda mucho a Jason Mraz y Jack Johnson. Se podría decir que “Not Enough” es el segundo sencillo del álbum, debido a su gran recepción en las radios. Influencias de Maroon 5 con una alegre y ágil melodía de piano: “You know when you think / You know what you want and then you don’t want it anymore”. Con un clásico piano Wurlitzer de fondo, “Across The Clouds” es un claro poema de amor a Dios al ver su maravillosa creación con una sinergia musical que se impregna en un apacible compás: “I cannot fit you in a song”, mientras que “Pour Me Out” se diversifica con un coro sazonado con un “Sgt. Peppers” de los Beatles. El titletrack “Nothing Ringing True” afirma nuestras limitaciones sin Dios, y de cómo nuestra vida parece estar al revés cuando nuestra confianza no está en Él. Toques de soul acústico/funk, Jimmy Needham y John Mayer, esta obra maestra incluso nos revela que muchas veces Dios mantiene las espinas en nuestra carne para que podamos depender de Él como nuestra fuerza. Finalmente, “Caterpillar” es una metáfora acerca de este peculiar insecto; se trata de mirar con más profundidad y buscar algo hermoso más allá de nuestra imaginación. Las cuerdas y violines se ven atrapados por el apacible viento melódico y concluye con un simple rasgueo de guitarra.

Trevor dice de sí mismo: “Así que aquí está el corazón detrás de mis latidos y la mano detrás de mis rasgueo. He oído decir que soy una mezcla de Prince, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5 y Fiona Apple. Me considero alguien dispuesto a recibir influencias incluso de lados opuestos para unirlos y crear armonía. Trato de combinar tanto una alegre y emocional sensación como revelar mis pensamientos más íntimos. Me siento extremadamente privilegiado de vivir mi pasión”. Al igual que un sabor agridulce, su música crea un cataclismo de emociones y experiencias. “Nothing Ringing True” tiene letras profundas y personales que encajan perfectamente con su hermosa voz.

25 Mar 2010
Comments

Miriam Webster - Made Me Glad

Artist: Miriam Webster
Album: Made Me Glad
Year: 2010
Label: Kingsway Music/EMI CMG
Website: http://www.miriamwebster.com.au/
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Darlene Zschech, Hillsong Australia, Alvin Slaughter, New Breed, Don Moen, Martin Smith, Sandi Patty, Vicky Beeching
Rating: 3/5 ♥♥♥

Probably hearing the name Miriam Webster, your brain quickly associates it with Hillsong Australia. Thus, this worship leader, singer and songwriter is about to launch “Made Me Glad”, compiling the best songs of her career and also adding new compositions. Produced by John Hartley, this album reflects the passion for the Church and God’s people in songs to help listeners to connect with the Heavenly Father.

“Mercies” opens the album with the hopeful promise that God will always hear our prayers and that his grace is renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Then the sublime “Angel Of The Lord” is inspired by Psalm 91, reminding us that while we pray and confess that the Angel of the Lord is all around us, we started a spiritual war: “Surely the Angel of the Lord is around me / I have no cause to fear, my God will not forsake me / I am my Father’s child, no enemy can touch me / I will not die but live to tell what He has done”. The disc also includes a masterly duet with acclaimed worship leader from Hillsong, the passionate Darlene Zschech in the inspirational “Loving Kindness”, which exalts the great goodness of our Father when he picked up us from sin and brought us to his presence. The celebration and joy comes with “Praise Him”, co-written Simeon Webster (Miriam’s brother) with dynamic pop guitar that glorifies the wonders of God. Undoubtedly the Webster’s most famous song is titletrack “Made Me Glad” which brings the perspective of the magnitude album: “One day I was speaking some words of praise to God and said, ‘You have made me glad’. It’s like He grabbed those words and praise rose up within me. He revealed to me freshly that day that it doesn’t matter where I am - in a beautiful hotel or the opposite - Jesus is the One who makes me glad, and my joy is found in Him” shares Miriam. The intimate and beautiful “Draw Near” sings that being in the presence of God, everything else disappears, all the words fade away and what we gained is worthless compared to Jesus. Simeon wrote “Peace” with the motion of the tranquility, the peace that God gives us to receive His grace: “He delivers me, sets my feet on a rock / Gives me beauty for ashes / I’ll sing a new song of His loving kindness / His unfailing grace / What a merciful Saviour / My heart will respond” and then declares total dependence on the sweet statement: “I need You Holy Spirit“. The whispering rhodes and violins embrace the delicate “Marvelous” declaring that Jesus is the only one worthy of all glory, for the work he has done on the cross to bear our sins and deliver us with His blood. “Greater” encourages us to not fear or faint in adversity, because the name of Jesus appeases the storms. The sweet piano and sublime strings consume “Fall Upon Your Knees” that invites us to cry out to our Creator when our spirit is wounded and our hearts are full of sorrow: “He gives strength to the weary / He gives power to the weak / When you go to Him in secret / And lay surrendered at His feet”.

Kingsway Music surprises us once again with the quality and uniqueness of their releases and artists, and Miriam Webster is added this list. Whether singing or speaking, Miriam is known to bring the liberty of Christ to people through worship and the Word of God; her new album “Made Me Glad” is perfect for an intimate and powerful time of worship for those weeks of weakness.

Probablemente al oír el nombre Miriam Webster, tu cerebro rápidamente lo asocie a Hillsong Australia. Así es, esta líder de alabanza, cantante y compositora está próxima a lanzar “Made Me Glad”, recopilando las mejores canciones de su carrera y agregando también nuevas composiciones. Producido por John Hartley, este álbum refleja la pasión por la Iglesia y el pueblo de Dios en canciones que ayudan a sus oyentes conectarse con el Padre Celestial.

“Mercies” apertura el álbum con la esperanzadora promesa de que Dios siempre oirá nuestras oraciones y que su gracia se renueva cada mañana (Lamentaciones 3:23). Seguidamente la sublime “Angel Of The Lord” se inspira en el Salmo 91, para recordarnos que al orar y confesar que el Ángel del Señor está a nuestro alrededor, iniciamos una guerra espiritual: “Surely the Angel of the Lord is around me / I have no cause to fear, my God will not forsake me / I am my Father’s child, no enemy can touch me / I will not die but live to tell what He has done”. El disco también incluye un magistral dúo con la aclamada líder de alabanza de Hillsong, la apasionada Darlene Zschech en la inspiradora “Loving Kindness”, que exalta la inmensa bondad de nuestro Padre al levantarnos del pecado y llevarnos a su presencia. La celebración y júbilo llega con “Praise Him”, co-escrita Simeon Webster (hermano de Miriam) con dinámicas guitarras pop que glorifican las maravillas de Dios. Sin duda la canción más conocida de Webster es el titletrack “Made Me Glad” que reúne la perspectiva del álbum en magnitud: “Un día estaba hablando algunas palabras de alabanza a Dios y dije, ‘Me has hecho feliz’. Es como si Él hubiera grabado aquellas palabras y alabanzas, y me reveló que no importa dónde esté – en un hermoso hotel o en todo lo contrario – Jesús es el único que me hace feliz, y my alegría se encuentra en Él” nos comparte Miriam. La íntima y hermosa “Draw Near” nos canta que al estar en la presencia de Dios, todas las demás cosas desaparecen, todas las palabras sobrado y lo que hemos ganado no tiene valor comparado a Jesús. Simeon compuso “Peace” con la moción de la tranquilidad, la paz que Dios nos da al recibir su gracia: “He delivers me, sets my feet on a rock / Gives me beauty for ashes / I’ll sing a new song of His loving kindness / His unfailing grace / What a merciful Saviour / My heart will respond” y luego declara total dependencia en la dulce declaración: “I need You Holy Spirit”. Los susurrantes rhodes y los delicados violines abrazan “Marvelous” declarando que Jesús es el único digno de toda gloria, por la obra hecha en la cruz al cargar nuestros pecados y liberarnos con su sangre. “Greater” nos anima a no temer, ni desmayar ante la adversidad, porque al nombrar el nombre de Jesús las tormentas se apaciguan. Los dulces pianos y las sublimes cuerdas consumen “Fall Upon Your Knees” que nos invita a clamar a nuestro Creador cuando nuestro espíritu esté herido y nuestro corazón lleno de dolor: “He gives strength to the weary / He gives power to the weak / When you go to Him in secret / And lay surrendered at His feet”.

Kingsway Music una vez más nos sorprende con la calidad y la peculiaridad de sus lanzamientos y artistas, y a esta lista se le agrega Miriam Webster. Ya se cantando o hablando, Miriam es conocida por brindar la libertad de Cristo a la gente a través de la adoración y la Palabra de Dios, y su nuevo álbum “Made Me Glad” es perfecta para un tiempo íntimo y poderoso de adoración para aquellas semanadas de debilidad.

22 Mar 2010
Comments

Yancy - Rock-N-Happy Heart

Artist: Yancy
Album: Rock-N-Happy Heart
Year: 2010
Label: Pure Blue Records/Word Distribution
Website: http://yancynotnancy.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/yancynotnancy
Twitter: @yancynotnancy
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Jaci Velasquez, Salvador, Go Fish, Sheryl Crow, Amy Grant, and Martina McBride, Nichole Nordeman, 4Him, Sonic Flood, Avalon, Sheryl Crow, Cindy Morgan, Amy Grant, Fleetwood Mac
Rating: 2/5 ♥♥

Yancy has shared the stage with great figures of Christian music over the past 10 years of her career, a list that includes Nichole Nordeman, Mute Math, Newsboys, 4Him and many more. She has also contributed as a songwriter with artists such as Avalon and Jaci Velasquez, and this year she has re-launched the project “Rock-N-Happy Heart”, an album suitable for pre-teens and children. Produced by Yancy and John Mitchell, season with hooks rock’n’roll dynamic worship and praise.

“Super Start” graphic us Jesus as a celebrity, highlighting the change he has made in our lives and now he has become our best friend. The guitar riff on “One Of A Kind” grabs the attention of our ears, reminding us that each day is an opportunity to shine with the light of Christ. “Shout” is a song of celebration and praise, a thousand voices proclaiming the faithfulness and goodness of God. Then we find “My Savior My God” (originally by Aaron Shust), interpreted in an inspiring way. Accelerating the pulse of the cd, “Paid In Full” combines features of dance, funk and pop shouting God’s forgiveness. On the other hand “I’m Really Happy” (originally by Hillsong Kids) also add a dose of energy to the album. While the sublime “Always Be” puts our trust in the promise that God will always take care of us. “Dream Will Come True” welcomes the fact that God created each of us with a wonderful plan. The wild guitars of “I Can’t Stop” resemble Miss Angie, and reminds us that we always have a reason to smile. Finally, “With All My Heart” gives devotion to God, through simple but powerful phrases like: “I love you, yes I do”. The disc also adds the remix versions of “Paid In Full”, “Shout” and “Dream Will Come True”.

“When my heart was hurting, He turned that sadness into joy”, Yancy confesses in a press article. From my perspective, perhaps this album does not have the perfection and complexity to obtain millions of sales, it has the simplicity, the passion on his lyrics and Yancy clear vision that draws us in this album, making it a fun experience that leaves you with a smile on your face.

Yancy ha compartido escenario con grandes figuras de la música cristiana durante los últimos 10 años de su carrera, una lista que incluye a Nichole Nordeman, Mute Math, Newsboys, 4Him y muchos más. Además ha contribuido como compositora con artistas como Avalon y Jaci Velasquéz, y este año re-lanza el proyecto “Rock-N-Happy Heart”, un disco adecuado para pre-adolescentes y niños. Producido por Yancy y John Mitchell, sazonan el dinámico rock’n’roll con ganchos de adoración y alabanza.

“Super Start” nos grafica a Jesús como una celebridad, resaltando el cambio que hizo en nuestras vidas y que ahora se ha convertido en nuestro mejor amigo. El riff de guitarras en “One Of A Kind” arrebata la atención de nuestros oídos, recordándonos que cada día es una oportunidad para brillar con la luz de Cristo. “Shout” es un canto de celebración y alabanza, que proclama a mil voces la fidelidad y bondad de Dios. Seguidamente nos encontramos a “My Savior My God” (original de Aaron Shust), interpretada de una manera inspiradora. Acelerando el pulso del cd, “Paid In Full” combina rasgos de dance, funk y pop que gritan el perdón de Dios. Por otro lado “I’m Really Happy” (original de Hillsong Kids) también agrega una dosis de energía al álbum. Mientras que la sublime “Always Be” pone nuestra confianza en la promesa que Dios siempre cuidará de nosotros. “Dream Will Come True” celebra el hecho de que Dios nos creó a cada uno de nosotros con un plan maravilloso. Las salvajes guitarras de “I Can’t Stop” se asemejan a Miss Angie, y nos recuerda que siempre tenemos un motivo para sonreír. Finalmente “With All My Heart” le entrega devoción a Dios, a través de simples pero poderosas frases como: “I love you, yes I do”. El disco también agrega las versiones remix de “Paid In Full”, “Shout” y “Dream Will Come True”.

“Cuando mi corazón estaba dolido, Él convirtió esa tristeza en alegría” nos confiesa Yancy en un artículo de prensa. Desde mi perspectiva, tal vez este álbum no posea la perfección y complejidad para obtener millones de ventas, pero la simpleza, la pasión de sus letras y la clara visión que Yancy nos dibuja en este álbum, lo convierten en una experiencia divertida que te deja con una sonrisa en el rostro.

21 Mar 2010
Comments

The Waiting Kind - In The Land Of Hope

Artist: The Waiting Kind
Album: In The Land Of Hope
Year: 2009
Label: The Waiting Kind
Website: http://thewaitingkind.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thewaitingkind
Twitter: @thewaitingkind
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Leeland, Coldplay, U2, David Crowder Band, Hillsong United, Athlete, Jimmy Eat World, Ascend The Hill, The Red Airplanes, The Glorious Unseen, Starfield, Telecast
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥♥

Three friends of mine and me are starting a pop/rock band, but we’ve decided to begin in the Christian field. The reason is because we see the need to give more freshness to our worship songs at a Sunday service. In pursuit of this ingredient, I met The Waiting Kind and his single “For The World” included on their debut album entitled “In The Land Of Hop”. With a taste of indie rock with British rock influences from bands like Leeland, Coldplay, U2, David Crowder Band, Hillsong United, Athlete, Jimmy Eat World. The purpose of the band is to see young, old, broken, restored and touched by the presence of God through their music. They believe in the power of ‘waiting’ in the moment when our brokenness finds God’s redemption, the fact that He hears and responds our voice.

Unexpectedly, the album begins something soft, but positively enjoyable. “Hope Arise” talks about the faithfulness of God, and that even within the valley of sadness, our life will still belong to him: “Still I waiting for your victory / Still you found me in my valley / You are faithful”. Powerful guitars on “Resound” give praise to God and His unfailing love and grace. “I See Love” is driven with a roaring organ and drums by Dustin La Mont, while Derek Henbest (vocals/guitar) tells us that in times of need, the love of God was on his way to come and rescue him. Unraveling the Mystery of God’s majesty, “Over and Over” sings: “Over and over we sing / How wonderful you are / Crownd in Majesty / How marvelous your love pour out for us”. The blaring guitars by Britt Belden and Dave Goetter alongside with Dustin La Mont’s accurate drums merge in the upbeat “Sing, Shout, Dance”, a creation anthem that celebrates and proclaims to the nations the name of our Redeemer. Likewise, “Redemption Song” raises worship with acoustic guitars, pianos and a sweet melody with open arms to receive God’s salvation. The inspiring “Innocent Blood” reminds us of the divine work of Jesus on earth, how that sacrifice has given us freedom. A shrill guitar riff grabs in “Highest Of Heights” and talks about the vastness of our God, the immeasurable extent of his mercy. We reached the first single from the album, “For The World”, with progressive guitars and shrewd drums that strongly declare to the world the grace and love of Christ. The dynamism of the bridge rises with the decibel level and the voices of a crowd that is passionate about proclaiming the name of Jesus. “In Wonder” is melodically similar to “Healer” by Mike Guglielmucci, but his lyrics paint the wonders of God’s creation, his work in our lives and how we are amazed to be in his presence and enjoy his holiness. The piano on “Come” plunge us into an atmosphere of intimate worship with a sublime melody and a lyric that whispers the mercy, justice and love of God. That whisper is then transformed into a deep cry desperately seeking God. Just a few violins are missing to complement the perfection of this wonderful song.

“We pray that this is a sound that not only reflects our love for our Savior has done, but a sound that captivates the heart of him who loved us first”. The band has built its mission in Isaiah 40:31, and this beautiful collection of songs of praise that immediately touch the heart of God. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear The Waiting Kind.

Un grupo de amigos y yo estamos iniciando una banda de pop/rock, pero hemos decidido empezar en el ámbito cristiano. El motivo es porque vemos la necesidad de darle más frescura a nuestras canciones de adoración en un servicio dominical. En búsqueda de este ingrediente, conocí a The Waiting Kind y su sencillo “For The World” incluido en su álbum debut titulado “In The Land Of Hope”. Con un sabor a indie rock, influencias de rock británico y de bandas como Leeland, Coldplay, U2, David Crowder Band, Hillsong United, Athlete y Jimmy Eat World. El propósito de la banda es ver a la gente joven, anciana, quebrantada, restaurada y tocada por la presencia de Dios con su música. Ellos creen en el poder de “esperar”, en el momento en que nuestro quebrantamiento se encuentra con la redención de Dios, que Él oye y responde a nuestra voz.

Inesperadamente el álbum comienza algo suave, pero positivamente agradable. “Hope Arise” habla sobre la fidelidad de Dios, y que aun dentro del valle de tristeza, nuestra vida le sigue perteneciendo a Él: “Still I waiting for your victory / Still you found me in my valley / You are faithful”. Las potentes guitarras en “Resound” le dan alabanza a Dios y a su indefectible amor y gracia. “I See Love” se impulsa con órganos y la rugiente batería de Dustin La Mont, mientras que Derekn Henbest (vocalista/guitarras) nos cuenta que en los tiempos de necesidad, vio el amor de Dios venir por su camino y rescatarlo. Descubriendo el misterio de la majestad de Dios, “Over And Over” nos canta: “Over and over we sing / How wonderful you are / Crownd in Majesty / How marvelous your love pour out for us”. Las resonantes guitarras de Dave Goetter y Britt Belden junto a los certeros tambores de Dustin LaMont se fusionan en la impulsadora “Sing, Shout, Dance”, un himno de la creación que celebra y proclama a las naciones el nombre de nuestro Redentor. Del mismo modo “Redemption Song” eleva adoración con guitarras acústicas, pianos y una dulce melodía que con brazos abiertos reciba la salvación de Dios. La inspiradora “Innocent Blood” nos recuerda la obra divina de Jesús en la tierra, de cómo aquel sacrificio nos dio libertad. Un chillante riff de guitarra se arrebata en “Highest Of Heights”, y nos habla sobre la inmensidad de nuestro de Dios, la inmensurable dimensión de su misericordia. Llegamos al primer sencillo del álbum “For The World”, con progresivas guitarras y sagaces tambores que declaran fuertemente al universo la gracia y el amor de Cristo. El dinamismo del puente se eleva con los decibeles y las voces de una multitud que está apasionada por proclamar el nombre de Jesús. “In Wonder” se asemeja melódicamente a “Healer” de Mike Guglielmucci, pero su lírica pinta las maravillas de la creación de Dios, sus obras en nuestras vidas y lo asombrados que estamos al estar en su presencia y disfrutar de su santidad. Los pianos en “Come” nos sumergen a una atmósfera de íntima adoración, con una sublime melodía y una letra que nos susurra la misericordia, la justicia, el amor de Dios. Ese susurro luego se transforma en un clamor profundo que desesperadamente busca a Dios. Solo faltaban unos violines para complementar la perfección de esta maravillosa canción.

“Oramos porque este sea un sonido que no sólo refleje nuestro amor por lo que nuestro Salvador ha hecho, sino un sonido que cautive el corazón de aquel que nos amó primero”. La banda ha cimentado su misión en Isaiah 40:31, y esta hermosa selección de canciones de alabanza que tocan en instantes el corazón de Dios. No puedes dejar pasar la oportunidad de oír a The Waiting Kind.

17 Mar 2010
Comments

Andrew Greer - Open Book

Artist: Andrew Greer
Album: Open Book
Year: 2009
Label: Mr Andy’s Music
Website: http://andrew-greer.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/andrewgreermusic
Twitter: @agreermusic
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Elton John, Ryan Adams, Mat Kearney, Ginny Owens, Julie Lee, Cindy Morgan, Michael Buble, The Elms, The Who, Emmylou Harris, James Taylor, Greg Sczebel
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

Andrew Greer discovered the secret to communicate with his Creator. It all started when he decided to move away from the noise of civilization and go into the mountains to compose with an 80 years old piano. Desperate to uncover the truth, he decided to surrender his perpetual anguish, his sin, into a dark night of the soul and pray for a morning of grace. All of these feelings and experiences gave birth to “Open Book”, produced by the same Andrew Greer and mastered by Matt Odmark (Jars Of Clay). The creativity of this album, involves a lyrical blend of deep, complex instrumental and sentimental vocal melodies, which transports the listener into different stages and levels of worship.

A vibe organ opens the album in “And To Our God” which reminds us that God is with us even in failure. Inspired by Psalm 22:11, this song is the answer for those days of weakness: “And to our God, and to the Lamb / Who says wherever you are / There I am / And to the hope, that this King brings / Into our lives, into our days / Into everything / And to our God”. With a melancholy feeling and captivating soul/piano, “Time Has No Meaning” sounds like Elton John and Greg Sczebel, reflecting the pain we feel at losing a loved one: “And everytime I look into the sky / I wonder when I’ll earn my own wings to the other side”. The concept might best be consolidated with Psalms 34:18. The album also has quiet, delicate moments, as in the case of “All I Need” which starts with a whispering violin, which together with the viola and cello remind me Angus & Julia. It is a spiritual journey where we find God’s mercy, a humble prayer, accurate for a night of communion: “Break me down into bread / Pour me out into wine / Until all that’s left, it is hardly mine / Use me up ‘til nothing’s left / Any less would be unkind / All I need is in you to find”. Don’t panic. “Mais Pour Amour” is a candid and beautiful combination of strings and violins interpreted in French and inspired by Psalm 94:18. Ginny Owens adds vocals to “You Came Pulling Through”, with touches of jazz into a hymn about perseverance and the immediate relief of God: “The only name I had to call it was you / And you came pullin’ through / In my how of desparation / You brought me pure inspiration”. I am fascinated with the variety of aspects of life that this album touches, such as in “Some Other Time (Avery’s Hymn)” where Andrew celebrates his new role as an uncle, celebrating the joy a newborn brings to home. The piano leads to perfection, while the lyric seems to be the paraphrase of Matthew 6:34 and sings: “But who knows what she’ll have to go through / What this old world can do / So Jesus hold her for dear life”. The sublime “Hymn For Living”, is mapping the deep love and great desire to be with our families, when distance intrudes into our destinies: “Had we know leaving was part of the giving / Then our hearts would ache less for the missing you”. One of the songs with more spring feeling and an organically perfection is “Gone Are The Days” that treats in an explicit and abstract way the fact of divorce, but also offers the solution. To recognize our mistakes and let the grace to take control of the relationship. The accordion, mandolin and Julie Lee’s voice adequately ambience the soul of the song: “We found each other in the wrong time and place”. Crossing the trail of country/black gospel, “Emmylou” is an ode to singer Emmylou Harris, whose voice and music were a great influence in Greer. The song shows us some lessons he learned through this inspiration. With similarities to The Elms and The Who, the dynamic “Learning To Live” talks about the triumphs and lessons of life. Also dedicated to her friend Sarah Conley, who was diagnosed with cancer. “Wait For Us” sings a sweet gospel melody, gently breathing into the following phrases: “Bring your peace in our lives / In your love conquer strife / For our hearts have suffered long / Through the tempest bring us home”. The lyrics become more personal, poignant and appropriate to face the suffering of our world (Romans 8:22-24). Childhood is the most unforgettable period of our lives, and “Remind Me” focuses on this age. A song of autumn, full of questions and sweet melodies that are complemented by the featuring of Cindy Morgan: “Should I ever forget the price that was paid past for me? / Should I ever forget this life so freely given to me? / Then I will sing our song of the reedemed / And should I ever forget? / Remind me”.

“Open Book” is a journey that explores various aspects of life from the viewpoint of a song. Andrew Greer has such a poignant melodies, like a baby first cry and this album brings all those feelings we as humans have to experience.

Andrew Greer descubrió el secreto para comunicarse con su Creador. Todo comenzó cuando decidió alejarse del ruido de la civilización e irse a las montañas a componer con un piano de más de 80 años de antigüedad. Desesperado por descubrir la verdad, decidió rendir su perpetua angustia, su pecado, entrar en una noche oscura del alma y orar por una mañana de gracia. Todos estos sentimientos y experiencias dieron a luz a “Open Book”, producido por el mismo Andrew Greer y masterizado por Matt Odmark (Jars Of Clay). La creatividad de este álbum, envuelve la mezcla de una lírica profunda, complejidad instrumental y sentimentales melodías vocales, que transporta al oyente a diferentes fases y niveles de adoración.

Un órgano apertura el álbum en “And To Our God” que nos recuerda que Dios está con nosotros aún en medio del fracaso. Inspirado en el Salmo 22:11, esta canción es la respuesta por aquellos días de debilidad: “And to our God, and to the Lamb / Who says wherever you are / There I am / And to the hope, that this King brings / Into our lives, into our days / Into everything / And to our God”. Con un sentimiento melancólico y soul/piano cautivador, “Time Has No Meaning” suena como Elton John o Greg Sczebel, reflejando el dolor que sentimos al perder a alguien amado: “And everytime I look into the sky / I wonder when I’ll earn my own wings to the other side”. El concepto podría consolidarse mejor con Salmos 34:18. El álbum también posee momentos silenciosos, delicados, como en el caso de “All I Need” que se inicia con un susurrante violín, que en conjunto a la viola y el cello me hacen recordar a Angus & Julia. Es un viaje espiritual en dónde nos encontramos con la misericordia de Dios, una oración humilde, precisa para una noche de comunión: “Break me down into bread / Pour me out into wine / Until all that’s left, it is hardly mine / Use me up ‘til nothing’s left / Any less would be unkind / All I need is in you to find”. Que no cunda el pánico. “Mais Pour Amour” es una cándida y hermosa combinación de cuerdas y violines interpretadas en francés, inspiradas en el Salmo 94:18. Ginny Owens le añade coros a “You Came Pulling Through”, con pinceladas de jazz en un himno a la perseverancia y el socorro inmediato de Dios: “The only name I had to call it was you / And you came pullin’ through / In my how of desparation / You brought me pure inspiration”. Me fascina la diversidad de aspectos de la vida que este álbum toca, como por ejemplo en “Some Other Time (Avery’s Hymn)” dónde Andrew celebra su nuevo papel como tío, festejando la alegría que un recién nacido nos trae al hogar. Los pianos conducen a la perfección, mientras que la lírica parece ser la versión parafraseada de Mateo 6:34, y nos canta: “But who knows what she’ll have to go through / What this old world can do / So Jesus hold her for dear life”. La sublime “Hymn For Living”, traza un mapa sobre el amor profundo y el gran anhelo por estar con nuestras familias, cuando la distancia se entremete en nuestros destinos: “Had we know leaving was part of the giving / Then our hearts would ache less for the missing you”. Una de las canciones con un sentimiento más primaveral y orgánicamente perfecta es “Gone Are The Days” que trata de manera abstracta y explícita el tema del divorcio; pero también ofrece la solución. Reconocer nuestros errores y dejar que la gracia tome el control de la relación. Los acordeones, la mandolina y la voz de Julie Lee ambientan adecuadamente el alma de la canción: “We found each other in the wrong time and place”. Atravesando el sendero country/black góspel, “Emmylou” es una oda a la cantante Emmylou Harris, cuya voz y música fueron de gran influencia en Greer. La canción nos muestra algunas lecciones que aprendió gracias a esta inspiración. Con semejanzas de The Elms y The Who, la dinámica “Learning To Live” habla sobre los triunfos y enseñanzas de la vida. Dedicada además a su amiga Sarah Conley, que fue diagnosticada de cáncer. “For Us Wait” nos canta un dulce melodía góspel, que respira delicadamente en las siguientes frases: “Bring your peace in our lives / In your love conquer strife / For our hearts have suffered long / Through the tempest bring us home”. La lírica se torna personal, conmovedora y adecuada para enfrentar el sufrimiento de nuestro mundo (Romanos 8:22-24). La infancia es la más inolvidable etapa de nuestras vidas, y “Remind Me” se centra en esta edad. Una canción de otoño, llena de interrogantes y dulces melodías que se complementan con la participación de Cindy Morgan: “Should I ever forget the price that was paid past for me? / Should I ever forget this life so freely given to me? / Then I will sing our song of the reedemed / And should I ever forget? / Remind me”.

“Open Book” es un viaje que explora los diversos aspectos de la vida desde el punto de vista de una canción. Andrew Greer tiene unas melodías tan conmovedoras, como el primer llanto de un bebé, y este álbum reúne todos aquellos sentimientos que como humanos tenemos que experimentar.

15 Mar 2010
Comments

1 note

Before Their Eyes - Untouchable

Artist: Before Their Eyes
Album: Untouchable
Year: 2010
Label: Rise Records
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/beforetheireyes
Twitter: @bteband
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Merch Now
Sounds Like: Saosin, In Fear And Faith, A Skylit Drive, Greeley States, blessthefall , The Word Alive, Greeley Estates, Agraceful, Burden Of A Day, Secret & Whisper, Further Seems Forever, Demon Hunter, The Devil Wears Prada, Attack Attack!, A Plea For Purging, Spoken, The Becoming, Disciple, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Boys Like Girl, Drop Dead, Gorgeous
Rating: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥

Keeping its pillars of post hardcore with a spiritual message embedded in his lyrics, Before Their Eyes presents his new album “Untouchable” produced by metal guru Joey Sturgis (A Plea For Purging, Attack Attack!, The Devil Wears Prada). A year after the release of “The Dawn Of My Death”, the band proposes a refined extension of their familiar sound, but incorporating a southern rock wave, which adds a different color to this album. Nick Moore (vocals), Landon Tewers (guitar), Elliot Gruenberg (guitar), Hottman Jarrett (drums) and Anthony Damschroder (bass), propound us a new alternative through Rise Records, with contrasts of life in motion and the indestructible hope of man.

Expectations are lit with “Hey Dude!”, showing us post hardcore and very interesting vocal nuances, while the vocal from Nick Moore is becoming more solid. You can hear God’s voice telling you: “I’ve watched you slip away / Don’t say you haven’t changed / You know I’ve known you from the start / I’ve seen the worst in you / I see you leading them astray”. I am more than sure that we were all surprised with “Sing To Me”, first official single from the album. The versatility of the band is visible with this melodic pop track with a seasoned guitar line and a catchy, memorable chorus. It speaks of those sleepless nights of spiritual decadence, those moments when you need to hear God’s voice to remind you your identity: “Would you sing to me / Would you sing to me / ‘cause I can feel a part of me starting to break / And when you are away from me it’s harder to breathe”. With influences from Spoken and Mourning September, the inspirational “Not Alone” reminds us that there are too many needy people out there waiting an outstretched hand and a voice that makes them feel they are not alone: “There’s a hand to hold, You’re not alone / This pain gets old like cracks in stone / Just taking back control, Taking back control”. Playing the broad and confusing topic of love, “Love Is Misery” is perfect for those adolescents with a broken heart: “Give it up, give it up, it’s over / Broken down ‘cause we’re miles from sea to sea / I’ve had enough, had enough, I told her / So it’s over, love is misery”. The melody is driven, full of optimism and concludes with a tasteful acoustic guitar on an octave lower. “My Match Your Fire” resembles the sound of The Becoming or Further Seems Forever, with lyrics that shamelessly reclaims a girl, as she has caused a disaster in the life of this young man singing: “What did I do to deserve this burning / You bring me down when I’m all I’ve got / I never know cause my mind keeps turning / Why oh why / You’re only happy when I’m not”. With the participation of Kristen Williams, a new-coming female talent, “Start With Today” has an exceptional, passionate duet. Acoustic guitars and synths that complement this whispering ballad with influences of Disciple and Skillet, not forgetting the sublime lyric: “I don’t want you to go / One million miles away / Let you know that it’s okay (let you know that it’s okay) / I will bring you back home / Shelter you from the wind / Light a path with a burning flame (light a path with a burning flame) / We can start with today”. Superb, unbelievable performance ending with a shocking guitar solo. That magical silence is interrupted by screams on “Bulletproof” which makes the second half of the album, a heavy and aggressive image. It’s funny how these guys can become so wild and abstract line, in something as divine as in the following lines: “Take it away, I’ll free you from blame / ‘cause you know that I wanted to but I just couldn’t look at you / Inside my veins, my anger sustains / Yeah you know that I wanted to and my aim was just hurting you / You’re not bulletproof”, the cry of God reminding us that we are humans and we need his direction. “Finding a Way” reminds me of Secret & Whisper, an impulse lyric and the similarity of guitar riffs that encourage us to not give up, be strong and find the way of salvation: “Every step that I take / Every movement I make / Nothing can stop me, no I will not break”. Those guitar and violin lines gave me some indescribable chills, they all are epic. The sweeping “Rick Vs Nick” is starred by Landon Tewers (screams) in a noisy symphony full of secrets, lies, truths and excuses. The enemy’s terrifying scream is heard in “Hell or High Water”, which tries to seduce us with his lies. The pulse of the song freezes for a moment and desperately proclaimed: “We can make it / We will survive / On the coldest night / I pray for you tTo keep pushing on / Even though my life has ended / There’s still a life after death”. But we know that our heavenly lawyer is interceding for us and the battle has been won. Finally, the acoustic version of “Start With Today”, provides the perfect ending to this unexpected and powerful experience.

The change must be our only constant, and Before Their Eyes has taken this phrase to heart. With “Untouchable”, the band’s audience is amplified and consolidated. Each song keeps you watching, and leaves you impressed with unexpected melodies and a resounding message.

Manteniendo sus pilares de post hardcore con un mensaje espiritual arraigado en sus letras, Before Their Eyes nos presenta su nuevo disco “Untouchable” producido por el gurú del metal Joey Sturgis (A Plea For Purging, Attack Attack!, The Devil Wears Prada). Un año después del lanzamiento de “The Dawn Of My Death”, la banda nos propone una refinada extensión de su ya conocido sonido, pero incorporando una onda southern rock, que le agrega un color diferente a este álbum. Nick Moore (vocalista), Landon Tewers (guitarra), Elliot Gruenberg (guitarra), Jarrett Hottman (batería) y Anthony Damschroder (bajo) nos plantean una nueva alternativa a través de Rise Records, con contrastes de la vida en movimiento y la indestructible esperanza del hombre.

Las expectativas se enciende con “Hey Dude!”, que muestra post hardcore y matices vocales muy interesantes, mientras que el registro vocal de Nick Moore se hace cada vez más sólido. Puedes oír la voz de Dios diciéndote: “I’ve watched you slip away / Don’t say you haven’t changed / You know I’ve known you from the start / I’ve seen the worst in you / I see you leading them astray”. Estoy más que seguro que todos nos sorprendimos con “Sing To Me”, primer sencillo oficial del álbum. La versatilidad de la banda es visible con este track de pop melódico, con una línea de guitarra avezada y un pegajoso, memorable estribillo. Nos habla de aquellas noches de insomnio espiritual, de decadencia, aquellos momentos cuando necesitamos oír la voz de Dios para que nos recuerde nuestra identidad: “Would you sing to me / Would you sing to me / ‘cause I can feel a part of me starting to break / And when you are away from me it’s harder to breathe”. Con influencias de Mourning September y Spoken, la inspiradora “Not Alone” nos recuerda que hay demasiada gente necesitada ahí afuera, que espera una mano extendida y una voz que les haga sentir que no están solos: “There’s a hand to hold, You’re not alone / This pain gets old like cracks in stone / Just taking back control, Taking back control”. Tocando el amplio y confuso tema del amor, “Love Is Misery” va dirigido a aquellos adolescentes con un quebrantado corazón: “Give it up, give it up, it’s over / Broken down ‘cause we’re miles from sea to sea / I’ve had enough, had enough, I told her / So it’s over, love is misery”. La melodía es impulsadora, llena de optimismo y se concluye con una acertada guitarra acústica en una octava inferior. “My Match, Your Fire” se asemeja al sonido de The Becoming o Further Seems Forever, con una desvergonzada letra que le reclama a una muchacha, como ella ha provocado un desastre en la vida de este muchacho que canta: “What did I do to deserve this burning / You bring me down when I’m all I’ve got / I never know cause my mind keeps turning / Why oh why / You’re only happy when I’m not”. Con la participación de Kristen Williams, un nuevo talento femenino con mucho futuro, “Start With Today” posee un dueto excepcional, apasionado. Guitarras acústicas y susurrantes sintetizadores que complementan esta balada con influencias de Disciple o Skillet, sin dejar de lado la sublime letra: “I don’t want you to go / One million miles away / Let you know that it’s okay (let you know that it’s okay) / I will bring you back home / Shelter you from the wind / Light a path with a burning flame (light a path with a burning flame) / We can start with today”. Magnífica interpretación, increíble desenlace con un solo de guitarra estremecedor. Aquel mágico silencio, se interrumpe con gritos en “Bulletproof” que convierte a la segunda mitad del álbum, en una imagen pesada y agresiva. Es curioso como estos muchachos pueden convertir acordes tan salvajes y abstractos, en algo tan divino como en las siguientes líneas: “Take it away, I’ll free you from blame / ‘cause you know that I wanted to but I just couldn’t look at you / Inside my veins, my anger sustains / Yeah you know that I wanted to and my aim was just hurting you / You’re not bulletproof”, el grito de Dios recordándonos que somos humanos y que necesitamos su dirección. “Finding A Way” me recuerda a Secret & Whisper, en una impulsadora lírica y la analogía de sus riffs de guitarra que nos animan a no rendirnos, ser fuertes y encontrar el camino de la salvación: “Every step that I take / Every movement I make / Nothing can stop me, no I will not break”. Aquellas líneas de guitarra y violines me dieron unos escalofríos indescriptibles, son épicos. La arrasadora “Rick Vs. Nick” se protagoniza por Landon Tewers (gritos) en una estrepitosa sinfonía llena de secretos, mentiras, verdades y excusas. El grito aterrador del enemigo se oye en “Hell Or High Water”, que nos intenta seducir con sus mentiras. El pulso de la canción se paraliza por unos instantes y proclama desesperadamente: “We can make it / We will survive / On the coldest night / I pray for you tTo keep pushing on / Even though my life has ended / There’s still a life after death”. Pero sabemos que nuestro abogado celestial está intercediendo por nosotros, y batalla ya ha sido ganada. Finalmente, la versión acústica de “Start With Today”, proporciona el desenlace perfecto y poderoso para esta inesperada experiencia.

El cambio debe ser nuestro único constante, y Before Their Eyes ha adoptado esta frase muy a pecho. Con “Untouchable”, la audiencia de la banda se amplifica y consolida. Cada canción te mantiene a la expectativa, y te deja impresionado, con melodías inesperadas y un mensaje resonante.

9 Mar 2010
Comments

2 notes

Reilly - Let June Decide

Artist: Reilly
Album: Let June Decide
Year: 2007
Label: Reilly
Website: http://www.reillytheband.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/reillytheband
Twitter: @REILLYband
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Store
Sounds Like: Act Of Congress, Article One, Yellowcard, Andrew Bird, The Beatles, Coldplay, Death Cab For Cutie, Martin Sexton, Nickel Creek, Regina Carter, Switchfoot, U2
Rating: 3/5 ♥♥♥

Reilly is the result of fusion of pop/rock with the sophistication of classical violin. John Reilly (vocals/guitar) is accompanied by duo Noele (violin/keyboards/vocals) and Dan Huie (violin/guitar), and Matthew Bomberger (bass/vocals) and Jordan Lenhoff (drums), presented this 2007 its latest project “Let June Decide”, produced by Andy Hunt (Caedmon’s Call, Lori, Matthew Perryman Jones), who has come to capture the musical and lyrical maturity of the band in a fresh and surprising way. Having shared the stage with Switchfoot, Newsboys, Jars Of Clay, Leeland, tobyMac and BarlowGirl, his lyrics are both artistically and musically exquisite, written from a personal perspective that represents both the joys and struggles through faith in God.

With indie guitars and rhodes, “Limited Time” enhances John Reilly’s voice in a spectacular way, with an infectious melody that reminds us of the urgency of preaching the Gospel: “Can a city on a hill be hidden? / I’m going to shine because of you”. The violins take the role in “Dying For Life” that shows the pain that we have had to walked away from God in our own way: “Can you feel me up? / I’m dying inside for something real”. Then, “This Side Of Your Life” softens the pulse of the album, with prominent violins blend with the sweet voice of John in a masterful union. The song is about making decisions and stop seeing the past as our present: “I’ve got a new choice to make / I’m tired of my yesterdays looking just like today always the same”. The honest and sweet “Beautiful You” is a love song that takes different perspectives: “There’s a different plan for me / Something better that I cannot see / It can only be beautiful wherever you are / It’s a wonderful world I see when you’re in my eyes, in my eyes / I always lose sight of me when You’re in my eyes / I never wanna move, I never wanna find that I’ve wasted all my time away from / Time away from beautiful you”. The inspiring “Cry For You” talks about our dreams and how our motives may be confused with our inclinations: “You shine a white light into my blind eyes / And now I’ve seen You truly for the first time / This revelation of my desperation / Brings me to Calvary, it brings me to salvation / You resurrect me, You rearrange me / You make my heart beat to another symphony / And you pursue me like You think I’m worth it / And Savior, now I know that I do not deserve this”, says the captivating bridge. “Come To Me” calls us to reflect on our spiritual condition and how the innocence is overshadowed by the pride and wickedness in our hearts: “I see through broken glass / A world of innocence past / Can you take me back to Eden? / I’ve traded truth for lies, I’ve got no alibi / No excuses to remove this blame / Will you leave me here alone in my kingdom on my throne? / I need a mutiny”. A great mix between alternative rock and a symphony orchestra, which employs falsetto and violins in a sublime. “Turned Blue” is the story of a relationship between a Christian and an ordinary girl. Both have different paths, and now he sees things in a different way: ““But I’ve already turned blue knowing it won’t be the same way without you / But I’ve already turned blue knowing it won’t be the same day I’m used to”. The serenity prayer in the lyrics of “Run”, that asks God to teach us to have his heart, his mind, learn what he feels. Acoustic guitars are flooded with whispering violins sweetly singing: “Come as soon as the darkness comes / And as soon as the teardrops fall / I run. With dynamic violins, “Speak” becomes more soul/ acoustic folk, asking God to give us his direction hearing his voice. “Redeemed” is simply the legacy of Christ’s blood left in our world; the work of the cross gave us eternity: “Now I’m redeemed by the blood of the Lamb / The Lamb who was slain”.

The creativity and energy of each of the tracks on “Let Decided June” will penetrate your soul. Reilly has the perfect elements for building an album with perfection and magnitude that other successful bands could have. For an independent band, fame and recognition it’s almost an alien, yet they have been proposed to conquer the world with this innovative sound.

Reilly es el resultado de la fusión de pop/rock con la sofisticación de un violín clásico. John Reilly (vocalista/guitarras) se acompaña del dúo Noele (violin/teclados/voces) y Dan Huie (violin/guitarra eléctrica), además de Matthew Bomberger (bajo/voces) y Jordan Lenhoff (batería), nos presentaron este 2007 su más reciente proyecto “Let June Decide”, producido por Andy Hunt (Caedmon’s Call, Lórien, Matthew Perryman Jones), que ha llegado a capturar la madurez musical y lírica de la banda de una manera fresca y sorprendente. Habiendo compartido escenario con Switchfoot, Newsboys, Jars Of Clay, Leeland, tobyMac y BarlowGirl, sus letras son tanto artística como musicalmente exquisitas, escritas desde una perspectiva personal que representa tanto las alegrías como las luchas por la fe en Dios.

Con guitarras indie y rhodes, “Limited Time” realza la voz de John Reilly de una manera espectacular, en una melodía contagiosa que nos recuerda la urgencia de predicar el Evangelio: “Can a city on a hill be hidden? / I’m going to shine because of you”. Los violines toman protagonismo en “Dying For Life” que muestra el dolor que tenemos al habernos alejado de Dios y caminado en nuestra propia senda: “Can you feel me up? / I’m dying inside for something real”. Seguidamente, “This Side Of Your Life” suaviza el pulso del disco, con prominentes violines que se mezclan con la dulce voz de John en una magistral unión. La canción habla sobre tomar decisiones y dejar de ver el pasado como nuestro presente: “I’ve got a new choice to make / I’m tired of my yesterdays looking just like today always the same”. La honesta y bella “Beautiful You” es una canción de amor que toma diferentes perspectivas: “There’s a different plan for me / Something better that I cannot see / It can only be beautiful wherever you are / It’s a wonderful world I see when you’re in my eyes, in my eyes / I always lose sight of me when You’re in my eyes / I never wanna move, I never wanna find that I’ve wasted all my time away from / Time away from beautiful you”. La inspiradora “Cry For You” habla sobre nuestros sueños y cómo nuestras motivaciones pueden confundirse con nuestras inclinaciones: “Life Iis constant demonstration / We’re carbón copied replications”. Los pianos misteriosos y penetrantes de “June” aperturan con acierto a “Sunlight” que nos dibuja el sacrificio de Jesús como un nuevo amanecer que desvanece las sombras del pecado: “You shine a white light into my blind eyes / And now I’ve seen You truly for the first time / This revelation of my desperation / Brings me to Calvary, it brings me to salvation / You resurrect me, You rearrange me / You make my heart beat to another symphony / And you pursue me like You think I’m worth it / And Savior, now I know that I do not deserve this”, nos dice el cautivante puente. “Come To Me” nos llama a reflexionar sobre nuestra situación espiritual, y de cómo la inocencia se ha opacado por el orgullo y maldad en nuestros corazones: “I see through broken glass / A world of innocence past / Can you take me back to Eden? / I’ve traded truth for lies, I’ve got no alibi / No excuses to remove this blame / Will you leave me here alone in my kingdom on my throne? / I need a mutiny”. Una gran mezcla entre rock alternativo y una sinfonía orquestal, que emplea falsetes y violines de una manera sublime. “Turned Blue” es la historia de una relación entre un cristiano y una chica común y corriente. Ambos tienen caminos distintos, ya que él ahora ve las cosas de una diferente manera: “But I’ve already turned blue knowing it won’t be the same way without you / But I’ve already turned blue knowing it won’t be the same day I’m used to”. La serena oración en la lírica de “Run”, le pide a Dios que nos enseñe a tener su corazón, su pensamiento, aprender lo que Él siente. Las guitarras acústicas se inundan de susurrantes violines que dulcemente cantan: “Come as soon as the darkness comes / And as soon as the teardrops fall / I run”. Con dinámicos violines, “Speak” se torna mas soul/folk acoustic pidiéndole a Dios que nos de su dirección al oír su voz. “Redeemed” es simplemente el legado que la sangre de Cristo dejó en nuestro mundo, la obra de la cruz que nos dio la eternidad: “Now I’m redeemed by the blood of the Lamb / The Lamb who was slain”.

La creatividad y energía de cada uno de los tracks en “Let June Decided” se penetran en tu alma. Reilly tiene los elementos perfectos para forjar un álbum con la perfección y magnitud que otras exitosas bandas podría tener. Para un banda independiente, la fama y reconocimiento le es casi ajeno, sin embargo ellos se han propuesto a conquistar el mundo con este innovador sonido.

7 Mar 2010
Comments

1 note

Willet - Teeth Of A Lion, Fangs Of A Lioness

Artist: Teeth Of A Lion, Fangs Of A Lioness
Album: Willet
Year: 2010
Label: Willet
Website: http://www.willetonline.com/home.html
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/willetonline
Twitter: @willetonline
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Store
Sounds Like: Blindside, Project 86, Chevelle, Switchfoot, Day Of Fire
Rating: 3/5 ♥♥♥

With the earthquake in Haiti, things really changed for Willet, making “Teeth Of A Lion, Fangs Of A Lioness” a most personal and emotional experience. Formed by brothers Jeremy Willet (vocals), Justin Willet (lead guitar, BGV’s), Jordan Willet (bass, BGV’s, keyboards) and Caleb Douglass (drums), they have produced this new album with the help of Drew Mazurek (Linkin Park, Ghoti Hook) as sound engineer. This fifth album combines heavy rock with melodic vocals and deep lyrics, receiving influences from Blindside, Project 86, Chevelle and Switchfoot.

“Island” was written as a love letter, that Jeremy did for his wife Kathleen for many years before he knew she would be a missionary in the island of Haiti. The guitar riffs are perfectly contrasted with the provocative voice of Jeremy reciting: “If you are on an island / I would swim the whole ocean just to say you’re not alone / If you are feeling lonely / I’ll lose everything, I’ll lose everything / Just to be with you”. Taking a strong social justice using the biblical passage in Joel 1, “Repent” warns about generational poverty. This song also has a political position in the oil wars: “Blood in the oil / Doesn’t change its color”. With powerful bass and guitars, “Thirsty” demonstrates our desire for God, his righteousness and salvation: “Let’s fill the air with salvation songs / Be an echo of His desperate love / We are thirsty for you, we are thirsty for you”. Jeremy’s wife ended up moving to Haiti in November 2009 as full-time missionary. She was there during the recent earthquake, but her and the 8 orphans she cared, they survived the disaster. The acoustic guitars and the sweet melody of this song shows the gratitude and security we have in God: “There is shelter underneath your wing / A fortress won’t be shaken / There is refuge in the tower, that is higher than I”. “Shelter” is the first single from the album, and you can also watch the official video in this link http://www.youtube.com/willetonline1. The savage “Machine” reminds us Day Of Fire, in a hymn by the abundante sin and hypocrisy of our society: “There’s a lock on the front door and way out the back / I think I’ll stare at the monster till the monster attacks / I see the black skies are coming down and the children are scared / I think I’ll break the machine while the city’s asleep”. Next, we ran into “Wailing”, a cry to God for restoration, simply because we have failed again and we need his forgiveness: “God can you hear me? / I’m back in the same place again / I know that last time; I said that I wouldn’t go back / But I’m here, and I need you again”. There’s a guitar instrumental that blends with strings and Jeremy’s anguished voice, who hopefully screams that it’s not too late to repent. The disc apparently has become calm and emotional, as we hear in “Hospital”, a song dedicated to a disappointed girl on her way home in the midst of loneliness. “Questions” delights us with intoxicating guitars and leaves us with the question posed in the lyric: “I’ve got a question for God / But I have a feeling; it’s the same one that He’s asking us”. The last two tracks are a sort of endless chorus. “Steps” leaves us with the thought: ““The more steps you take / The more that you leave behind / So who is following you now?”. The acoustic guitars give way to the instrumental ending that becomes mysterious, roaring. Douglass takes over the unusual atmosphere, while Justin plays with the guitar strings and Jeremy yells haunting melodies.

The band continues giving us infectious hard rock choruses, whispering but unshakable pop/rock ballads that plunge into our souls and write the love of God and His righteousness. Willet’s maturity increasingly noticeable, from the sweeping “Virus”, through the rumbling “Somewhere In Between” up to the honest and fierce “Teeth Of A Lion, Fangs Of A Lioness”, which begins a new and renewed stage for these guys.

Con el terremoto en Haití, las cosas realmente cambiaron para Willet, haciendo de “Teeth Of A Lion, Fangs Of A Lioness” un disco más personal y emocional. Conformado por los hermanos Jeremy Willet (vocalista), Justin Willet (primera guitarra, BGV’s), Jordan Willet (bajo, BGV’s, teclados) y Caleb Douglass (batería), ellos mismos han producido este nuevo álbum con la ayuda de Drew Mazurek (Linkin Park, Ghoti Hook) cómo ingeniero de sonido. Este quinto álbum combina heavy rock con voces melódicas y profundas letras, recibiendo influencias de Blindside, Project 86, Chevelle y Switchfoot.

“Island” se escribió como una carta de amor, que Jeremy hizo para su esposa Kathleen hace muchos años, antes de saber que ella sería misionera en la isla de Haití. Los riffs de guitarra se contrastan perfectamente, con la provocadora voz de Jeremy al recitar: “If you are on an island / I would swim the whole ocean just to say you’re not alone / If you are feeling lonely / I’ll lose everything, I’ll lose everything / Just to be with you”. Tomando una fuerte justicia social que usa el pasaje bíblico en Joel 1, “Repent” nos advierte sobre la pobreza generacional. Esta canción también tiene una posición política en las guerras por el petróleo: “Blood in the oil / Doesn’t change its color”. Con potentes bajos y guitarras de gran alcance, “Thirsty” demuestra nuestro anhelo por Dios, por su justicia y salvación: “Let’s fill the air with salvation songs / Be an echo of His desperate love / We are thirsty for you, we are thirsty for you”. La esposa de Jeremy terminó de mudarse a Haití en noviembre del 2009 como misionera a tiempo completo. Estuvo allí durante el reciente terremoto, pero ella y los 8 huérfanos que cuida sobrevivieron a la catástrofe. La guitarras acústicas y la dulce melodía de esta canción demuestran el agradecimiento y la seguridad que tenemos en Dios: “There is shelter underneath your wing / A fortress won’t be shaken / There is refuge in the tower, that is higher than I”. “Shelter” es el primer sencillo del álbum, y además puedes ver el video oficial en esta dirección www.youtube.com/willetonline1. La salvaje “Machine” nos recuerda a Day Of Fire, en un himno angustiado por el abundante pecado e hipocresía de nuestra sociedad: “There’s a lock on the front door and way out the back / I think I’ll stare at the monster till the monster attacks / I see the black skies are coming down and the children are scared / I think I’ll break the machine while the city’s asleep”. Seguidamente, nos topamos con “Wailing”, un clamor a Dios por restauración, porque simplemente hemos fallado otra vez y necesitamos su perdón: “God can you hear me? / I’m back in the same place again / I know that last time; I said that I wouldn’t go back / But I’m here, and I need you again”. Surge un instrumental de guitarra que se fusiona con los strings y la acongojada voz de Jeremy, que grita que no sea muy tarde para arrepentirnos. El disco, al parecer, se ha tornado calmado y emocional, como podemos oír en “Hospital”; una canción dedicada a una decepcionada chica que busca el camino a casa en medio de la soledad. “Questions” nos encanta con embriagantes guitarras y nos deja con la interrogante que se plantea en la lírica: “I’ve got a question for God / But I have a feeling; it’s the same one that He’s asking us”. Los dos últimos tracks son una especie de estribillo interminable. “Steps” nos deja con el pensamiento: “The more steps you take / The more that you leave behind / So who is following you now?”. Las guitarras acústicas abren paso al instrumental de desenlace que se torna misterioso, rugiente. Douglass se apodera de la insólita atmósfera, mientras que Justin juega con las cuerdas y Jeremy vocifera melodías cautivantes.

La banda continúa regalándonos coros contagioso de hard rock, susurrantes pero inquebrantables baladas pop/rock que se sumergen en nuestras almas y escriben el amor de Dios y su justicia. La madurez de Willet se nota cada vez más; desde la arrasadora “Virus”, pasando por el retumbante “Somewhere In Between” hasta llegar a la honesta y féroz “Teeth Of A Lion, Fangs Of A Lioness” que inicia una nueva y renovada etapa para estos muchachos.

2 Mar 2010
Comments

Robbie Seay Band - Miracle

Artist: Robbie Seay Band
Album: Miracle
Year: 2010
Label: Sparrow Records/EMI CMG
Website: http://www.robbieseayband.com/home/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/reubenbidez
Twitter: @robbieseay
Buy: i Tunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Brandon Heath, Peter Gabriel, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Tim Hughes, Bryan Adams, Keane, Travis, Coldplay, Delirious?
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

The maturity that “Miracle” shows in the career of Robbie Seay Band is very evident. His albums have always been witness to the faithfulness of God, of our humanity and how both are intertwined in our lives. Produced by Robbie Seay and Tedd T (tobyMac, Mute Math, David Crowder Band), with some help from Dan Muckala (Brandon Heath, The Afters) and Matt Bronleewe (Chris Tomlin, Leeland), this new album continues walking along the atmospheric music edge, and offering unforgettable, honest lyrics from the heart embedded in the context of our community.

“Love Invades” opens with a compelling guitar riff reminiscent of U2, and sings about how the strength and wonder of God’s love can be shown in different ways, both in nature and people, feelings, pain: “Here we go, here we go / We believe it / Here we go / Raise your voice now, and sing it / For love, for love / We will praise / Oh, here we go / For the hope / We believe it / Here we go / All we know is to sing it / For love, for love / We will praise”. With similarities to the hit “Song Of Hope”, the second and current single “Awaken My Soul” is inspired by the story of the prodigal son. God expects us not only with forgiveness, He pursues us, “Oh God, Your rescue follows close / I have run as far has anyone could go / But Your love is calling me, love / Overwhelming, Your love / There’s no stopping it now”. I love the tune changes the song flirts. “Kingdom And A King” seeks to intensify our true mission as Church. The kingdom of God calls us to serve, give, love and pray: “For the kingdom and the King / For His glory we will sing / For the rescue of our souls / He has come / For the kingdom and the cross / Oh, the triumph and the loss / Love has broken through and now redeemed / For the kingdom and the King”. An instrument exit that shakes out and leaves you thinking about the message above. The passionate sequenced synths and drums on “Crazy Love” are wonderful. The lyric captivates with the message of second chances and forgiveness. “Restart your love / My heart, it’s all been saved for you / Oh, for you / Well it’s all been saved / It’s all been saved for you”, the bridge shows us the meaning of the song, that God can save a crazy love and bring together what has been lost. The first single “Miracle” is inspired by a true story. It is the fervent cry when you’re in the depths of life, when you need just to believe: “When the whole world seems to turn its back on me / All alone out on the sea / I need a miracle / When life don’t see seem to make sense at all / I believe You hear me when I call / I need a miracle”. Melodically resembles “Better Days” but with more acoustic features, adding pianos and greater intensity in the violins and guitars. “Your Love Is Strong” is a cover of the famous song by Jon Foreman, with an impassioned performance that follows worship. “Let Our Faith Be Not Alone” continues with the aim of spreading faith and hope. Quickly becomes a prayer for our church, which reminds us the history of our faith, the martyrs and saints, the thousands of years the church has shared the gospel and the good news, the reform: “Let our faith be not alone / May our hearts be not of stone / Give us souls that never close / To the grace that You bestow”. The sublime “We Are Not Alone” was written with Mia Fields (Hillsong United) and Taylor Johnson. Strong influences from Brandon Heath, with a message of unity and redemption. Robbie’s voice becomes the protagonist in “Long Way Home” with falsetto tones and incredible chords change. Written for those marriages in trouble, and reminding us that the decision to love and to admit our mistakes to God and our spouses, are moments that define the well-being or misery of our relationship. Breanne Duren (Owl City) makes his starring appearance in “Lament (We Cannot Wait)” with a breathy, gentle voice that reminds us of the intimate and desperate psalms of David the King. Today, earthquakes, disasters, famine, poverty makes us turn to God, back to the only hope in times of grief and pain. “Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go” is a modern adaptation of the classic hymn. With the participation of Audrey Assad, new member of Sparrow Records who sings powerful statements on the security of love and salvation of God: “Rejoice my heart / Rejoice my soul / My Savior God has come to Thee / Rejoice my heart / You’ve been made whole / By a love that will not let me go”.

“Miracle” is as honest as previous albums, with compositions written on a lonely road or on a heartbroken evening at home. Robbie Seay Band has songs that reflect a deep and transparent look of life, in moments of hope, fear, joy and sadness.

La madurez que “Miracle” nos muestra en la carrera de Robbie Seay Band es notablemente evidente. Sus álbumes siempre han sido testimonios de la fidelidad de Dios, de nuestra humanidad y como ambas se entrelazan en nuestras vidas. Producido por Robbie Seay y Tedd T (tobyMac, Mute Math, David Crowder Band), con algo de ayuda de Dan Muckala (Brandon Heath, The Afters) y Matt Bronleewe (Chris Tomlin, Leeland), esté nuevo álbum prosigue caminando al borde atmosférico musical, y ofreciendo inolvidables, honestas letras del corazón integradas en el contexto de nuestro comunidad.

“Love Invades” se inicia con un atrayente riff de guitarra que recuerda a U2, y que canta sobre cómo la fuerza y la maravilla del amor de Dios se muestra en diferentes maneras, tanto en la naturaleza cómo en la gente, en los sentimientos, en el dolor: “Here we go, here we go / We believe it / Here we go / Raise your voice now, and sing it / For love, for love / We will praise / Oh, here we go / For the hope / We believe it / Here we go / All we know is to sing it / For love, for love / We will praise”. Con semejanzas a la exitosa “Song Of Hope”, el segundo y actual sencillo “Awaken My Soul” se inspira en la historia del hijo pródigo. Dios no sólo nos espera con perdón, Él nos persigue: “Oh God, Your rescue follows close / I have run as far has anyone could go / But Your love is calling me, love / Overwhelming, Your love / There’s no stopping it now”. Me encantan los cambios de tonalidad con los que la canción coquetea. “Kingdom And A King” busca intensificar nuestra verdadera misión como Iglesia. El reino de Dios nos llama a servir, dar, amar y orar: “For the kingdom and the King / For His glory we will sing / For the rescue of our souls / He has come / For the kingdom and the cross / Oh, the triumph and the loss / Love has broken through and now redeemed / For the kingdom and the King”. Una salida instrumental que estremece y te deja pensando en el mensaje expuesto. Los apasionados sintetizadores y la secuenciada batería en “Crazy Love” son maravillosos. La letra nos cautiva con el mensaje de segundas oportunidades y perdón. “Restart your love / My heart, it’s all been saved for you / Oh, for you / Well it’s all been saved / It’s all been saved for you”, este estribillo nos muestra el significado de la canción, que Dios puede salvar un amor loco y reunir lo que se ha perdido. El primer sencillo “Miracle” está inspirado en una historia real. Es el ferviente clamor cuando estás en lo más profundo de la vida, cuándo necesitas solamente creer: “When the whole world seems to turn its back on me / All alone out on the sea / I need a miracle / When life don’t see seem to make sense at all / I believe You hear me when I call / I need a miracle”. Melódicamente se asemeja a “Better Days” pero con rasgos más acústicos, agregándole más pianos y mayor intensidad en los violines y guitarras. “Your Love Is Strong” es un cover de la famosa canción de Jon Foreman, con una apasionada interpretación que desprende adoración. “Let Our Faith Be Not Alone” continúa con el propósito de difundir fe y esperanza. Rápidamente se convierte en una oración para la nuestra iglesia, que nos recuerda la historia de nuestra fe, los mártires y los santos, los miles de años que la Iglesia ha compartido el evangelio y las buenas nuevas, la reforma: “Let our faith be not alone / May our hearts be not of stone / Give us souls that never close / To the grace that You bestow”. La sublime “We Are Not Alone” fue escrita junto a Mia Fields (Hillsong United) y Taylor Johnson. Fuertes influencias de Brandon Heath, con un mensaje de unidad y redención. La voz de Robbie toma el protagonismo en “Long Way Home”, con falsetes y cambios increíbles de tonalidad. Escrita para aquellos matrimonios en problemas, y recordándonos que las decisiones al amar y confesar nuestros errores ante Dios y nuestro cónyuge son momentos que definen el bienestar o desventura de nuestra relación. Breanne Duren (Owl City) hace su aparición estelar en “Lament (We Cannot Wait)”, con una susurrante y dulce voz que nos recuerda los íntimos y desesperados salmos del Rey David. Hoy en día los terremotos, los desastres, el hambre, la pobreza nos hacen volvernos a Dios, volver a la única esperanza en tiempos de aflicción y dolor. “Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go” es una adaptación moderna del clásico himno. Cuenta con la participación de Audrey Assad, la nueva integrante de Sparrow Records que nos canta poderosos testimonios sobre la seguridad del amor y la salvación de Dios: “Rejoice my heart / Rejoice my soul / My Savior God has come to Thee / Rejoice my heart / You’ve been made whole / By a love that will not let me go”.

“Miracle” sigue siendo tan honesta como álbumes anteriores, con composiciones escritas en una solitaria carretera o en una acongojada tarde en casa. Robbie Seay Band posee canciones que reflejan una mirada profunda y transparente de la vida, en momentos de esperanza, temor, gozo y tristeza.

2 Mar 2010
Comments

1 note

Reuben Bidez - Generation

Artist: Reuben Bidez
Album: Generation
Year: 2009
Label: Reuben Bidez
Website: http://reubenbidez.blogspot.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/reubenbidez
Twitter: @reubenbidez
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Tunecore
Sounds Like: Aaron Keyes, Unhindered, Phil Wickham, Hillsong United, Fee, Casting Crown
Rating: 2/5 ♥♥

A new face emerges in contemporary worship. This is Reuben Bidez that presents his debut album entitled “Generation”. With the help of his friend and producer Christian Paschall (Unhindered, Jason Allen Rich), they have managed to summarize their hard work in 10 inspirational worship tracks influenced by genres such as rock and soul and bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, U2, Lenny Kravitz and James Brown. Although the album sounds more like Aaron Keyes, Phil Wickham, Hillsong United, Reuben’s particularity is the piano sound and his versatility in every song, and especially the fact that he wrote every song here.

“Rain On Me” is an accelerated anthem to start the album with a message of revival and need for God. The guitars and synthesizers reflect the denial of our flesh, of our kingdom to enjoy the Kingdom of God: “Rain on me / We do it all for you / You took our place so we can take our place with you. Next, “Going Home” reminds us of our human nature, which always chooses the wrong path but God decides to save us with his grace and he rescue from our situation: “I’m held back by the sin I’m in / Thinking I can’t begin again / It’s a lie I’ve been told my whole life / But it’s a war already won / I’ve been restores as my Father’s son / I once was lost , but now I’m found / dead but now alive”. The piano and the melodies are added to contrast the story of the prodigal son. The titletrack “Generation” is lyrically similar to “God of This City” of Bluetree or “After Your Heart” by Phil Wickham, but deeper into the fact that this generation will glorify the King, singing together as a church: “This is our battle cry / To see you glorfied / A time is drawning near / When all the world will hear / We sing Holy, Holy, Holy”. The violins declare devotion in “I Surrender”, a simple but profound composition that confesses that our daily life now belongs to God; he can do with our lives as it pleases. “Alleluia” is enhanced by complex guitars and a melody that proclaims our freedom from the chains of sin: “Tonight’s the night my chains are loosed / I lift my hands to sing to you”. Pianos and guitars fill the air in “Though I Can’t See”, which talks about our faith to believe in God, although we cannot see him, we love and believe in Him. “Lift Him Higher” is influenced by U2, with powerful guitars and severe drums declaring: “Let heaven and creation sing / The praises of our King”. Immediately we find “Come Closer”, heavily painted with traces of The Beatles on an upbeat tune that asks God to show his glory, his face more strongly: “Come closer Lord / Come close enough to touch / Your nearness is our good”. The sweet acoustic sound of “Speak” longs to hear God’s voice, a whisper in our heart, as Samuel used to do: “Speak to me in a whisper / Speak to me in my heart / Speak to me, your servant’s listening / Speak to me from your heart”. The cello fills the worship air in a sublime intimacy. Finally we have “Wipe Every Tear” with pop/rock and interesting chords in a startlingly prophetic chorus: “He will wipe every tear from our eyes / There will be no pain

While “Generation” is not entirely perfect, musically speaking, the time will define the solid sound of Reuben Bidez, who is just starting in this market. Impassioned songs like “Speak”, the energetic “Rain On Me” and the prophetic “Wipe Your Tears” are good examples of his lyrical and musical ability that could resemble Fee or an experienced Casting Crowns.

Un nuevo rostro surge en la adoración contemporánea. Se trata de Reuben Bidez que nos presenta su álbum debut titulado “Generation”. Con la ayuda de su amigo y productor Christian Paschall (Unhindered, Jason Allen Rich) han logrado resumir su arduo trabajo en 10 inspiradores tracks de adoración influenciados por géneros como el Rock y Soul y bandas como The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, U2, Lenny Kravitz yJames Brow. Aunque el álbum suena más a Aaron Keyes, Phil Wickham o Hillsong United, la particularidad del sonido de Reuben es el piano es su versatilidad en cada canción, y sobre todo el hecho de que compuso cada una de sus canciones.

“Rain On Me” se acelera a empezar el álbum con un himno de avivamiento y necesidad de Dios. Las guitarras y los sintetizadores reflejan la negación de nuestra carne, de nuestro reino para disfrutar del Reino de Dios: “Rain on me / We do it all for you / You took our place so we can take our place with you”. Seguidamente, “Going Home” nos recuerda nuestra naturaleza humana, que siempre escoge el camino incorrecto pero que Dios con su gracia decide salvarnos y rescatarnos de nuestra situación: “I’m held back by the sin I’m in / Thinking I can’t begin again / It’s a lie I’ve been told my whole life / But it’s a war already won / I’ve been restores as my Father’s son / I once was lost , but now I’m found / dead but now alive”. Los pianos y las melodías se suman al contraste de la historia del hijo pródigo. El titletrack “Generation” se asemeja líricamente a “God Of This City” de Bluetree o “After Your Heart” de Phil Wickham, pero profundiza más en el hecho de que está generación dará gloria al Rey, unidos como iglesia cantando: “This is our battle cry / To see you glorfied / A time is drawning near / When all the world will hear / We sing Holy, Holy, Holy”. Los violines declaran devoción en “I Surrender”, una simple pero profunda composición que confiesa que nuestro diario vivir ahora le pertenece a Dios, que él puede hacer con nuestras vidas lo que le plazca. “Alleluia” se realza con guitarras y una melodía compleja que pregona nuestra libertad de las cadenas del pecado: “Tonight’s the night my chains are loosed / I lift my hands to sing to you”. Los pianos y guitarras llenan el ambiente en “Though I Can’t See”, que habla sobre nuestra fe al creer en Dios, que si bien no lo podemos ver, lo amamos y creemos en Él. “Lift Him Higher” se influencia de U2, con poderosas guitarras y severos tambores que declaran: “Let heaven and creation sing / The praises of our King”. De inmediato nos encontramos con “Come Closer”, fuertemente pincelado con rasgos de The Beatles, en una impulsadora melodía que le pide a Dios que muestre sus gloria, su rostro con más intensidad: “Come closer Lord / Come close enough to touch / Your nearness is our good”. El dulce sonido acústico de “Speak” anhela oír la voz de Dios, en un susurro dentro de nuestro corazón, tal y como Samuel solía hacerlo: “Speak to me in a whisper / Speak to me in my heart / Speak to me, your servant’s listening / Speak to me from your heart”. El cello invade el ambiente de adoración en una sublime intimidad. Por último tenemos a “Wipe Every Tear”, con pop/rock e interesantes acordes en un coro estremecedoramente profético: “He will wipe every tear from our eyes / There will be no pain”.

Si bien “Generation” no es totalmente perfecto, musicalmente hablando, el tiempo definirá el sólido sonido de Reuben Bidez, quién recién está comenzando en este mercado. Canciones como la apasionada “Speak”, el enérgico “Rain On Me” y la profética “Wipe Your Tears” son perfectos ejemplos de su capacidad lírica y musical que podría asemejarse a Fee o un experimentado Casting Crowns.