Plugged ®

29 Jun 2010

Dr. Seahorse - Symptons Of Trend

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Artist: Dr. Seahorse
Album: Symptons Of Trend
Year: 2009
Label: Mirth Records
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/drseahorsemusic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drseahorsemusic
Twitter: @drseahorsemusic
Buy: iTunes - Amazon
Sounds Like: Trevor Davis, Justim Timberlake, The Postal Service, Michael Jackson, Owl City, Suhonen Marcos
Rating: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥

Trevor Davis and Suhonen Marcos join together in an accidentally exquisite musical adventure. The duo began to dream of since June 2007 with an electronic project and fresh influences from the brazen sound of Michael Jackson, down to the babbling harmony of The Postal Service.

This bizarre fantasy designed to “Symptoms Of Trend” where Trevor away from self-conscious in a simple acoustic sound, operates with full vocal agility, while his teammate machines energetic rhythms and smooth sounds of percussion. From the first strings in “6th Day” that seem an homage to the classic “Singing In The Rain”, to the titletrack “Symptoms Of Trend” with a seductive melody reminiscent of Justin Timberlake. Even the sublime roars in “Invisible Lion” become a mix of emotions by declaring that a man should be as dependent as a child if he wants the strength to remain true. The finest moments come with “One With The Weeds” and “Reason Why”, each with a particular magic, brimming with amazing vocal and lyrical talent. The romantic “Made Me Whole” pours almost vanished passion between the Marcos’ sequences; as if this were not enough, “Help Me Out”  dopes with those electric pianos, and those chords lost in the silence of the night.

“Dreams can become prayers” and Dr. Seahorse is complemented by the mysteries of this winter cold.

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Trevor Davis y Suhonen Marcos se unen en una aventura musical accidentadamente exquisita. El dúo empezó a soñar desde junio del 2007 con un proyecto electrónico y fresco, influenciándose desde el desvergonzado sonido de Michael Jackson, hasta llegar a la balbuceante armonía de The Postal Service.

Esta extravagante fantasía concibió a “Symptoms Of Trend” dónde Trevor lejos de cohibirse en un mero sonido acústico, se desenvuelve con total agilidad vocal, mientras que su compañero maquina ritmos enérgicos y suaves sonidos de percusión. Desde los primeras cuerdas en “6th Day” que parecen un homenaje al clásico “Singing In The Rain” hasta el titletrack “Symptoms Of Trend” con una seductora melodía que recuerda a Justin Timberlake. Incluso los rugidos sublimes en “Invisible Lion” se convierten en una mezcla de emociones al declarar que un hombre debe ser tan dependiente como un niño si desea la fuerza para permanecer en la verdad. Los momentos más delicados llegan con “One With The Weeds” y “Reason Why”, ambas con una magia particular, rebosando talento vocal e increíbles líricas. La romántica “Made Me Whole” derrama pasión casi desvanecida entre las secuencias de Marcos, y como si fuera poco, “Help Me Out” nos dopa con aquellos pianos eléctricos y esos acordes perdidos en el silencio de la noche.

“Los sueños se pueden convertir en oraciones”, y Dr. Seahorse se complementa con los misterios de este frío de invierno.

19 Apr 2010

Lucas Parry - Alive

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Artist: Alive
Album: Lucas Parry
Year: 2008
Label: Lucas Parry
Website: http://www.lucasparry.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lucasparry
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mrlucasparry
Twitter: @lucasparry
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Tree63, Delirious?, Me In Motion, Jackson Waters, DecembeRadio, Needtobreathe, Nate Sallie, Gavin DeGraw, The Black Crowes, Train, Coldplay, U2, Sting, The Beatles, Lenny Kravitz, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Green Day, 3 Doors Down, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Maroon 5, Marc Anthony, Five For Fighting, Jars Of Clay, Jason Gray
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

Lucas Parry, a spirited missionary, an artist and an Australian-born dynamic storyteller, shares his heart through the release of “Alive”, a contagious and irresistible message that encourages people to pursue their personal mission from God to their lives. This album combines his own musical tastes and the talent that God has given him as a composer, singer, guitarist and producer to create a cd full of energy and passion that comes from God.

“Ocean” opens the disc with solid guitar strumming on an impulsivity compass progression. The lyric is inspired by Psalm 139: “Your love is like the ocean / As far as deep as far as wide / I don’t deserve you / That’s the beauty of your grace”. The blistering “Something Beautiful” talks about the light we have to show the world, not hide beneath the fear and low self-esteem: “I know that you are something beautiful / A diamond in the rough that you just can’t hide / I know that you are something beautiful / It’s time for you to let it shine”. The titletrack “Alive” encourages us not to look at the circumstances and simply take a step of faith and believe. Then a voice pronounce excerpts from Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 54 17, 1 John 4:4, Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:17, while the chorus proclaims total devotion to God: “I surrender to your Call / I lay down and give you all / Would you take this life and make me yours / I am alive, I am alive”. Acoustic guitars make their way to “Breath Of God”, a song of revival in search of mercy and the fire of God. “Dance With Angels” sings those with tears in his eyes, looking for answers in the emptiness (Proverbs 3:5): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart / Not on your own understanding / In every way you crown Him Lord of all / Then you come laying down your pride / You’ll dance with angels tonight / There in surrender you’ll find calmness from the storm”. Powerful guitars snatch energy on “Rise Up”, the cry of the Church of God raising a banner and proclaiming a spiritual awakening in the body of Christ to work in unity. “October Eyes” is immersed in the romance, in the fall and love: “Her eyes are like October skies / I’m blinded by her disguise / I search to find but time flies by / I’m mesmerized by her october eyes”. With gospel, blues and soul features, “Better Man” sounds like DecembeRadio and Needtobreathe. It is a prayer to God for being a better father: “I want to be a better man / Make you proud to be my / Oh my little man / Though I’ll never be a superman and I may never fly the world / But like my daddy was for me / I will be here for you”. The dynamic “Shine”, reminds us of the mission we have as children of God and compare us to a city on a hill that needs to shine with the hope of eternity. “You Are Loved” is constructed through the sweet pianos and acoustic guitars, talking about the incomprehensible love of God who answers the prayer of the afflicted spreading hope and mercy: “You are not forgotten / He has bottled all your tears, oh every tear / You are not forgotten / He has sent me here to be His hands and feet / To show his love for you”. Finally, “Fly Away” was inspired by the freedom of unity in a world of color, in an atmosphere where gravity has no limits: “Reach out your arm, and take the hand of another / When every color becomes one and we will be free”.

“I wanted to create an album that reflects my personal journey over the last three years. God has shown me what really matters in life … people. The core of everything we do should be to love God and to love people”, says Parry behind “Alive”. Simple and complex compositions with a small sample of an emerging talent. Lucas Parry has a passion simply contagious.

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Lucas Parry, un impulsador misionero, un artista y un dinámico narrador de historias de origen australiano, nos comparte su corazón a través del lanzamiento de “Alive”: un mensaje contagioso e irresistible que anima a la gente a perseguir la misión personal de Dios para sus vidas. Este álbum combina sus propios gustos musicales y el talento que Dios le ha regalado como compositor, cantante, guitarrista y productor al crear un cd lleno de energía y pasión que brota de Dios.

“Ocean” apertura el disco con sólidos rasgueos de guitarras en una impulsadora progresión de compases. La lírica se inspira en el Salmo 139: “Your love is like the ocean / As far as deep as far as wide / I don’t deserve you / That’s the beauty of your grace”. La abrasadora “Something Beautiful” habla sobre la luz que tenemos que mostrar al mundo, sin escondernos debajo del temor y la falta de autoestima: “I know that you are something beautiful / A diamond in the rough that you just can’t hide / I know that you are something beautiful / It’s time for you to let it shine”. El titletrack “Alive” nos anima a no mirar las circunstancias y simplemente tomar un paso de fe y creer. Luego una voz pronuncia pasajes extraídos de Isaías 61:1; Isaías 54 17; 1 Juan 4:4; Filipenses 4:13; Romanos 8:17, mientras que los coros proclaman total devoción a Dios: “I surrender to your Call / I lay down and give you all / Would you take this life and make me yours / I am alive, I am alive”. Guitarras acústicas se abren paso con “Breath Of God”, un canto de avivamiento en búsqueda de misericordia y del fuego de Dios. “Dance With Angels” le canta aquellas personas con lágrimas en los ojos, que buscan respuestas en medio del vacío (Proverbios 3:5): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart / Not on your own understanding / In every way you crown Him Lord of all / Then you come laying down your pride / You’ll dance with angels tonight / There in surrender you’ll find calmness from the storm”. Potentes guitarras se arrebatan de energía en “Rise Up”, el clamor de la Iglesia levantando la bandera de Dios y pregonando un despertar espiritual en el cuerpo de Cristo a trabajar en unidad. “October Eyes” se sumerge en el romanticismo, en el otoño y el amor: “Her eyes are like October skies / I’m blinded by her disguise / I search to find but time flies by / I’m mesmerized by her october eyes”. Con rasgos góspel, blues y soul, “Better Man” se asemeja a DecembeRadio y Needtobreathe. Es una oración a Dios pidiéndole ser un mejor padre: “I want to be a better man / Make you proud to be my / Oh my little man / Though I’ll never be a superman and I may never fly the world / But like my daddy was for me / I will be here for you”. La dinámica “Shine”, nos recuerda la misión que tenemos como hijos de Dios y nos compara a una ciudad en una colina que necesita brillar con la esperanza de eternidad. “You Are Loved” se construye a través de dulces pianos y guitarras acústicas, que hablan sobre el incomprensible amor de Dios que contesta la oración del afligido extendiendo esperanza y misericordia: “You are not forgotten / He has bottled all your tears, oh every tear / You are not forgotten / He has sent me here to be His hands and feet / To show his love for you”. Finalmente, “Fly Away” se inspira en la libertad de la unidad en un mundo de color, en una atmósfera donde la gravedad no tiene límites: “Reach out your arm, and take the hand of another / When every color becomes one and we will be free”.

“Quise crear un álbum que refleje mi trayectoria personal en los últimos tres años. Dios me ha revelado lo que realmente importa en la vida… la gente. El núcleo de todo lo que hacemos debe ser amar a Dios y amar a la gente” comenta Parry acerca de “Alive”. Simples y complejas composiciones, con una pequeña muestra de un talento emergente. Lucas Parry posee una pasión simplemente contagiosa.

10 Apr 2010

Flatfoot 56 - Black Thorn

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Artist: Black Thorn
Album: Flatfoot 56
Year: 2010
Label: Old Shoe Records (US), Stomp Records (CAN), I Hate People Records (EUR), Big Mouth Records (Japan)
Website: http://www.flatfoot56.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/flatfoot56
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/flatfoot56
Twitter: @flatfoot56
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: The Dropkick Murphys, Floggin Molly, Street Dogs, Johnny Rioux, Compound, Pogues, Dubliners, Green Day, From Autumn To Ashes, The Real McKenzies, Rancid, Swingin’ Utters, US Bombs, The Offsprings, Pennywise, SNFU, Social Distortion
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

The 2010 is a decade of energetic Celtic punk-rock for Flatfoot 56. The band is formed by Tobin Bawinkel (vocals / guitar), along with his brothers Justin (drums, vocals) and Kyle Bawinkel (bass, vocals), and also Erich McMahon (bagpipes and guitar) and Brandon Good (mandolin and guitar). Produced by Jonny Rioux (The Street Dog), “Black Thorn” is constructed by 13 songs that celebrate the pride of the working class and its roots in Chicago. “Everyone goes through difficulties, but you’re not alone. Punk rock is about community and brotherhood. This album is a contribution to it” says Tobin about his new project.

The enigmatic, almost dark introduction “The Escape (Intro)” leads the album gradually through the interaction between a mandolin, acoustic guitar, the crack of sticks, the hypnotic bagpipe and the chaotic narration: “Tired of the everyday grind? / Want to get away from it all? / Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? / We offer you escape”. Then we’re thrown by the titletrack “Black Thorn” with honest lyrics: “It doesn’t matter when you ran your race / It’s not about how you set your pace / In the end will you be true? / And if you can’t, I’m forgetting you”, inspiration that comes from Hebrews 12, where Paul describes this thorn in his flesh as an analogy to which we must face. Immediately, “Born For This” reminds us all the reason Flatfoot 56 has to make music. The recipe waiting in lyrics slaps us: “To all my brothers, to all my brothers’ sons / You can’t find freedom in money, it has to be won”. The passionate tribute to all those everyday heroes is embodied in “Courage”. An ode to the inspiration of those heroes who remain relevant in a wicked world: “Courage, your name means something to me / These heroes, they last through time / Courage, your name means something to me / A champion of the daily grind”. The schizophrenic bagpipes in “Smoke Blower” light up against the resistance. With an infectious melody record that stealthily includes Egyptians riffs, who talks about the struggle between finding time for everything important in your life while trying to escape of the world’s hourglass; our goal is to maintain faith in the midst of so many distractions: “Give me time, give me time / ’Cause I’m stuck in this world’s hourglass / Give me time, give me time / This sand is flowing too fast”. Suddenly, the disc becomes more intimate, even romantic with “Shiny Eyes”, an acoustic love song with accordions and mandolins: “In times of hell, in times of sun / You journeyed with me, my precious one / Far stretched the road I found you on / We walked together arm in arm”. On the other hand, “We Grow Stronger” seeks strength in poverty (2 Corinthians 12:9): “Wohooh… And through our weakness we grow stronger”. Following this musical stampede, we come to “Son Of Shame”, which combines the fatigue and problems of the world together with the mandolin and bagpipes, while “Stampede” raises the pressure of society in an accelerated performance. Again, love invades the atmosphere with “Won Me Over”, which graphics means those solid guitar riffs, a newly married man and another who is madly in love with his wife: “And I’m just a poor old boy with no shoes on my feet / but this raisin-like, frail heart has just found a beat”. We came to the infectious, driven, well-written “Way Of The Sun”, which sounds like a hymn of all the saints march forward to that day where Christ returns a second time. Finally, the successful “Hothead” gives an exciting end to the disk. Perhaps because of its intoxicating drums and the desperate voice of the vocalist. I really do not know. But certainly I love it.

“Black Thorn” is one of those strange and abusive artworks. This time, Flatfoot 56 defines more clearly its vision and punk sound. Awaken your consciousness in a overly creative way.

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El 2010 es una década de enérgico punk-rock céltico para Flatfoot 56. La banda conformada por Tobin Bawinkel (vocalista/guitarra), junto a sus hermanos Justin (batería y voces) Kyle Bawinkel (bajo y voces), además de Erich McMahon (gaitas y guitarras) y Brandon Good (mandolina y guitarras). Producido por Jonny Rioux (The Street Dog), “Black Thorn” se construye a partir de 13 canciones que celebran el orgullo de la clase obrera y sus raíces en Chicago. “Todos pasamos por dificultades, pero no estás solo. El punk rock se trata de la comunidad y la hermandad. Este disco es una contribución a ello”, confiesa Tobin acerca de su nuevo proyecto.

La enigmática, casi oscura introducción “The Escape (Intro)” conduce el álbum progresivamente a través de la interacción entre una mandolina, la guitarra acústica, el chasquido de baquetas, la hipnótica gaita y la caótica narración: “Tired of the everyday grind? / Want to get away from it all? / Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? / We offer you escape”. Luego, somos arrojados por el titletrack “Black Thorn”, con honestas líricas: “It doesn’t matter when you ran your race / It’s not about how you set your pace / In the end will you be true? / And if you can’t, I’m forgetting you”, inspiración que nace de Hebreos 12, dónde Pablo describe aquella espina en su carne como una analogía a la que tenemos que enfrentar. Inmediatamente, “Born For This” nos recuerda a todos el motivo que Flatfoot 56 tiene al hacer música. La receta expectante en la letra nos da una bofetada: “To all my brothers, to all my brothers’ sons / You can’t find freedom in money, it has to be won”. El homenaje apasionado a todos aquellos héroes del día a día, se plasma en “Courage”. Una oda a la inspiración de aquellos héroes cotidianos que se mantienen relevantes en un mundo perverso: “Courage, your name means something to me / These heroes, they last through time / Courage, your name means something to me / A champion of the daily grind”. Las esquizofrénicas gaitas en “Smoke Blower” se encienden en contra de la resistencia. Con un infeccioso registro melódico que sigilosamente incluye riffs egipcios, que habla sobre la lucha entre encontrar tiempo para todo lo importante en tu vida y al mismo tiempo tratar de escapar del reloj de arena del mundo; nuestra meta es mantener la fe en medio de tantas distracciones: “Give me time, give me time / ’Cause I’m stuck in this world’s hourglass / Give me time, give me time / This sand is flowing too fast”. Repentinamente, el disco se torna más íntimo, incluso romántico con “Shiny Eyes”; una canción de amor acústica con acordeones y mandolines: “In times of hell, in times of sun / You journeyed with me, my precious one / Far stretched the road I found you on / We walked together arm in arm”. Por otro lado, “We Grow Stronger” busca fortaleza en la miseria (2 Corintios 12:9): “Wohooh… And through our weakness we grow stronger”. Siguiendo esta estampida musical, llegamos a “Son Of Shame”, que combina la fatiga y los problemas del mundo junto a la mandolina y la gaita, mientras que “Stampede” saca a flote la presión de la sociedad en una acelerada performance. Una vez más el amor invade la atmósfera con “Won Me Over”, que grafica mediante esos sólidos riffs de guitarra, a un hombre recientemente casado y a otro que está locamente enamorado de su esposa: “And I’m just a poor old boy with no shoes on my feet / but this raisin-like, frail heart has just found a beat”. Llegamos a la contagiosa, impulsadora, bien escrita “Way Of The Sun”, que suena como un himno de marcha de todos los santos ansiosos por aquel día dónde Cristo retorne por segunda vez. Finalmente, la acertada “Hothead” le da un desenlace excitante al disco. Tal vez por sus embriagantes tambores y la desesperada voz del vocalista. La verdad, no lo sé. Pero ciertamente me encanta.

“Black Thorn” es de esas extrañas y abusivas piezas de arte. Esta vez Flatfoot 56 define con más claridad su visión y su sonido punk. Despierta tu conciencia de una manera exageradamente creativa.

5 Apr 2010

The Acclaim - The Time Is Now (EP)

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Artist: The Acclaim
Album: The Time Is Now - EP
Year: 2009
Label: AM Music
Website: http://www.theacclaimmusic.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theacclaimband
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theacclaim
Twitter: @TheAcclaim
Buy: iTunes - Amazon
Sounds Like: Wilco, MuteMath, U2, Muse, My Morning Jacket, The Boxer Rebellion, Starfield, Edward Mote, Farewell Flight, Third Day, Angels & Airwaves
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥

“The Acclaim’s mission is to advance a movement of worship that embodies the cry of a generation whose lives have been set aside for the Kingdom of God among a depraved culture”. Formed by Michael Rabb (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Luther Lessor (lead guitars), Drew Konzelman (electric guitar, mandolin, vocals), Andrew Hartung (strings, Theremin, fiddle), Aaron McMullen (drums, vocals) Derek Konzelman (bass, vocals) and David Konzelman (keyboards, vocals) are prepared for the release of their debut entitled “The Time Is Now – EP”. Michael Rabb wrote all the songs on the EP and this detail makes it even more interesting is the fact of listen them.

With features from MuteMath and Farewell Flight, the sweeping “Give It All” adds some synths on the road, giving all our lives to God. “Not Satisfied” reminds me to Angels & Airwaves, by those deep atmospheres where we can hear the desperate cry of the Church asking the Father for a new awakening: “We’re tired of standing here / We’re tired of holding on / We’re tired of holding still / Tired of singing empty songs”. This song also has a high national radio host. The acoustic guitars give way to “Anthem” with safe lyrics and guitar delays that resemble a young Third Day. Quickly, “Solid Rock” (originally by Edward Mote) shakes us with its creative and flexible chord progression. The impulsive “Urgency” arrays itself with passionate piano and melodies alerting the great need for God in our world today. Then, the track energy increases with the violins and drums to proclaim: “How long must we wait for you?”.

“The Time Is Now” is a positive first step to a successful career. While the songs lack the potential to compete with big bands like U2 or Starfield, this time The Acclaim has to mature over time. However, these 5 songs are a must in your music library; you may be able to surprise with the details in them.

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“La misión de The Acclaim es avanzar en un movimiento de adoración que encarne el clamor de una generación cuyas vidas han sido apartadas para el Reino de Dios entre un cultura depravada”. Conformado por Michael Rabb (vocalista, guitarra acústica, guitarra eléctrica), Luther Lessor (primer guitarra), Drew Konzelman (guitarra eléctrica, mandolina, voces), Andrew Hartung (strings, theremín, víolin), Aaron McMullen (batería, voces), Derek Konzelman (bajo, voces) y David Konzelman (teclados, voces) está preparados para el lanzamiento de su debut titulado “The Time Is Now – EP”. Michael Rabb escribió todas las canciones del EP y este detalle hace que sea aún más interesante el hecho de escucharlos.

Con rasgos de Farewell Flight y MuteMath, la arrasadora “Give It All” agrega algunos sintetizadores en el camino, entregándole todas nuestras vidas a Dios. “Not Satisfied” me hace recordar a Angels & Airwaves, por aquellas profundas atmósferas en dónde podemos oír el grito desesperado de la Iglesia al pedirle al Padre un nuevo despertar: “We’re tired of standing here / We’re tired of holding on / We’re tired of holding still / Tired of singing empty songs”. Esta canción además logro una buena acogida en radios nacionales. Las guitarras acústicas abren paso a “Anthem”, con letras seguras y delays de guitarras que se asemejan a una joven Third Day. Rápidamente, “Solid Rock” (original de Edward Mote) nos sacude con su creativa y ágil progresión de acordes. La impulsadora “Urgency” se atavía de pianos y apasionadas melodías que alertan la gran necesidad de Dios en nuestro mundo de hoy. Luego el track se incrementa de energía con los violines y tambores que proclaman: “How long we must wait for you?”.

“The Time Is Now” es un positivo primer paso para una fructífera carrera. Si bien las canciones carecen del potencial para competir con grandes bandas como Starfield o U2, esta vez The Acclaim tiene que madurar con el tiempo. Sin embargo, estas 5 canciones no pueden faltar en tu biblioteca musical; tal vez puedas sorprenderte con los detalles que hay en ellas.

5 Apr 2010

Nathan Morris - Just Me, Just You (EP)

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Artist: Nathan Morris
Album: Just Me, Just You - EP
Year: 2010
Label: Rytone Entertainment
Website: http://www.nathanmorris.net/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/nathanmorris
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nathanmorrismusic
Twitter: @nathanmorris
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Nathan Walters, Secrets In Stereo, Lights, Owl City, Keane, Coldplay, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥

Nathan Morris takes his personal experiences to produce genuine lyrics that are relevant to the listeners from various walks of life. Nominated as an independent artist of the year, and having sounded infinitely in the Starbucks internationally between 2008 and 2009 with his song “Closure”, while “Closer Like Me” was playing on some American Airlines flights. Last year was the beginning of a new era for Nathan Morris. Powered by acclaimed Grammy nominated, Dove Award winning and producer Ryan Farish, this year give us an advance of a renewed and fresh sound with “Just Me, Just You - EP”.

The titletrack “Just Me, Just You” quickly convinces us of the musical evolution of Morris. Ryan Farish added style and complemented the sexy voice of Nathan making a song with features of electro pop and R&B that is easily compared to well-known Ne-Yo. The lyrics talks about a boy regretted of his words, the mistakes he made in his relationship, and that all he wants is keep love away: “You got my heart in your pocket / don’t drop it”. I love the synths in the chorus and the vocal versatility of this track. The abstract “It’s Criminal”, guilty accused that girl who has stolen the heart and passion of our lives. Finally, “Lost Without You” is inclined to Chris Brown, with lovely lyrics and melody. No matter where we go, the faces we see, we are convinced that without this love we are lost.

Although, before Nathan Morris could be compared musically with Coldplay or Keane, the metamorphosis of his sound is positive. Now we could say that Nathan Walters, Owl City and Lights are his biggest influences, and his compositions include large-scale improved.

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Nathan Morris toma sus experiencias personales para producir letras genuinas que son relevantes para los oyentes de diversas profesiones y condiciones sociales. Nominado como artista independiente del año, y habiendo sonado infinitamente en los Starbucks a nivel internación entre el 2008 y 2009 con su tema “Closure”, mientras que “Closer Like Me” sonaba en los vuelos de American Airlines. El año pasado fue el inicio de una nueva era para Nathan Morris. Impulsado por el aclamado nominado al Grammy, ganador de los premios Dove y productor Ryan Farish, este año nos presentan un adelanto de un renovado y fresco sonido con “Just Me, Just You - EP”.

El titletrack “Just Me, Just You” rápidamente nos convence de la evolución musical de Morris. Ryan Farish ha agregado su estilo y ha complementado la atractiva voz de Nathan logrando una canción pop con rasgos de electro y R&B que fácilmente se comparan al experimentado Ne-Yo. La letra habla sobre un muchacho arrepentido de las palabras, los errores que cometió en su relación, y que lo único que anhela es impedir que el amor desaparezca: “You got my heart in your pocket / don’t drop it”. Me encantan los sintetizadores en el coro y la versatilidad vocal de este track. La abstracta “It’s Criminal” acusa de culpable a aquella chica que ha robado el corazón y la pasión de nuestras vidas. Por último, “Lost Without You” se inclina por Chris Brown, con una encantadora letra y melodía. No importa donde vayamos, los rostros que veamos, estamos convencidos que sin ese amor estamos perdidos.

Si bien, antes Nathan Morris podía ser comparado musicalmente con Coldplay o Keane, la metamorfosis de su sonido es positiva. Ahora podríamos decir que Nathan Walters, Owl City y Lights son sus mayores influencias, y cabe mencionar que sus composiciones han mejorado en gran escala.

2 Apr 2010

Jez - ¡Oh Corazón!

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Artist: Jez
Album: ¡Oh Corazón!
Year: 2010
Label: CanZion Group/Integrity
Website: http://www.jeztunes.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eleventyseven
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jeztunes
Twitter: @jeztunes
Buy: iTunes - Official Store
Sounds Like: U2, Bob Dylan, David Grey, Kevin Prosch, Radiohead, Dave Matthews, Jeff Buckley, Keith Green, Sigur Rós, La Ley
Rating: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥

I have to confess that I have no great love for music in Spanish. It’s simple, I grew up listening to music in English and even today I have not heard a Christian band or solo that have caught me with his lyrics and music. Ironically, today I present an album in this language: Spanish. 4 or 5 years ago, and after Hillsong Australia invade our worship services on Sundays, a band called Vertical came up, who made some very interesting covers, and though all tracks were produced by Integrity Music (Lincoln Brewster, MercyMe, Ten Shekel Shirt), the boys were able to welcome a productive career. Jezarey Babarzcy, or simply Jez, is a Peruvian-American with a profound musical influence dating back to his childhood. Even before being membership on Vertical, he was already forming a band called Broken Vessels. Through the years, Jez began to define his sound, his style and he start to write, write and write. Marcos Witt was captured by the talent and passion of this boy, and he invited Jez to join the CanZion family. Two albums were born of this experience, one in English (“The Turns”) and one in Spanish (“En Medio Del Silencio” [In The Midst Of Silence]). This year, “¡Oh Corazón!” (Oh Heart!) aims to break all the schemes, stereotypes and labels in Spanish Christian music. 12 songs heavily influenced by American folk, and the multifaceted U2, Bob Dylan, David Grey, Kevin Prosch, Radiohead, Dave Matthews, Jeff Buckley, Keith Green, Sigur Rós and more. 12 songs that draw poetry, melancholy and sincerity, written in a musical language that only humans understand. Formed by Jez on lead vocals and guitars, Isaiah Rangel on drums, pianos, keyboards and vocals, Tyler Halford on bass and vocals, along with Ted Kuschel on electric guitar and lap steel; these four guys produced the album with the additional participation of Beau Bedford and Juan Blas Caballero (Julieta Venegas, Axel,  Andrés Calamaro, Rescate Gospel Rock, Alex Campos). So, shall we begin?

The first single, “Dando Da” (Giving, give) opens with a lyrical reflection, guitars and mysterious melodies that embalm the cello and violins. The essence of this song talks about one of our missions on earth as children of God. Give and find what we seek: “Life is a canvas that looks for a painter / paint color / paint love”. With strong folk influences, steadfast guitar riffs and touches of Lq Ley, “La Razón” (The Reason) gives us the answer to our question as human: Who can save us?. Jesus is one song who wrote the love and gave wings to our heart, and now we can fly. Some Latin touches on the instrumental where the guitar delays and bass take the wheel of the song. “Aleluya” (Hallelujah) plotted us in a biblical story where Jesus and his disciples are in the midst of the storm. The desperation and uncertainty of the crew goes out with a simple but powerful statement: “Hallelujah”. The pianos, guitars and that quirky melody give us the security of our faith in Jesus: “I feel the heat of the flame of love / It’s like a fire out of control / and burns my soul and heart / If the ice is around you, join my song”. Many similarities of U2 and Coldplay. The safe and nothing wavering “Camino Voy” (I Go Away) is a poem of struggle, a story of a man who fell on the road, a man who disguises his misery with kindness: “There was a man who doubted in the way / If he could arrived in this life / When on the road He could not and fell / I saw that man was none other than me”. Synths and strings through a masterful instrumental, which ends with an epic and symphonic almost perfect outcome. I’m sure you’ve been amazed with the final seconds of this track. “Change” becomes a warmer and positive color. It reflects the metamorphosis of our lives, our environment, when Jesus comes into our lives: “Today there is war wherever you go / I have faith that tomorrow will be peace / This voice sings because it wants to believe / That this is the change that will happen / History changes with each beat / Of a heart that has learned to love / The world changes in every turn away / What today is coming, soon will go / Today I come to give you a love that will not change”. It was impossible to not transcribe these wonderful phrases. “Rey De Amor” (King Of Love) is immersed in worship, asking for God to teaches us how to love. A symphony of love, commitment and devotion that yearn to live near the heart of God. The sweet but enigmatic “Vuelve” (Come Back), is the eager voice of God having us around. Also, we hear our response: “He took evil in a hellish cup / and He loved me before I was born”. Musically it sounds like a Coldplay eternal climax, combined with the eccentric sight of Keane. Ana Laura is involved in the sublime “Gracia” (Grace), adding to the distant voice of Jez, an angelic and perfect touch bursting in this poem of joy: “As the deep sea in which I sink, cover me / As the fire burning from deep inside, ignite me”. A beautiful duet, culminating in an unforgettable explosion of classic pianos that are muted with “#9”, a kind of eternal intermediary. The original flavor of this album gives it “¡Tanto!, ¡Tanto!” (So Much, So Much), with hints of bossa nova and jazz, where a delicate piano, guitar and Jez’s raspy whispering voice give us a poetry of love: “Nobody can remove me this, neither the time nor the solitude / These years will see that my heart for you is”. With the same record, “Tu Voz” (Your Voice) is a bohemia composition with a beautiful lyrical that chart our weakness which often prevents us from hearing this gracious voice: “Speak Lord / Come with your voice / If once you sent the sea stilled, calm the storm in me”. The anthem of the album “Oh Corazón” (Oh Heart) establishes a conversation between our heart and God. The delicate voice and guitar are building a harmonious road of feelings: “Oh heart, you’re the center / Oh heart, breath and life / Strength and faith of the unborn / Ripe fruit of love, consistently love”. Then, the passion increases the atmosphere with words, melodies and delays that underpin a shocking image of heaven. Sigur Rós would be proud of these chords and rhythms. Finally, the guitar concludes by saying: “Oh heart, I follow your steps / Oh heart, like a hug kiss / ‘til reach and ‘til be as a reflection / of a man who made your home in his chest”. Curiously, the album gives us a hidden track, which adds a special magic being performed in English. What a privilege!

I love the work of this simple man, it has motivated me to dream, believe and create, to communicate my faith from daily life, not to cling to trivial things. To overcome traditional boundaries moved by my passion, fire and love for what I do. The essence of “¡Oh Corazón!” (Oh Heart!) are the experiences of a Psalmist facing his new role as a husband and father. Jez has the ability to give a word to the feeling, draw his life on a canvas.

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Tengo que confesar que no tengo mucha afición a la música en español. Es simple; crecí oyendo música en inglés y hasta el día de hoy no he oído una banda o solista cristiano que me haya capturado con su lírica y música. Irónicamente, el día de hoy les presento un álbum en este idioma: español. Hace 4 o 5 años atrás, y luego que Hillsong Australia invada nuestros servicios de adoración de los domingos, surgía una banda llamada Vertical, que hacían unos covers muy interesantes, y si bien todos eran pistas producidas por Integrity Music (Lincoln Brewster, MercyMe, Ten Shekel Shirt), los muchachos lograron con satisfacción una productiva carrera. Jezarey Babarzcy, o simplemente Jez, es de origen peruano-norteamericano y con una profunda influencia musical que data desde su niñez. Incluso antes de pertenecer a Vertical, ya venía conformando una banda llamada Broken Vessels. A través de estos años, Jez comenzó a definir su sonido, su estilo y a escribir, escribir y escribir. Marcos Witt fue capturado por el talento y la pasión de este muchacho, e invitó a Jez a unirse a la familia de CanZion. Dos álbumes nacieron en esta experiencia, uno en inglés (“The Turns”) y otro en español (“En Medio Del Silencio”). Este año, “¡Oh Corazón!” pretende romper todos los esquemas, estereotipos y etiquetas de la música cristiana en español. 12 canciones fuertemente influenciadas por el folk norteamericano, y los polifacéticos U2, Bob Dylan, David Grey, Kevin Prosch, Radiohead, Dave Matthews, Jeff Buckley, Keith Green, Sigur Rós y más. 12 canciones que dibujan poesía, melancolía y sinceridad, escritas en un lenguaje musical que solo los humanos entenderán. Conformado por Jez en la voz principal y guitarras, Isaiah Rangel en la batería, pianos, teclados y voces, Tyler Halford en el bajo y voces, junto a Ted Kuschel en la guitarra eléctrica y lap steel; estos cuatro muchachos produjeron el disco junto a la participación adicional de Beau Bedford y Juan Blas Caballero (Julieta Venegas, Axel, Andrés Calamaro, Rescate Gospel Rock, Alex Campos). Entonces, ¿empezamos?

El primer sencillo del álbum, “Dando Da” arranca con una lírica de reflexión, guitarras y melodías misteriosas que se embalsaman por el cello y los violines. La esencia de esta canción nos habla sobre uno de nuestras misiones como hijos de Dios en la tierra. Dar y encontrar lo que buscamos. “La vida es un lienzo que busca pintor / Pinta color / Pinta al amor”. Con fuertes influencias folklóricas, inquebrantables riffs de guitarra y algunas pinceladas de La Ley, “La Razón” nos da la respuesta a nuestra interrogante como humanos: ¿Quién nos podrá salvar?. Jesús es aquella canción que escribió el amor y le dio alas a nuestro corazón, y ahora podemos volar. Algunos toques latinos en el instrumental en dónde los delays de guitarra y el bajo toman el volante de la canción. “Aleluya” nos grafica en aquella historia bíblica, dónde Jesús y sus discípulos están en medio de la tormenta. La desesperación e incertidumbre de los tripulantes se apaga con una simple pero poderosa declaración: “Aleluya”. Los pianos, guitarras y aquella extravagante melodía que nos entrega la seguridad de nuestra fe en Jesús: “Siento la llama del calor del amor / Es como un fuego fuera de control / y me quema el alma y el corazón / Si el hielo te rodea, únete a mi canción”. Muchas semejanzas de U2 y Coldplay. La segura y nada titubeante “Camino Voy”, es un poema de lucha, una historia de un hombre que cayó en el camino, un hombre que disfraza sus miserias con bondad: “Hubo un hombre que en el camino dudó / Si es que en esta vida podría llegar / Cuando en el camino no pudo y cayó / Vi que ese hombre no era otro sino yo”. Sintetizadores y cuerdas protagonizan un magistral intermedio, que se concluye con un épico casi perfecto y sinfónico desenlace. Estoy seguro que te has quedado boquiabierto con los últimos segundos de este track. “Cambia” se torna de un color más cálido y positivo. Refleja la metamorfosis de nuestras vidas, de nuestro entorno, cuando Jesús viene a nuestras vidas: “Hoy hay guerra dónde quiera que vas / Yo tengo fe que mañana habrá paz / Canta esta voz porque quiere creer / que este es el cambio que va a suceder / Cambia la historia con cada palpitar / de un corazón que ha aprendido a amar / Cambia el mundo en las vueltas que da / Lo que hoy viene muy pronto se irá / Hoy te vengo a dar un amor que no va a cambiar”. Era imposible no transcribir estas maravillosas frases. “Rey De Amor” se sumerge en adoración, pidiéndolo a Dios que nos enseña a amar. Una sinfonía de amor, de entrega y devoción que anhelan vivir cerca al corazón de Dios. La dulce pero enigmática “Vuelve”, es la voz de Dios deseosa por tenernos cerca. Además oímos nuestra respuesta: “Tomó mi maldad en copa infernal / y antes de nacer me amó”. Musicalmente me suena a un clímax eterno de Coldplay, combinado con la excéntrica mirada de Keane. Ana Laura participa en la sublime “Gracia”, agregándole a la lejana voz de Jez, un toque angelical y perfecto para estallar en esta poesía de júbilo: “Como el mar profundo en el que me hundo, cúbreme / Como el fuego ardiendo, desde muy adentro, enciéndeme”. Un dueto espléndido, inolvidable que culmina en una explosión de pianos clásicos, que se enmudecen con “#9”, una especie de eterno intermedio. El sabor original de este álbum lo entrega “¡Tanto!, ¡Tanto!” con pizcas de bossa nova y jazz, en dónde un delicado piano, susurrantes guitarras y la rasposa voz de Jez nos regalan una poesía de amor: “Nadie me lo podrá quitar, ni el tiempo ni la soledad / Estos años podrán comprobar que mi corazón por ti está”. Con el mismo registro, “Tu Voz” es una bohemia composición con una lírica hermosa, que grafica nuestra debilidad la cual muchas veces nos impide oír aquella misericordiosa voz: “Habla Señor / Acércate con tu voz / Si una vez mandaste callar al mar, calma en mi la tempestad”. El himno del álbum “Oh Corazón” establece una conversación entre nuestro corazón y Dios. La delicada voz y guitarra van construyendo una armoniosa carretera de sentimientos: “Oh corazón, eres el centro / Oh corazón, como vida al aliento / Fuerza y fe de la vida naciente / Fruta madura del amor, amor consistente”. Luego se incrementa la pasión de la atmósfera con frases, melodías y delays que cimientan una estremecedora imagen celestial. Sigur Rós estaría orgulloso de estos acordes y compases. Finalmente, la guitarra concluye al decir: “Oh corazón, sigo tus pasos / Oh corazón, como el beso al abrazo / Hasta llegar y hasta ser como el reflejo / de un hombre que hizo para ti tu casa en su pecho”. Curiosamente el álbum nos regala un hidden track, que agrega una magia particular al estar interpretada en inglés. Que privilegio!

Me he enamorado del trabajo de este sencillo hombre, me ha motivado a soñar, a creer y a crear, a transmitir mi fe desde lo cotidiano, sin aferrarme a cosas triviales. A sobrepasar mis límites tradicionales movidos por la pasión, el fuego y el amor por lo que hago. La esencia de “¡Oh Corazón!” son las vivencias de un salmista que afronta su nuevo rol como esposo y padre. Jez posee la habilidad de dar palabra al sentimiento, de dibujar en un lienzo su vida.

1 Apr 2010

eleventyseven - Adventures In Eville

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Artist: eleventyseven
Album: Adventures In Eville
Year: 2009
Label: eleventyseven
Website: http://www.eleventysevenrock.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eleventyseven
Twitter: @eleventyrock
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, Run Kid Run, Relient K, Blink 182, Weezer, Family Force 5, 3OH!3, Capital Lights, Becoming Yesterday, Please Promise, Attaboy, The Great Transparency
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

After eleventyseven defined their electro-pop-rock sound with “Galactic Conquest”, leaving out Flicker Records, and being totally independent, they present their latest experiment. “Adventures In Eville” fuses electronic features such as Joy Electric with pop/punk bands like Relient K and Stellar Kart. Matt Langston (lead vocals, guitar), Caleb Satterfield (bass, vocals) and Jonathan Stephens (bacteria, vocals) found redemption from his earlier reputation, showing a passionate return to the stage.

We started with the burning “Nightmare” with a brief intro that reminds me a mix between Owl City and Hawk Nelson with a solid punk rock, catchy electronic riffs and a fun tune that refers to the redemption of God in our lives, giving us an element (salvation) has given us security and faith: “No, I can’t stop believing that wishes do come true / ‘Cause life is what you make it, and I wanna make it with you / ‘Cause the second I saw you I pinched myself to see if you were really there / ‘Cause meeting you is like waking up from a nightmare”. The synthesizers are highlighted in “The Best I Can” that sings the barriers of love, with lines showing a boy on a desperate quest to heal the pain in his heart: “Cause we both feel the pain / We just say it different ways / Hear my heart before you hear my lips / ‘Cause I can’t win this game / If I don’t know how to play / Don’t give up just try and understand / I’m doing the best I can”. The first single from the album comes with “Evil Genius”, the love song of a nerd. Inspired by a Matt’s close friend who was in love with a girl and did not know how to tell her: “Kelly doesn´t know that I’m an evil genius / With a sidekick dog named Grover Cleveland / And she´ll never know that we can take over the world / With cyborg robot squirrels”. The sound of a fairy tale comes with “Trying”, which somehow represents the daily life of the band. With an infectious techno/punk/rock, Matt shares with us: “We want listeners to know that they can be part of something so much greater than just a fan base. We want our music to be a direct vehicle for friendships to form, for stories and experiences to be shared, and for fun to be had”. With sarcasm that calls you to reflect, “Redeem The Scene” begins with hip-hop voices, but quickly turns into an aggressive pop/punk/rock that talks about the falsity of the rock artists in today: “Stages are for bands and catwalks are for models / How’d we ever get these two confused / Put your girlfriend’s pants right back where you got them / I hate to be the one to break the news / But rock and roll was never meant for you”. Continuing the fun, “Prom Song” refers to a disastrous prom party. Many influences from Family Force 5 and 3OH!3. The romantic “Lonely Word” enchants us with its chorus: “Forever is a lonely word in a sentence without me and you / If you look it up you’ll see in my dictionary that underneath forever there’s a picture of you and me”. The magical and nostalgic “Back When We Were Kids” makes us remember things we did when we were children: “If we had problems band-aids fixed it / Mom was always there to listen and every night we’d say our prayers to someone watching us up there / Life was so much simpler way back then, back when we were kids”. The challenging “Rock You Like” is a hymn which encourages us to be ourselves, and not as the world tells us to be: “We’re not going to rock the way you do”. A sweet piano opens “End Of Time”, then give way to strings and a techno/pop feeling with influences from Capital Lights. I like the lyric ambiguity of this song, it can be dedicated to God, to angels or to a loved one: “I will never let this harm you / I can be what you hold to / Let me be the one to love you ‘till the end of time / Know that when the darkness shakes you / I will never this this break you / Let me be the wings that take you to the end of time.

“Adventures In Eville” is more than 10 tracks of upbeat, contagious and delusional electro/punk/pop, but also is a open letter that tell our lives in a positive and sincere way. Recharged, reinvented, renewed. Is it how eleventyseven manifests itself in his return, with fun but inspiring songs.

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Luego que eleventyseven defina su sonido electro-pop-rock con “Galactic Conquest”, dejando de lado a Flicker Records y siendo totalmente independientes, nos presentan su más reciente experimento. “Adventures In Eville” fusiona rasgos electrónicos como los de Joy Electric con bandas pop/punk como Relient K y Stellar Kart. Matt Langston (vocalista, guitarra), Caleb Satterfield (bajo, voces) y Jonathan Stephens (batería, voces) encontraron la redención de su anterior reputación, mostrándonos un apasionado retorno al escenario.

Comenzamos con la ardiente “Nightmare” con un breve intro que me recuerda una mixtura entre Owl City y Hawk Nelson con su sólido punk rock, pegajosos riffs electrónicos y una melodía muy divertida que hace referencia al rescate de Dios con nuestras vidas, entregándonos un elemento (la salvación) que nos ha dado seguridad y fe: “No, I can’t stop believing that wishes do come true / ‘Cause life is what you make it, and I wanna make it with you / ‘Cause the second I saw you I pinched myself to see if you were really there / ‘Cause meeting you is like waking up from a nightmare”. Los sintetizadores se realzan en “The Best I Can” que nos cantan las barreras del amor, con líneas que demuestran a un desesperado muchacho en búsqueda de sanar el dolor en su corazón: “Cause we both feel the pain / We just say it different ways / Hear my heart before you hear my lips / ‘Cause I can’t win this game / If I don’t know how to play / Don’t give up just try and understand / I’m doing the best I can”. El primer sencillo del álbum llega con “Evil Genius”, la canción de amor de un nerd. Inspirada en un amigo cercano de Matt que estaba enamorada de una chica y no sabía cómo decírselo: “Kelly doesn´t know that I’m an evil genius / With a sidekick dog named Grover Cleveland / And she´ll never know that we can take over the world / With cyborg robot squirrels”. El sonido de cuento de hadas llega con “Trying”, que de alguna manera representa el diario vivir de la banda. Con un infeccioso techno punk rock, Matt nos comparte: “Queremos que nuestro oyentes sepan que pueden ser parte de algo mucho más grande que un club de fans. Queremos que nuestra música sea un vehículo para formar amistades para que historias y experiencias sean compartidas de una manera divertida”. Con un sarcasmo que te llama a reflexionar, “Redeem The Scene” inicia con voces de hip-hop, pero rápidamente se transforma en un agresivo pop/punk/rock que habla sobre la falsedad de los artistas de rock de hoy en día: “Stages are for bands and catwalks are for models / How’d we ever get these two confused / Put your girlfriend’s pants right back where you got them / I hate to be the one to break the news / But rock and roll was never meant for you”. Continuando con la diversión, “Prom Song” hace referencia a una desastrosa fiesta de promoción. Muchas influencias de Family Force 5 y 3OH!3. La romántica “Lonely Word” nos encanta con su coro: “Forever is a lonely word in a sentence without me and you / If you look it up you’ll see in my dictionary that underneath forever there’s a picture of you and me”. La mágica y nostálgica “Back When We Were Kids” nos hacer recordar las cosas que hacíamos cuando éramos niños: “If we had problems band-aids fixed it / Mom was always there to listen and every night we’d say our prayers to someone watching us up there / Life was so much simpler way back then, back when we were kids”. La desafiante “Like You Rock” es un himno que nos anima a ser nosotros mismos, y no como el mundo nos dice ser: “We’re not going to rock the way you do”. Un dulce piano apertura “End Of Time”, para luego dar paso a cuerdas y un sentimiento techno/pop con influencias de Capital Lights. Me gusta la ambigüedad lírica de esta canción, puede ser dedicada a Dios, de ángeles o de un ser amado: “I will never let this harm you / I can be what you hold to / Let me be the one to love you ‘till the end of time / Know that when the darkness shakes you / I will never this this break you / Let me be the wings that take you to the end of time”.

“Adventures In Eville” es más que 10 tracks de impulsador, contagioso delirante electro/punk/pop, sino también cartas abiertas que relatan nuestras vidas, de un modo positivo y sincero. Recargados, reinventados, renovados. Es así como eleventyseven se manifiesta en su regreso, con canciones divertidas pero inspiradoras a la vez.

31 Mar 2010

Paper Tongues - Paper Tongues

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Artist: Paper Tongues
Album: Paper Tongues
Year: 2010
Label: Catapult
Website: http://www.papertongues.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/papertongues
Twitter: @Paper_Tongues
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: Earthsuit, Queen, The Beastie Boys, Eminem, MuteMath, Ricky Skaggs, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lyn, Conway Twitty, K’naan, Kings Of Leon, Wilco, The Roots, Jeff Buckley, Journey, James Brown, Talking Heads, Bloc Party, Red Hot Chili Pepper
Rating: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥

A&M/Octone Records presents us a powerful debut which I believe it will be one of the best in this 2010. Paper Tongues formed by Answan North (vocals), Devin Forbes (guitar), Joey Signa (guitar), Daniel Santell (bass), Jordan Hardee (drums), Clayton Simon (keyboards) and Cody Blackler (rhodes) fused rock ‘n’ hot roll with touches of hip hop, rap, funk and soul. The album was produced by the acclaimed Brian West (Nelly Furtado, K’naan, Savage Garden) with John Fields (Jonas Brothers, Jon McLaughlin, Jimmy Eat World, Miley Cyrus, Switchfoot, Demi Lovato, Pink), Billy Hume and Mark Endert (Green River Ordinance, Madonna, Maroon 5, Plumb), so you can be no doubting about the magnitude of this record.

The invigorating “Trinity” mix soul and rock with electronic in an anthem of our generation to become aware of the pain of our society, trapped by disbelief and poverty: “I am reaching from the depths of my soul / Hear me pleading I’m a child I’m the poor I am needing / To the drum you better believe it / Turn it up don’t say goodbye / And you know that time after time we will survive / That’s why I’m still alive”. The fiery “For The People” and his eclectic electronic sounds make you dance wildly exploding in the instrumental that takes hold of the rhodes and guitars. This track could be the emblem of the band in their quest to convince his listeners that they have been created to be the voice of his people: “I’m the voice above the noise and we need to rock it, so bring in the boys”. Breaking down the silence, “Ride To California” (first single) combines hip-hop hooks, and crunchy pop rock that will make you shake, but also reflect. This song summarizes and graphs the history of the band, which being poor they got to pursue their dreams to reach this long-awaited debut release: ““I’ve been up but I ain’t down / I’ve been lost but now I’m found / I need a ticket for sure / If you got another seat on the plane would you let me go”. The passionate “Get Higher” is full of spiritual experiences, and connects you with the soul of his improvised lyric: “You provoque a man to bow down / and I get on my knees and cry out / Everything I have is yours now”. Moreover, “What If” is questioned about our mistakes and emotions. “Soul” is the divine voice that reaches out to those failures, fear, hurt and heartbroken people wandering around the city: “I know you’re lost and need to be found / Just take my hand”. The infectious melody on the bridge of “Everybody” will remain etched in your brain for many days; it stated that as humans we need each other. The strident piano of “Strongest Flame” talks about a past love and shows the best performance of vocalist Aswan North with a wide melodic registration. “Rich And Poor” once again draws us the reality of our society, and reminds me the forgotten Earthsuit, with a seasoned and a bohemian hip-hop/rock melody. “Love Like You” ends this masterpiece, with a passionate song that sings about the blessing of finding the love of God or that special someone. A love that gives you the strength to survive in our shattered world. Poetry in motion.

“If the Beastie Boys associate with Eminem and asked MuteMath to back them up, then you get Paper Tongues”. These seven individuals have created something I’ve never heard before. Their music can heal lives, our society, a perverted politics and the hopeless heart of our artists. Each song encourages you to make new beginnings, second chances.

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A&M/Octone Records nos presenta un poderoso debut el cual estoy convencido será uno de los mejores de este 2010. Paper Tongues conformado por Answan North (vocalista), Devin Forbes (guitarra), Joey Signa (guitarra), Daniel Santell (bajo), Jordan Hardee (batería), Clayton Simon (sintetizadores) y Cody Blackler (rhodes) fusionan rock’n’roll con ardientes toques de hip hop, rap, funk y soul. El álbum fue producido por el aclamado Brian West (Nelly Furtado, K’naan, Savage Garden) junto a John Fields (Jonas Brothers, Jon McLaughlin, Jimmy Eat World, Miley Cyrus, Switchfoot, Demi Lovato, Pink), Billy Hume y Mark Endert (Green River Ordinance, Madonna, Maroon 5, Plumb); así que no te puede quedar duda de la magnitud de esta grabación.

La vigorizante “Trinity” mezcla soul y rock con electrónica en un himno de nuestra generación a tomar conciencia sobre el dolor de nuestra sociedad, atrapada por la incredulidad y la pobreza: “I am reaching from the depths of my soul / Hear me pleading I’m a child I’m the poor I am needing / To the drum you better believe it / Turn it up don’t say goodbye / And you know that time after time we will survive / That’s why I’m still alive”. La ardiente “For The People” y sus eclécticos sonidos electrónicos te llevan a bailar desenfrenadamente explosionando en el instrumental que se apodera de los rhodes y las guitarras. Este track podría ser el emblema de la banda en su afán por convencer a sus oyentes que ellos han sido creados para ser la voz de su pueblo, de su gente: “I’m the voice above the noise and we need to rock it, so bring in the boys”. Derrumbando el silencio y las etiquetas, “Ride To California” (primer sencillo) combina ganchos de hip-hop, rock y crujiente pop que te hará temblar, sacudirte, pero también reflexionar. Esta canción resume y grafica la historia de la banda, que al ser pobres consiguieron perseguir sus sueños hasta llegar a lanzar este ansiado debut: “I’ve been up but I ain’t down / I’ve been lost but now I’m found / I need a ticket for sure / If you got another seat on the plane would you let me go”. La apasionada “Get Higher” está llena de experiencias espirituales, y te conecta con el alma improvisada de su lírica: “You provoque a man to bow down / and I get on my knees and cry out / Everything I have is yours now”. Por otro lado, “What If” se cuestiona sobre nuestros errores y emociones. “Soul” es la voz divina que extiende su mano a aquellos fracasados, temerosos, heridos y acongojados que vagan por la ciudad: “I know you’re lost and need to be found / Just take my hand”. La contagiosa melodía en el puente de “Everybody” se quedará grabada en tu cerebro durante muchos días, que nos declara que como humanos nos necesitamos unos a otros. Los estridentes pianos de “Strongest Flame” hablan sobre un amor del pasado y nos muestra la mejor performance del vocalista Aswan North, con un amplio registro melódico. “Rich And Poor” una vez más nos dibuja la realidad de nuestra sociedad, y me hace recordar a los olvidados Earthsuit, con un avezado hip-hop/rock y una bohemia melodía. “Love Like You” culmina esta obra maestra, con una apasionada melodía que canta sobre la bendición de encontrar el amor de Dios o de aquella persona especial. Un amor que te da las fuerzas para sobrevivir en nuestro devastado mundo. Poesía en movimiento.

“Si los Beastie Boys se asociaran con Eminem y le preguntaran a MuteMath que los respalde, entonces obtendrás a Paper Tongues”. Estos siete individuos han creado algo que nunca antes he oído. Música que puede sanar vidas, una sociedad, una pervertida política y el corazón desesperanzado de nuestros artistas. Cada canción te anima a tomar nuevos comienzos, segundas oportunidades.

29 Mar 2010

Catalyst Church - The Upward Glancing Of An Eye (EP)

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Artist: Catalyst Church
Album: The Upward Glancing Of An Eye - EP
Year: 2009
Label: Catapult
Website: http://provokechange.org/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/provokechange
Twitter: @tristinroberts @provokechange
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: John Mark McMillan, Anthony Skinner, Chris McClarney, Delirious, Death Cab for Cutie, U2, Ryan Adams, Future of Forestry, Switchfoot/Jon Foreman, Brian Johnson, Coldplay
Rating: 3/5 ♥♥♥

“The Upward Glancing Of An Eye – EP” was produced by Tristin Roberts, music director of Catalyst Church. “It’s a collection of songs that are to hopefully help encourage and challenge others towards God. The love and grace of God is a big theme throughout the EP, but the goal was mainly to help encourage and focus our eyes towards God”, Roberts says.

“My Only One” tells us about the divine love of God who came to restore our broken hearts, that love which in we have placed our trust: “I can’t help but stand and sing my love I hold nothing back / You are high and lifted in my heart, my only one”. The passionate and intimate “Taken Me Away” asks God to take us to that secret place where his love embraces us and where we can feel his mercy and glory filling our hearts: “Come take me away to a higher place / Take me away to a deeper place / Your love it amazes me everyday / Cause You take me away to a secret place”. The EP’s title was taken from the sublime “Prayer Is The Souls Sincere Desire”, an anthem that draws metaphors to prayer as the voice of the people of God: “O Thou by whom we come to God The life the truth the way / The path of prayer Thyself hast trod / Lord teach us how to pray”. It also has the participation of Jorgen Roberts with an inspiring and lovely performance. “Our Saving Grace” sung to the sweet name of Jesus, and takes a few lines of well-known hymn “Amazing Grace” whispering: : “O how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me / I once was lost now I’m found, was blind but now I see”. Finally we find “Your Love”, a simple but profound lyric that talks about the eternal and unfailing love of God, using a clean guitar that embraces every one of its chords.

Tristin Roberts gives us a creative, strong and sweet voice in “The Upward Glancing Of An Eye – EP”. Poetry, beautiful musical arrangements in a sort of cry of our generation that cries out for revival.

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“The Upward Glancing Of An Eye – EP” fue producido por Tristin Roberts, director musical de Catalyst Church. Es una colección de canciones que tienen la esperanza de ayudar a estimular y desafiar a otros hacia Dios. “El amor y la gracia de Dios se plasman en las canciones, pero principalmente el objetivo es ayudar, alentar y enfocar nuestros ojos hacia Dios” nos comparte Roberts.

“My Only One” nos habla sobre el divino amor de Dios que vino a restaurar nuestros quebrados corazones, aquel amor en el que nuestra confianza hemos depositado: “I can’t help but stand and sing my love I hold nothing back / You are high and lifted in my heart, my only one”. La apasionada e íntima “Taken Me Away” le pide a Dios llevarnos a aquel lugar secreto en dónde su amor nos abrace y dónde podamos sentir su misericordia y gloria llenar nuestro interior: “Come take me away to a higher place / Take me away to a deeper place / Your love it amazes me everyday / Cause You take me away to a secret place”. El título del EP fue tomado de la sublime “Prayer Is The Souls Sincere Desire”, un himno que dibuja metáforas sobre a oración como la voz del pueblo de Dios: “O Thou by whom we come to God The life the truth the way / The path of prayer Thyself hast trod / Lord teach us how to pray”. Cuenta además con la participación de Jorgen Roberts con una inspiradora y adorable performance. “Our Saving Grace” canta al dulce nombre de Jesús, y toma algunas líneas del conocido himno “Amazing Grace” al susurrarnos: “O how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me / I once was lost now I’m found, was blind but now I see”. Finalmente nos encontramos con “Your Love”, con una simple pero profunda lirica que habla sobre el eterno e indefectible amor de Dios, usando una guitarra limpia que abraza cada uno de sus acordes.

Tristin Roberts nos regala una creativa, sólida y dulce voz en “The Upward Glancing Of An Eye – EP”. Poesía, hermosos arreglos musicales en una especia de clamor de nuestra generación que pide a gritos un avivamiento.

25 Mar 2010

Demon Hunter - The World Is A Thorn

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Artist: Demon Hunter
Album: The World Is A Thorn
Year: 2010
Label: Solid State Records
Website: http://www.demonhunter.net/main.php
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/demonhunter
Twitter: @demonhunterband
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: All That Remains, Trivium, Chimaira, The Ascendicate, Soilwork, Duran Duran, August Burns Red, Job For A Cowboy, Miseration, Throwdown, Living Sacrifice, Soul Embraced, Mushroomhead, The Showdown, Lamb Of Gods, Sepultura, The More Things Change, Machine Head, Pantera, Slayer
Rating: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥

The sound of Jesus leading his flock to a musical path that was built on the foundation of hedonism and power. Demon Hunter is well defined as their fifth album “The World Is A Thorn” merging its aggressive metalcore and nu-metal with catchy melodic pop. Produced by veteran Aaron Sprinkle (Fair, Acceptance, Anberlin, The Almost) and mixed by Jason Suecof (All That Remains, Chimaira, August Burns Red, Trivium), vocalist Ryan Clark explains: “The album title refers to often detrimental and destructive world in which we live. Most songs are about the current state of the nation and the world itself. In particular, the lyrics point to the ideals of a nation without God and the depletion of our morals and values”.

A harmonic guitar preludes by the new member Ryan Helm takes off “Descending Upon Us” with a chaotic and aggressive cry that denounces idolatry: “Save your plea for the day that we suffer the wake of this treason / Rain like fire descending upon us in holy resolve, upon this ground”. Synchronously, “Lifewar” adds a tremendous blunder to the disc, with too parametric drums bursts of screams that make you remember the mediocre nu-metal time of 2000’s and bands like American Head Charge. Fortunately, the track does not last long and opens up the album’s first single “Collapsing” which has the appearance of Björn “Speed” Strid of Soilwork in a lyric that offers hope to anyone struggling with the death (1 John 2:10), also starring a delightful guitar solo, an introduction of synthesizers that passed during the rest of the song: “I see the weight of hollow death residing in you / Take now your final breath, exhale the truth / I see the fear of nothing left, dead fragments of youth / You hold it in yourself, I feel it too”. Continuing the theme of spiritual warfare, “This Is The Line” draws us the metaphor to be strong in our faith and to prevail against the powers that threaten God’s standpoint and our viewpoint towards our relation to the world (Isaiah 30:17). Drizzle of hardcore and black metal with a dark tone yells the following lines: “This is a battle. We Are The Blade / And this is the line, this is the line / All that they build we will break. This is the line”. Delivering some balance to the disc, through orchestral violins and one of Clark’s best performance, we find “Driving Nails” a passionate ballad about restored hope of our sinful nature (Romans 7:25): “It’s driving nails into my soul and angels from my door / Driving nails into my soul. Something else inside”. The titletrack “The World Is A Thorn” is about the things we are not, and those that we refuse to be, because our faith is lay in Christ alone (1 Chronicles 16:25-26), with Yogi Watts’s brutal drums and Clark’s disturbed grunts: “Won’t bow to man. Won’t bow to government / Won’t trust in a failed system of self-fulfilling lust / Won’t love a world where my God is mocked. I defy”. The desperate and distraught “Tie This Around Your Neck” compares the false promises of the world with a rope tied on our necks by the world and its pleasures (Psalm 107:42), with traces of Sepultura, The More Things Change, Machine Head and sparkling melodies: “Save your breath, my son, just carry on home / Time will prey on you, and take you through hell”. Encouraging us to proceed even though the suffering continues driving us down (Psalm 10:17), “Just Breathe” features the participation of Christian Älvestam of Miseration (ex-Scar Symmetry) and some synths that complement the versatility and talent of this duet. Provocateurs metal drums in “Shallow Weater” sleepwalking defy those prone to God’s call to recognize that they will reap all the seeds we have sown (Matthew 7:26). The sacrifices we make as Christians are not seen as oppression but as a means to make our life more fruitful and useful. Dave Peters of Throwdown joins “As Thought You Could Feel” that describes the self-lie as a road to perdition (John 2:21). Some prefer an aggressive denouement, others as in my case, opted for songs like “Blood In The Tears” with Driving Nails influences, reflecting our occasional longing for a physical sign of the existence of God and His will in our lives. Also ask God that the tears of their enemies become drops of blood, to produce an attitude of reverence in those who haven’t believed and that these tears are used as a path through Christ (2 Chronicles 32:24). On the other hand we find the first bonus track, “Desire The Pain” with spiritual and controversial metaphors about divorce “I desire the pain. I desire the weight / And I will face my grave / I desire remorse. I desire release / And I will chase this away”. Finally the String Mix of “Driving Nails” consolidates this hymn in an epic and successful way.

One of the most representative bands of Solid State Records and the Christian metal market has surprised us this year with hints that we might never expect. “The World Is A Thorn” is clearly a progression of the new sound of the band, their evolution and the perfect test that they remain being the highest pillars of the genre.

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El sonido de Jesús conduciendo a su rebaño por un camino musical que fue construido sobre los cimientos del hedonismo y el poder. Es así como Demon Hunter define su quinto álbum “The World Is A Thorn”, fusionando su agresivo metalcore y nu-metal con pegajoso pop melódico. Producido por el veterano Aaron Sprinkle (Fair, Acceptance, Anberlin, The Almost) y mezclado por Jason Suecof (All That Remains, Chimaira, August Burns Red, Trivium), el vocalista Ryan Clark nos explica: “El título del álbum se refiere al a menudo perjudicial y destructivo mundo en que vivimos. La mayoría de las canciones tratan sobre el estado actual de la nación y del mundo en sí. En particular, las letras apuntan a los ideales de un pueblo sin Dios y el agotamiento de nuestra moral y valores”.

Un preludio de guitarras harmónicas a cargo del nuevo integrante Ryan Helm se despega con “Descending Upon Us”, con un caótico y agresivo grito que denuncia la idolatría: “Save your plea for the day that we suffer the wake of this treason / Rain like fire descending upon us in holy resolve, upon this ground”. Sincronizadamente, “Lifewar” agrega un tremendo desacierto al disco, con tambores demasiado paramétricos, ráfagas de gritos que te hacen recordar la mediocre época del nu-metal por el año 2000 y bandas como American Head Charge. Por suerte, el track no dura mucho y abre paso al primer sencillo del álbum “Collapsing” que cuenta con la aparición de Björn “Speed” Strid de Soilwork en una lírica que ofrece esperanza a alguien que lucha con la muerte (1ª de Juan 2:10), además protagonizando un deleitoso solo de guitarra, una introducción de sintetizadores que repercutan durante el resto de la canción: “I see the weight of hollow death residing in you / Take now your final breath, exhale the truth / I see the fear of nothing left, dead fragments of youth / You hold it in yourself, I feel it too”. Continuando con la temática de guerra espiritual, “This Is The Line” nos dibuja la metáfora de ser fuertes en nuestra fe y prevalecer ante los poderes que ponen en peligro el punto de vista de Dios y el nuestro con respecto al mundo (Isaías 30:17). Garúas de hardcore y black metal que con un tono oscuro nos grita las siguientes líneas: “This is a battle. We Are The Blade / And this is the line, this is the line / All that they build we will break. This is the line”. Entregando algo de equilibrio al disco, mediante orquestales violines y uno de las mejores performance de Clark, nos encontramos con “Driving Nails” una apasionad balada sobre la esperanza restauradora de nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa (Romanos 7:25): “It’s driving nails into my soul and angels from my door / Driving nails into my soul. Something else inside”. El titletrack “The World Is A Thorn” se trata de las cosas que no somos, y aquellas que nos rehusamos a ser, ya que nuestra fe descansa solamente en Cristo (1ª Crónicas 16:25-26), con los brutales tambores de Yogi Watts y los perturbados gruñidos de Clark: “Won’t bow to man. Won’t bow to government / Won’t trust in a failed system of self-fulfilling lust / Won’t love a world where my God is mocked. I defy”. La desesperada y angustiada “Tie This Around Your Neck” compara las falsas promesas del mundo con una soga atada a nuestros cuellos por el mundo y sus placeres (Salmos 107:42), con rasgos de Sepultura, The More Things Change, Machine Head y chispeantes melodías: “Save your breath, my son, just carry on home / Time will prey on you, and take you through hell”. Alentándonos a seguir adelante aunque el sufrimiento nos siga abatiendo (Salmos 10:17), “Just Breathe” cuenta con la participación de Christian Älvestam de Miseration (ex-Scar Symmetry) y de algunos sintetizadores que se complementan con la versatilidad y talento de este dueto. Los provocadores tambores metal en “Shallow Weater”, desafían aquellos propensos sonámbulos al llamado de Dios reconociendo que ellos cosecharán todas las semillas que hemos sembrado (Mateo 7:26). Los sacrificios que hacemos como cristianos nos son vistos como opresión, sino como un medio para que nuestra vida sea más fructífera y útil. Dave Peters de Throwdown se suma a “Feel As Throught You Could” que describe el engañarnos a nosotros mismos como un camino a la perdición (Juan 2:21). Algunos prefieres un desenlace agresivo, otros como en mi caso, optamos por canciones como “Blood In The Tears” con influencias de Driving Nails, que refleja nuestro esporádico anhelo por una señal física sobre la existencia de Dios y de su voluntad en nuestras vidas. Además le pide a Dios que las lágrimas de sus enemigos se conviertan en gotas de sangre, para producir una actitud reverente en aquellos que no han creído y que estas lágrimas sean utilizadas como un sendero hacia Cristo (2ª Crónicas 32:24). Por otro lado nos encontramos con el primer bonus track, “Desire The Pain” con metáforas espirituales y controversiales sobre el divorcio “I desire the pain. I desire the weight / And I will face my grave / I desire remorse. I desire release / And I will chase this away”. Por último la versión en violines de “Driving Nails (String Mix)” consolida este himno de una manera épica y acertada.

Una de las bandas más representativas de Solid State Records y del metal cristiano, nos ha sorprendido este año con matices que tal vez nunca esperábamos. “The World Is A Thorn” claramente es una progresión del nuevo sonido de la banda, su evolución y la prueba perfecta de que continúan siendo los supremos pilares del género.