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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.

3 Mar 2010

Sonnet To Sleep - Sonnet To Sleep

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Artist: Sonnet To Sleep
Album: Sonent To Sleep
Year: 2009
Label: South Pawl Records
Website: http://www.sonnettosleep.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sonnettosleep
Twitter: @sonnettosleep
Buy: iTunes - Amazon
Sounds Like: As Tall As Lion, Copeland, Owen, Coldplay, Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, U2, Jeff Buckley, The Beatles, Dashboard Confessional, Brand New, Coldplay
Rating: 2/5 ♥♥

Sonnet To Sleep is not just indie rock. Aaron Rios (vocals, guitars) with Ben Mattox (drums) they go far beyond music. This self-titled album talks about the daily struggles with the anguish, love, life and grow in this world, bringing hope to the message of Jesus Christ. We capture with a clean sound and modern, with simple but effective arrangements, driven guitars, thrilling voice and a message of redemption in failure. Produced by Matthew Malpass (Copeland, Relient K, Manchester Orchestra), hosted by South Pawl Records and distributed by Infinity Music Distribution.

Recently “Lights Out” (first single) was added to Rock and CHR radio format. The song is about losing our ambition, our passion and our way: “When the lights go out / The saints fall away / We find sweet the bitter taste that long ago seemed so strange”. Next, the pizzicato and acoustic guitars in “Taps”, take you through the steps of life on an unforgettable journey. Death is only the beginning, time is relative, and life is a passing moment: “As you lay me down in pastures of green / Keep me on my back stifle me / Hold me just a little longer until I fall asleep”. The savage “White Noise” is enhanced with powerful guitars and screams that lead you to a personal awakening: “I wont be your victim anymore / You know you had the sweetest lines / I played my part and wore my shame with pride / You always were the best in lies”. The sound is reminiscent of an early Emery or As Cities Burn. Previously released to radio, “Madeline” is inspired by a children’s story book, and talks about the reality mingled with emotion: “Say you’ll be there say this is true when the feeling is gone and the moment is over”. On the other hand we found “Once Removed”, that talks about cynicism as the last defense of a faithless. Solid guitar riffs, drums and hybrid resonant melodies that question us: “How do you feel tonight?”. Then we met “Fade”, a very personal song that talks about the grace, patience and pain: ““Fade your fading right before my eyes you disappeared”. The best song on the album is the delicate and confusing “Ghost”, that asks God for a renewal of mind, and takes forgiveness as the only way out for the ghosts of the past who live in our minds and hearts: “I’m a ghost and you know / I’m roaming through those walls / That you built long ago they keep you safe from harm / But I’ll be where you are, I won’t be very far”.

This album contains powerful indie rock tracks, as well as sweeping ballad with excellent vocal arrangements with similarities to Prince, and influences from Foo Fighterts, Jimmy Eat World, to the classic Coldplay, U2, Jeff Bluckley and of course, The Beatles. Now Sonnet To Sleep is currently in the studio recording his new album with producer Aaron Marsh (Copeland).

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Sonnet To Sleep no es simplemente indie rock. Aaron Rios (vocalista, guitarras) junto a Ben Mattox (batería) van mucho más allá de la música. Este autotitulado álbum nos habla sobre las luchas cotidianas con la angustia, el amor, la vida y el crecer en este mundo, trayendo esperanza con el mensaje de Jesucristo. Nos captura con un sonido limpio y moderno, con arreglos sencillos pero eficaces, guitarras impulsadoras, voces estremecedoras y un mensaje de redención en medio del fracaso. Producido por Matthew Malpass (Copeland, Relient K, Manchester Orchestra), alojado en SouthPawl Records y distribuido por Infinity Music Distribution.

Recientemente “Lights Out” (primer sencillo) ha sido agregado a radios de formato Rock y CHR. La canción trata sobre perder nuestras ambiciones, nuestras pasiones y nuestro camino: “When the lights go out / The saints fall away / We find sweet the bitter taste that long ago seemed so strange”. Seguidamente, los pizzicatos y guitarras acústicas en “Taps” te llevan a través de los pasos de la vida en un viaje inolvidable. La muerte es sólo el comienzo, el tiempo es relativo y la vida es un momento pasajero: “As you lay me down in pastures of green / Keep me on my back stifle me / Hold me just a little longer until I fall asleep”. La salvaje “White Noise” se realza con gritos y potentes guitarras que te inducen a un despertar personal: “I wont be your victim anymore / You know you had the sweetest lines / I played my part and wore my shame with pride / You always were the best in lies”. El sonido nos recuerda a un joven Emery o As Cities Burn. Anteriormente lanzada a la radio “Madeline” está inspirada en un libro de cuento para niños, y habla sobre la realidad mezclada con la emoción: “Say you’ll be there say this is true when the feeling is gone and the moment is over”. Por otro lado nos topamos con “Once Removed” que nos grafica el cinismo como la última defensa de una persona que ha perdido toda la fe. Sólidos riffs de guitarra, tambores resonantes y híbridas melodías que nos cuestionan: “How do you feel tonight?”. Luego nos encontramos a “Fade”, una canción muy personal que habla sobre la gracia, la paciencia y el dolor: “Fade your fading right before my eyes you disappeared”. La mejor canción del álbum es la delicada y confusa “Ghost”, que le pide a Dios una renovación de mente, y que toma el perdón como la única salida para los fantasmas del pasado que viven en nuestras mentes y corazón: “I’m a ghost and you know / I’m roaming through those walls / That you built long ago they keep you safe from harm / But I’ll be where you are, I won’t be very far”.

Éste álbum contiene potentes tracks de indie rock, además de arrasadoras baladas con excelentes arreglos vocales con semejanzas a Prince, e influencias desde Foo Fighterts, Jimmy Eat World hasta los clásicos Coldplay, U2, Jeff Bluckley y por supuesto The Beatles. Actualmente Sonnet To Sleep están en el estudio grabando su nuevo álbum con el productor Aaron Marsh (Copeland).

26 Feb 2010

VOTA - VOTA

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Artist: VOTA
Album: VOTA
Year: 2009
Label: INO Records
Website: http://votaband.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/votaband
Twitter: @votaband
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store
Sounds Like: John Mayer, Switchfoot, Phil Wickham, Mat Kearney, Van Halen, U2, Queen, Switchfoot, Muse, Maroon 5, Sanctus Real, Tree63
Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

For some, the word VOTA may sound somewhat unknown. I’ll give you a hint. They used to form a band called Casting Pearls, and now they decided to adopt a new sound and of course a new label. INO Records took care to accommodate these guys, while Nathan Dantzler (Tree63, Relient K, Audio Adrenaline, Edison Glass, Subseven, Kids In The Way) was the delegate to produce the self-titled debut called VOTA. Pop/Rock is striking about each track with seductive electric guitars and influences from Foo Fighters, Switchfoot to Maroon 5, Sanctus Real, Hawk Nelson and even Newsboys. This new experience has delighted thousands of fans through the vibrant and versatile voice of lead singer Bryan Olesen and the awesome power the band comes to capturing on every song.

The first single “Hard To Believe” combines the band’s rock sound with elements of dance/electronic and synthesizers. “The more I think about what I really have in Christ, I become more bold and excited about life” says Bryan in this song of thanksgiving and joy for having the Lord in our hearts. Monstrous melodies and aggressive guitar riffs reminiscent of Sanctus Real, Tree63 on the melodic aspect and also Switchfoot or Foo Fighters on the music arrangements: “It’s so hard to believe / You’re here with me now / Make me feel so alive / I’ve got to let it out”. At first “Be Mine” has the appearance of a weak song, but the first verse breaks that thought with a rhythm infected by aggressive pop. But then it becomes more acoustic and atmospheric, with tons of musical dynamism. This song speaks of experiencing the true love between husband and wife: “How did I live life before you took over my heart / Nothing in life I want more to be in your arms”. The incredible “Love’s Taken Over” is infected by techno/pop melodies reminiscent of Tait and obviously dcTalk, adding some rock touches to declare total dependence to God’s love: ““I found a better life in your arms / I’m movin’ on with a brand new start / Nothing can stop what’s started in my heart”. The third single from the album “Honestly” is one of the best tracks on the album, and living proof of the immense vocal talents of Bryan in a flawless splendid performance. A piano ballad that resembles “Incomplete” by Backstreet Boys, and reminds us to be sincere, honest with each other to share the good news. The most touching moment and energetic is the bridge: “Let the light escape from these holes inside my soul / When I start to break, then grace begins to flow / Let the light escape from this wounded place inside my soul”. The crunchy guitars on “Not Finished” resemble Audio Adrenaline or U2. The guitar work is impeccable, stunning, while we can hear God’s voice saying: ““When the world’s crashing down / And time and luck have all run out / Well, come what may / You’re still gonna hear me say / I’m not finished with you”. Next, we find “I’ll Go” (second single) sounds like Sanctus Real, but with more pace-rhythmic rock sound. This song gives our service to God, our soul and heart, promising to go where He sends us: “When the world is in my hands / And I go on my own again / I know you’re still with me / When I feel your love is gone / No strength to carry on / I know you’ll never leave me”. The band also explores soulful/pop and dance/rock with “Give It To Me”, which probably sound like Maroon 5 and Franz Ferdinand. Aggressive tunes that ask God for a sign to know he stills with us in the midst of the problems: ““Give it to me / Give me a sign / Give me something real I can’t deny / Feelin’ asleep, buried alive / Bring me to life”. Then we ran into the passionate “Free To Fail”, fourth and current single from the band, sharing the message to submit our lives to God and have the confidence in knowing that He has given us life and freedom to fail, get up and live for Hi. Simple pop, but with an honest look at Christian life in the 21st century: “You are the one who’s given me more than I could repay / You lived youre life so I could live mine”. On the other hand “Save Ourselves” leans Coldplay and admits the impotence and futility of man without God: “Oh I see them now / The memories surround our hearts forever bound / No one could break our vow / Then the rain came pouring down and now”. The disturbing violins in the mysterious “Bye Bye” hover around dance/pop similar to Article One and (once again) Maroon 5, and says goodbye to that person or defect that prevents our heart to be happy: “Bye bye / My heart’s gone off on its own / Heartbreak / From love that always slips away / What brings a change of heart / Is my heart really mine / Does it beat just to take me over / Can it be satisfied”. Another highlight ballad is “In My Heart”, a sort of The Afters feeling, with violin moments dotted with worship lyrics: “In my heart I hear you sing / A sweet melody, your promise to me / Near or far I’m where you are / I know you’ll never let me go”. With a sequenced atmosphere, pianos, loops and features of Angels & Airwaves, “Everyday Is The First Day” talks about new beginnings through hope and grace of God: “I am hurting / I can’t breathe, help me / For heaven caught you in a way / Every day is the first day”. Furthermore, “Our Time” encourages us to take action to impact our world and its needs, be the hands and feet of Christ: “Whose hands a road to peace in war? / Whose ears leave hurting cries ignored? / Whose eyes will judge by what they see? / And whose heart cares for its own need?”. These last 2 are bonus tracks from the special edition of the album, adding also 3 Casting Pearls past successes.

This is an excellent debut for those who are looking to experience an intense and profound spiritual teaching immersed in unforgettable and powerful songs. “We encourage our people to consider how they can make a positive change in this world, either help out or simply live a life of character, integrity”, share the band. I must admit that it had not much expectation in reviewing this album, but now that feeling has made my heart explode. I declare myself as a VOTA fan.

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Para algunos, la palabra VOTA les puede sonar algo desconocida. Les daré una pista. Ellos solían conformar una banda llamada Casting Pearls, y que ahora decidieron adoptar un nuevo sonido y por supuesto un nuevo sello discográfico. INO Records se encargó de alojar a estos muchachos, mientras que Nathan Dantzler (Tree63, Relient K, Audio Adrenaline, Edison Glass, Subseven, Kids In The Way) fue el delegado en producir el autotitulado álbum VOTA. Pop/Rock que sorprende en cada track con seductoras guitarras eléctricas e influencias desde Foo Fighters, Switchfoot hasta Maroon 5, Sanctus Real, Hawk Nelson e incluso Newsboys. Esta nueva experiencia ya ha encantado a miles de seguidores, a través de la vibrante y versátil voz del vocalista Bryan Olesen y la impresionante energía que la banda llega a capturar en cada canción.

El primer sencillo “Hard To Believe” combina el sonido rock de la banda con elementos de dance/electro y sintetizadores. “Cuanto más pienso en lo que realmente tengo en Cristo, me vuelvo más audaz y emocionado con la vida”, nos comenta Bryan en esta canción de agradecimiento y alegría por tener al Señor en nuestro corazón. Melodías monstruosas y riffs de guitarras agresivos que recuerdan a Tree63 y Sanctus Real en el aspecto melódico y a Switchfoot y Foo Fighters en el musical/arreglos: “It’s so hard to believe / You’re here with me now / Make me feel so alive / I’ve got to let it out”. En un principio “Be Mine” tiene la apariencia de ser una canción débil, sin embargo la estrofa rompe ese pensamiento con un ritmo infectado de un pop agresivo. Pero luego se transforma en algo más acústico y atmosférico, con toneladas de dinamismo musical. Esta canción nos habla de experimentar el verdadero amor entre marido y mujer: “How did I live life before you took over my heart / Nothing in life I want more to be in your arms”. La increíble “Love’s Taken Over” se contagia de techno/pop y de melodías que recuerdan a Tait y obviamente a dcTalk, agregándole algunos toques rockeros que declaran total dependencia al amor de Dios: “I found a better life in your arms / I’m movin’ on with a brand new start / Nothing can stop what’s started in my heart”. El tercer sencillo del álbum “Honestly” es uno de los mejores tracks del álbum, y la prueba viviente del inmenso talento vocal de Bryan en una performance impecable y espléndida. Una balada piano que se asemeja a “Incomplete” de Backstreet Boys, y que nos recuerda ser sinceros, honestos unos con otros al compartir las buenas nuevas. El momento más conmovedor y enérgico es el puente: “Let the light escape from these holes inside my soul / When I start to break, then grace begins to flow / Let the light escape from this wounded place inside my soul”. Las crujientes guitarras en “Not Finished” se asemejan a Audio Adrenaline o U2. El trabajo del guitarrista es irreprochable, deslumbrante, mientras que podemos oír la voz de Dios diciéndonos: “When the world’s crashing down / And time and luck have all run out / Well, come what may / You’re still gonna hear me say / I’m not finished with you”. Seguidamente, nos encontramos con “I’ll Go” (segundo sencillo) que suena como Sanctus Real, pero con un ritmo más rockero y acompasado. Este tema le entrega nuestro servicio a Dios, nuestra alma y corazón, prometiéndole ir a dónde Él nos mande: “When the world is in my hands / And I go on my own again / I know you’re still with me / When I feel your love is gone / No strength to carry on / I know you’ll never leave me”. La banda también explora el soulful/pop y en el dance rock con “Give It To Me”, que probablemente te suene a Maroon 5 o Franz Ferdinand. Agresivas melodías que le piden a dios una señal para saber que sigue con nosotros en medio de los problemas: “Give it to me / Give me a sign / Give me something real I can’t deny / Feelin’ asleep, buried alive / Bring me to life”. A continuación, nos topamos con la apasionada “Free To Fail”, cuarto y actual sencillo de la banda, compartiéndonos el mensaje de someter nuestras vidas a Dios y tener la seguridad en saber que Él nos ha dado la vida y la libertad para fracasar, volvernos a levantar y vivir para Él. Pop simple, pero con una mirada honesta a la vida cristiana en el siglo 21: “You are the one who’s given me more than I could repay / You lived youre life so I could live mine”. Por otro lado “Save Ourselves” se inclina hacia Coldplay y admite la impotencia e inutilidad del hombre sin Dios: “Oh I see them now / The memories surround our hearts forever bound / No one could break our vow / Then the rain came pouring down and now”. Los inquietantes violines en la misteriosa “Bye Bye” oscilan alrededor de dance/pop similar al de Article One y (una vez más) de Maroon 5, y le dice adiós a aquella persona o vicio que impide que nuestro corazón sea feliz: “Bye bye / My heart’s gone off on its own / Heartbreak / From love that always slips away / What brings a change of heart / Is my heart really mine / Does it beat just to take me over / Can it be satisfied”. Otra balada sobresaliente es “In My Heart”, con una especia de sentimiento The Afters, con momentos de violines salpicado de letras de adoración: “In my heart I hear you sing / A sweet melody, your promise to me / Near or far I’m where you are / I know you’ll never let me go”. Con una atmósfera secuenciada, pianos, loops y rasgos de Angels & Airwaves, “Everyday Is The First Day” habla sobre nuevos comienzos a través de la esperanza y la gracia de Dios: “I am hurting / I can’t breathe, help me / For heaven caught you in a way / Every day is the first day”. Por otro lado, “Our Time” nos anima a tomar acciones en nuestro impacto con el mundo y sus necesidades, ser las manos y pies de Cristo: “Whose hands a road to peace in war? / Whose ears leave hurting cries ignored? / Whose eyes will judge by what they see? / And whose heart cares for its own need?”. Estos 2 últimos son bonus tracks de la edición especial del álbum, agregando además 3 éxitos pasados de Casting Pearls.

Este es un excelente debut para aquellos que buscan experimentar una intensa y profunda enseñanza espiritual inmersa en inolvidables y poderosas canciones. “Queremos animar a nuestros a considerar cómo pueden hacer un cambio positivo en este mundo, ya sea por echar una mano o simplemente vivir una vida de carácter, integridad” nos comparte la banda. Tengo que confesar que no tenía mucha expectativa al reseñar este disco, pero ahora este sentimiento ha hecho explotar mi corazón. Me declaro un fan de VOTA.

16 Feb 2010

The Rocket Summer - Of Men And Angels

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Artist: The Rocket Summer
Album: Of Men And Angels
Year: 2010
Label: Island Records
Website: http://www.therocketsummer.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/therocketsummer
Twitter: @therocketsummer
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store

Bryce Avary continues with the success predicted some years ago with the release of their fourth album, “Of Men and Angels” coming out this February 23. With an incredible lyrical and spiritual vision, as well as his witty musical talent, this new album is as honest and genuine as his creator. Ironically, “You Gotta Believe – EP” was the first review posted on this blog, giving us as shown in a masterful work of art, keeping the energy, creativity and positivism of his previous projects. Co-produced by CJ Eiriksson, with the support of Island Records, the inspiration of “Of Men And Angels” is the perceived reality, in which “sometimes things are actually worse than they are supposed to be”.

A subtle acoustic guitar pervades our attention on “Roses”, with a booster beat on drums. It talks about broken hearts, mountains of fear, faith and screams in the chorus: “Keep holding on / Oh like God is holding on these roses”. Next, the fervent “You Gotta Believe” (first single) features splashes of emo/powerpop/punk with a message of security, hope and faith: “Whatever the cost, whatever I lost / Whatever I gained, whatever I fought / I knew I was tested, and I am the furthest / From what you think it is worth it”. The guitar riffs resound with the rush of drums and background vocals shouting: “You gotta believe”. The romantic story behind “Hills And Valleys”, accompanied by a charming piano and claps, tries to survive in times of shortage of love: “I wanna know / Just how sweet this tastes now / No, If at first I did not go / Through better times / Through better places / I’ll stay and learn, with new battles / But for now we’re here”. In search of a purpose to life, “I Want Something To Live For” encourages us to put aside our fears and find our motivations in love, something that our parents and we pride ourselves. “Walls” was released to CHR radio as the second official single from the album. The song touches on topics such as depression, and rapidly it becomes an anthem on the piano with babbling violins delivering the strength in following lines: “I’ll help you break the walls down / I’ll help you break the walls down / And bust you out / And take you home / Believe you me, you are not alone / I’ll help you break the walls down”. A total radio hit, and many memories to The Fray or Thriving Ivory. The ingenious “Pull Myself Together (Don’t Hate Me)” teaches us to accept the grace that God gives us, and learn through Him from our mistakes. It is the turn of titletrack “Of Men And Angels”, with perhaps more spiritual point of the entire album: “Here I am again Lord, tasting hints of fame and I don’t want it anymore if it’s not you that I gain”.  Phrases like these reflect the sincerity of the heart of Bryce: “The tongues of men and angels I speak but lack love, oh love will I stab you in the back”. The sticky “I Need a Break (But I’d Rather Have to Breakthrough)” remains the sound that we have previously heard with a fast beat, trading melodies and catchy phrases. However, “Nothing Matters” breaks this pattern, touching issues such as generosity and selflessness through a hymn that calls yours consciousness through spoken, and through the guitars and vocals. “Japanese Exchange Student” compares the life of a success artist due to the experience of a student in a foreign country. Traits of Relient K and The Summer Set. The melancholy “Tara, I’m Terrible” is supported with an acoustic sound, quiet evening. It is a sincere honesty to face a girl, somehow excusing the faults of a love poet. “Hey!” gets you out from your seat to the dance floor, or garden behind your house. Using a kind of ‘beatbox’ in the introduction, pianos and an unpredictable melody. Similarly, “Let Go” chooses to lighten the pulse of the metronome, without obscuring the rhythmic piano in a deep and fun song that aims to retain the love in our arms. The instrumental piano and guitar solve very well the intention and feeling of the track, and unexpectedly ends with some slight strings. “This Is Refuge” has a blues soul with a motivating and driving melody, which explodes in the chorus, saying: “This is a refuge / This is hope”. Finally “Light” follows a masterly outcome, to give God control amid despair and rejoice in the pain: “Save me / ‘Cause I need it / And I can’t help but feel desperate / My desires, they seem / Were coming to their endings / But I will trust it’s not the end / But a great beginning”.

It has been proven one hundred percent; The Rocket Summer has been created and designed for success. This talented singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has discovered the appropriate hooks to achieve the wonder “Of Men And Angels”. In an interview, Bryce commented: “I wanted to do a genuine and honest album, written from my heart and personal experiences that are both lyrically and musically the best thing I’ve done and that hopefully will be an album that can move and affect people. I am grateful and I want to do this for the right reasons”.

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Bryce Avary prosigue con el éxito profetizado hace algunos años con el lanzamiento de su cuarto álbum “Of Men And Angels” próximo a salir este 23 de febrero. Con una increíble visión lírica y espiritual, además de su ingenioso talento musical, éste nuevo disco es tan honesto y genuino como su creador. Irónicamente, “You Gotta Believe – EP” fue la primera reseña posteada en este blog, dándonos como muestra una magistral obra de arte, manteniendo la energía, creatividad y positivismo de sus anteriores proyectos. Co-producido por CJ Eiriksson y con el apoyo de Island Records, la inspiración de “Of Men And Angels” representa la realidad percibida, en la que “a veces las cosas son en realidad peor de lo que supuestamente son”.

Una sutil guitarra acústica invade nuestra atención en “Roses”, con un impulsador beat en la percusión. Habla sobre corazones rotos, montañas de temor, fe y grita en el coro: “Keep holding on / Oh like God is holding on these roses”. Seguidamente, la ferviente “You Gotta Believe” (primer sencillo) salpica rasgos de emo/power y pop/punk con un mensaje de seguridad, esperanza y fe: “Whatever the cost, whatever I lost / Whatever I gained, whatever I fought / I knew I was tested, and I am the furthest / From what you think it is worth it”. Los riffs de guitarra retumban con la apresurada batería y los coros de fondo gritando: “You gotta believe”. La romántica historia detrás de “Hills And Valleys”, se acompaña de un coqueto piano y palmadas, que intentan sobrevivir en las épocas de escasez de amor: “I wanna know / Just how sweet this tastes now / No, If at first I did not go / Through better times / Through better places / I’ll stay and learn, with new battles / But for now we’re here”. En la búsqueda de un propósito para la vida, “I Want Something To Live For” nos anima a dejar a un lado nuestros miedos y encontrar nuestras motivaciones en al amor, algo de lo cual nuestros padres y nosotros mismos estemos orgullosos. “Walls” fue lanzado a las radios de formato CHR como el segundo sencillo oficial del álbum. La canción toca temas como la depresión, se convierte rápidamente en un himno al piano con balbucientes violines que entregan la fortaleza en las siguientes líneas: “I’ll help you break the walls down / I’ll help you break the walls down / And bust you out / And take you home / Believe you me, you are not alone / I’ll help you break the walls down”. Todo un éxito de radio, y muchas remembranzas a The Fray o Thriving Ivory. La ingeniosa “Pull Myself Together (Don’t Hate Me)” nos enseña a aceptar la gracias que Dios nos regala, y por medio de Él aprender de nuestros errores. Es el turno del titletrack “Of Men And Angels”, con tal vez la letra más espiritual de todo el álbum: “Here I am again Lord, tasting hints of fame and I don’t want it anymore if it’s not you that I gain”.  Frases como estas reflejan la sinceridad del corazón de de Bryce: “The tongues of men and angels I speak but lack love, oh love will I stab you in the back”. La pegajosa “I Need a Break (But I’d Rather Have a Breakthrough)” se mantiene en el registro que anteriormente hemos oído, con un acelerado beat, melodías comerciales y frases pegajosas. Sin embargo, “Nothing Matters” rompe dicho esquema, al tocar temas como la generosidad y el desinterés a través de un himno que te llama a conciencia en aquel intermedio hablado, y mediante las guitarras y coros. “Japanese Exchange Student” compara la vida de un artista rumbo a la fama con la experiencia de un estudiante en un país extranjero. Rasgos de Relient K y The Summer Set. La melancólica “Tara, I’m Terrible” se respalda en un sonido acústico, tranquilo, vespertino. Es una sincera cara de honestidad hacia una muchacha, excusando de alguna forma los defectos de un enamorado poeta. “Hey!” te saca de tu asiento hacia la pista de baile, o al jardín detrás de tu casa. Empleando una especie de ‘beatbox’ en la introducción, pianos, una melodía impredecible. Del mismo modo, “Let Go” opta por aligerar el pulso del metrónomo, sin opacar los rítmicos pianos en una profunda y divertida canción que pretende retener el amor en nuestros brazos. El instrumental de piano y guitarra, solucionan muy bien la intención y sentimiento del track, e inesperadamente se culmina con unos ligeros violines. “This Is Refuge” tiene un alma blues, con una melodía motivadora e impulsadora, que estalla en el coro al decir: “This is a refuge / This is hope”. Finalmente “Light” desprende un magistral desenlace, al entregarle el control a Dios en medio de la desesperanza y regocijarnos en el dolor.: “Save me / ‘Cause I need it / And I can’t help but feel desperate / My desires, they seem / Were coming to their endings / But I will trust it’s not the end / But a great beginning”.

Está comprobado al cien por ciento, que The Rocket Summer ha sido creado y destinado para el éxito. Éste talentoso cantante, compositor y  multi-instrumentista ha descubierto los ganchos adecuados para lograr la armonía de “Of Men And Angels”. En una entrevista, Bryce comentó lo siguiente: “Quería hacer un álbum de canciones genuinas y honestas escritas desde mi corazón y de las experiencias personales que son tanto lírica como musicalmente lo mejor que hecho, y que será un álbum que ojalá, pueda mover y afectar a la gente. Estoy agradecido de hacer esto y quiero hacerlo por las razones correctas”.

Israel Risco
Rating-Calificación: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

8 Feb 2010

Living Anthem - Living Anthem

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Artist: Living Anthem
Album: Living Anthem
Year: 2009
Label: Living Anthem
Website: http://www.myspace.com/livinganthem
Buy: iTunes - Amazon

Providing hope and inspiration to all ages through an attractive contemporary worship that touches the very heart of God. This quintet known as Living Anthem, formed by Matt Seagle (vocals), Lucas Budde (vocals, keyboards), Matt Rawlins (drums), Cory Estes (lead guitar) and Toby Holloman (bass) recently signed with 2:20 Entertainment Group, which also works with Group 1 Crew and Chris And Conrad. They are currently working on a new album, and the first look is the single “How Beautiful The Cross” part of the 6 songs EP available in the spring, but in this duly, we reviewed their self-titled ‘Living Anthem’.

“March Ahead” starts with Matt’s voice hawking energy and the decision we have taken to lift the name of God on earth: “Though we’re broken and we’re bleeding / No, we won’t be defeated / We will rise up from the ashes / and we’ll preach it to the masses / that you are God”. Notable influences of Delirious? in the guitar riff and Daughtry details at vocals work. Based on the history of Israel in Exodus, “40 Years” seeks for the Promised Land in the desert: “Forty years is far too long / A two week trip that just went wrong / This old town is far to small to hold my destiny”. Elec pianos with slightly distorted electric guitars, accompanied by harmonies in the chorus. We find hints of Chris Tomlin and powerful guitars on “Waking Up”, a song of revival that has an interlude very similar to U2’ songs that cries: “Come and breathe new life in us”. The sublime “Song Of The Reedemed” is an shameless song of worship, with each breath gives honor to God: “I see angels bow and proclaim / They raise their hands and say / Holy is the Lamb of God / Holy is your name “, with a melody similar to some Creed song, but adding sweet violins and a simple but powerful lyric that increases at the rise of tonality. The impulsive “Mystery” plays with synths and sounding guitars that praise the mystery of God’s grace: “You are beautiful / You are wonderful / Your love is all I need / You are marvelous / Oh so Glorious / Your love’s a mystery”. With similarities to Skillet, the honest “Reach” calls for the intervention of God to give us an eternal purpose for our lives: “Show me love I’ve never known / Tell me I’m not alone / Please take this broken heart / Cause I don’t know where to start”.  In a 6/8 beat, “Your Love” reflects our passion for scream to the world the name of Jesus, a desire that burns in our hearts: “I’m always surrounded by madness / I sometimes do not know what to do / But when you see my faith is shaken / Your love always carries me through”. With strong guitars, “My Hope” expresses God’s love, hope and the change he has done in our lives: “I want you so bad / I can taste it / I need you so much / I can’t replace you / I’m out of sight / And out of mind / But I want you to know / Jesus you are my hope / You are my hope”. Many times before falling asleep we have something in our chests that tries to kill us, there when the fight against the flesh seems almost lost, “No Regrets” meditates on God’s faithfulness: “Before the sun goes down / There’s no one else around / Leave no words unsaid / Cause your never promised / Your next breath / No regrets”. The Bible says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1) and “I Believe”, our security in God is strengthened: “Some people say you cannot believe in what you cannot see / But one day they will see his face / When they fall to their knees and sing”. Finally, “Hold Me” shudders with rhodes and a faltering cello, with a confession of dependence on our Creator. Being in his presence, you get lost in his eyes, and there’s no star in the sky that can compare to his beauty: “You came to earth / underneath your star lit sky / You know my hurt / It’s the reason that you died / And they say that I can’t stand / I’m on my own / But I know that you’re on the thrown / I’m not alone”.

Shaking our hearts with every hymns/songs, Living Anthem requires us to be prepared for an incredible album of contemporary worship, and even the lead singer of Family Force 5 (aka Soul Glow Activator) says: “Living Anthem is refreshingly good and the have a heart of worship”.

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Brindando esperanza e inspiración a todas las edades a través de una atrayente adoración contemporánea que toca el profundo corazón de Dios. Este quinteto mejor conocido como Living Anthem, formado por Matt Seagle (vocalista), Lucas Budde (voces, teclados), Matt Rawlins (batería), Cory Estes (primera guitarra) y Toby Holloman (bajo) recientemente han firmado con 2:20 Entertainment Group, que también trabaja con Group 1 Crew y Chris And Conrad. Actualmente se encuentran trabajando en un nuevo álbum, y el primer vistazo es el sencillo “How Beautiful The Cross” parte del EP de 6 canciones disponible en la primavera del 2010; pero en esta oportunidad reseñaremos su autotitulado ‘Living Anthem’.

“March Ahead” arranca con la voz de Matt pregonando energía y la decisión que hemos tomado al levantar el nombre de Dios sobre la tierra: “Though we’re broken and we’re bleeding / No, we won’t be defeated / We will rise up from the ashes / and we’ll preach it to the masses / that you are God”. Notables influencias de Delirious? en el riff de guitarras y detalles de Daughtry en cuanto a lo vocal. Basado en la historia del pueblo de Israel en Éxodo, “40 Years” busca la tierra prometida en medio del desierto: “Forty years is far too long / A two week trip that just went wrong / This old town is far to small to hold my destiny”. Pianos eléctricos con guitarras levemente distorsionadas, acompañadas de armonías en el coro. Hallamos toques de Chris Tomlin y potentes guitarras en “Waking Up”, un canto de avivamiento que posee un intermedio muy a lo U2 que pide a gritos: “Come and breathe new life in us”. La sublime “Song Of The Reedemed”, es un desvergonzado canto de adoración, que con cada respiro ofrece honor a Dios: “I see angels bow and proclaim / They raise their hands and say / Holy is the lamb of God / Holy is your name”, con una melodía similar a alguna canción de Creed, pero agregándole dulces violines y una lírica simple pero poderosa que se incrementa al subir de tonalidad. La impulsadora “Mystery” juguetea con sintetizadores y retumbantes guitarras que alaban el misterio de la gracia de Dios: “You are beautiful / You are wonderful / Your love is all i need / You are marvelous / Oh so Glorious / Your love’s a mystery”. Con semejanzas a Skillet, la honesta “Reach” pide la intervención de Dios para darnos un propósito eterno para nuestras vidas: “Show me love I’ve never known / Tell me I’m not alone / Please take this broken heart / cause I don’t know where to start”. En un compás de 6/8, “Your Love” refleja nuestra desesperada pasión por gritarle al mundo el nombre de Jesús, un deseo que quema en nuestros corazones: “I’m always surrounded by madness / I sometimes don’t know what to do / But when you see my faith is shaken / Your love always carries me through”. Con enérgicas guitarras, “My Hope” expresa el amor de Dios, su esperanza y el cambio que ha hecho en nuestras vidas: “I want you so bad / I can taste it / I need you so much / I can’t replace you / I’m out of sight / And out of mind / But I want you to know / Jesus you are my hope / You are my hope”. Muchas veces antes de dormir tenemos algo en nuestros pechos que intenta matarnos, allí cuando la lucha contra la carne parece casi perdida, “No Regrets” medita sobre la fidelidad de Dios: “Before the sun goes down / There’s no one else around / Leave no words unsaid / Cause your never promised / Your next breath / No regrets”. La biblia dice que la fe es la certeza de lo que se espera, la convicción de lo que no se ve (Hebreos 11:1) y con “I Believe”, nuestra seguridad en Dios se fortalece: “Some people say you cant believe in what you cannot see / But one day they will see his face / When they fall to their knees and sing”. Finalmente, “Hold Me” estremece con rhodes y un balbuciente cello, es una confesión de dependencia a nuestro creador. Al estar en su presencian os perdemos en su mirada, y no hay estrella en el cielo que se compare a su hermosura: “You came to earth / underneath your star lit sky / You know my hurt / It’s the reason that you died / And they say that I cant stand / I’m on my own / But I know that your on the thrown / I’m not alone”.

Estremeciendo nuestros corazones con cada uno de sus himnos/canciones, Living Anthem nos obliga a estar preparados para un increíble álbum de adoración contemporánea, e incluso el vocalista de Family Force 5 (más conocido como Soul Glow Activator) comenta: “Living Anthem es refrescantemente bueno, y tiene un corazón hecho para adorar”.

Israel Risco
Rating-Calificación: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

5 Feb 2010

TobyMac - Tonight

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Artist: TobyMac
Album: Tonight
Year: 2010
Label: Forefront Records/EMI CMG
Website: http://www.myspace.com/tobymac
Buy: iTunes - Amazon

‘Tonight’ continues TobyMac’s legend, through the fourth album with a wonderful blend of rock, pop, urban and hip hop sounds and styles that have placed the first single “City On Our Kness” as #1 on Billboard . The album was produced by the same TobyMac along with help from Chris Stevens (Portable Sounds), Jamie Moore (Ayiesha Wood, Stephanie Smith) and Dave Wyatt (aka “D-dub) and the result of over two years of musical composition and lyric is delusional.

We start with the titletrack album “Tonight”, featuring John Cooper of Skillet. A fierce guitar breaks into the home, with a dance beat that recalls Michael Sembello and his frenetic “Maniac”, all joined in a hymn of hearts revolutionaries who seek their promised land: “We wanna rise / We wanna touch the other side / We wanna soar / We wanna reach right out for more”. It could not miss the classic CHR sound which flirts with pop and rap, as in “Get Back Up” which reminds us that it is never too late to start over, and that the love of Jesus has always been calling us back: “This is love callin’, love callin’ / Out to the broken this is love callin’ / I am so broken / This is love callin’, love callin’”. Then we have the sparkling “Funky Jesus Music” with the appearance of Beckah Shae and Siti Monroe. The infectious rhythm is adorned with trumpets and vocal effects fusing with a roaring electro/pop that identifies the freak side of the project. “City On Our Knees” is really about a moment. A moment that we all come together to a place where there’s no judgment, but really love. And we choose to recognize one God together. And it’s really a reminder that that moment could be right now, tonight. And in that moment judgment falls by the wayside, we choose to step across the line, whatever side we’re on. Love fills in the cracks and makes up the difference. The song has been nominated for a Grammy award as the best gospel song, and the reasons are obvious: “Tonight’s the night / For the sinners and the saints / Two worlds collide in a beautiful display / It’s all love tonight / When we step across the line / We can sail across the sea to a city with one King / A city on our knees”. Furthermore, “Showstopper” reminds us the beginnings of Toby as a soloist, with powerful guitars, a creative and fun rap that combines perfectly with a strong progressive rock. This song must be brutal on live, savage. The transparent “Changed Forever” reflects the desire to see the face of God and be changed forever, said melodiously by Nirva Ready at the R&B with traces of spicy Soul/Pop chorus: “Then I saw your face / Just a glimpse of Your face, and my whole world changed / I was changed forever / it’s a whole new game”. Positive and push it lyric of “Hold On” is surprisingly, dedicated to a girl in a weary world of confusion: “Wake up to the rising sun / Thank the Lord for the things He’s done / Lift your eyes to the hope that’s ever true / Wanna see you smiling girl / You’re a light in this jaded world / Wipe away those tears / This one’s for you”, culminating with fascinating synth fading giving way to another inevitable performance. “Loud n Clear (TruDog 10)” is a hilarious intermediate by the Toby’s 10 years son. Very creative and funny. “Hey Devil” is captivating. With scraps of Family Force 5 and Neon Horse, shows us a versatile and amazing vocal evolution of Toby. While each sentence pulls away all the junk that the devil has tried to put in our hearts: “You’re a beauty and A beast / You’re the pressure never cease / You’re the straight other side / And they say you never sleep”. Caricature pianos are at “Wonderin’” with the participation of Matt Thiessen vocalist of Relient K, which gives the relaxing touch that requires this kind of songs. Simple and superb lyric: “We didn’t know what to do / But you were lookin’ at me, and I was lookin’ at you / And we were thinkin’ it odd, but we were thankin’ our God / For the hope that He put down deep in our hearts”. Proclaiming dependence on God, “Captured” with phrases that seem pulled from a passionate psalm of the Bible, a thousand voices screaming to be closer to God, to be captured by his love, that flows His grace in our veins. A paragraph that has me perplexed: “If I should die before I wake / I pray the Lord my soul to take / And if I should get a peaceful sleep / I wanna wake at my Father’s feet”. The album gets personal with “Start Somewhere”, which demonstrates the hectic life of a young man who now realizes his actions, and apologizes to God and all those who hurt one day: “But here I am, and there you are / The space between us is not so far / I’m reaching out my hand in love / Before the fading sun, forgive me for what I’ve done”. Trumpets, scratched vinyl, an unforgettable rhythm. Suddenly, Israel Houghton appears on stage with “Break Open The Sky”, giving the reggae feeling that the project lacked: “Break open the sky / Won’t You turn off gravity so we can fly? / We wanna see Your face / So tear the roof off this place / Jesus, break open the sky”, heralding the second coming of Christ and his church revival.

TobyMac’s versatility is endless, is renewed in time, is gaining consistency on each album and the result is seen in ‘Tonight’. “I try to write songs that take a snapshot of what I’m living, things that I struggle with whether my relationship with God or with my friends”, confides a veteran. “This is not to put a rainbow in what we feel”. Part of the promotion by offering only the best variety to your audience, ‘Tonight’ will be available this February 9 in physical and digital formats also include bonus remixes and a behind the scenes video. What a good start this year and there’s more to come.

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‘Tonight’ continúa la leyenda de TobyMac, a través del cuarto álbum con una maravillosa mezcla de sonidos y estilos rock, pop, urban y hip hop que han ubicado al primer sencillo “City On Our Kness” como la #1 en la revista Billboard. El álbum fue producido por el mismo TobyMac con la ayuda de Chris Stevens (Portable Sounds), Jamie Moore (Ayiesha Smith, Stephanie Woods) y Dave Wyatt (a.k.a. “D-dub) y el resultado de más de dos años de composición musical y lírica es delirante.

Empezamos con el track que le da nombre al álbum “Tonight”, con la participación de John Cooper de Skillet. Una feroz guitarra irrumpe al inicio, con un dance beat que recuerda a Michael Sembello en su frenética “Maniac”, todo sumado en un himno de corazones revolucionarios que buscan su tierra prometida: “We wanna rise / We wanna touch the other side / We wanna soar / We wanna reach right out for more”. No podía faltar el clásico sonido CHR que coquetea con el pop y el rap, como en “Get Back Up” que nos recuerda que nunca es tarde para volver a empezar, ya que el amor de Jesús siempre ha estado llamándonos de regreso: “This is love callin’, love callin’ / Out to the broken this is love callin’ / I am so broken / This is love callin,’ love callin’”. Seguidamente nos encontramos con la chispeante “Funky Jesus Music“ con la aparición de Beckah Shae y Siti Monroe. El contagioso ritmo es adornado con trompetas y efectos vocales que se fusionan con un rugiente electro/pop que identifica el lado freak del proyecto. “City On Our Knees es acerca de un momento”, dice Toby. “Un momento en el que todos nos juntamos en un lugar donde no hay juicio, sino amor real. Y en dónde elegimos juntos  reconocer a un solo Dios. Y es realmente un recordatorio de que ese momento podría ser ahora, esta noche. Y en ese momento el juicio cae fuera del camino, optamos dar un paso a través de la línea, desde cualquier lado en que nos encontramos. El amor llena las grietas y hace la diferencia”. La canción ha sido nominada al Grammy por mejor canción góspel, las razones son más que obvias: “Tonight’s the night / For the sinners and the saints / Two worlds collide in a beautiful display / It’s all love tonight / When we step across the line / We can sail across the sea to a city with one King / A city on our knees”. Por otro lado, “Showstopper” nos hace recordar los inicios de Toby como solista, con potente guitarras, un creativo y divertido rap que se combina a la perfección con un enérgico rock progresivo. Esta canción en vivo debe ser bestial, salvaje. La transparente “Changed Forever” refleja el anhelo por ver el rostro de Dios y ser cambiados para siempre, declarado melodiosamente por Nirva Ready en el coro R&B con rasgos de picante Soul/Pop: “Then I saw Your face / Just a glimpse of Your face, and my whole world changed / I was changed forever /  it’s a whole new game”. La impulsadora y positiva lírica de “Hold On” es sorprendente, dedicada a una muchacha en un agotado mundo de confusión: “Wake up to the rising sun / Thank the Lord for the things He’s done / Lift your eyes to the hope that’s ever true / Wanna see you smiling girl / You’re a light in this jaded world / Wipe away those tears / This one’s for you”, culminando con fascinantes sintetizadores que se desvanecen dando paso a otra infaltable performance. “Loud n Clear (TruDog 10)” es ese hilarante intermedio a cargo del hijo mayor de Toby. Muy creativo y gracioso. “Hey Devil” es cautivante. Con retazos de Family Force 5 y Neon Horse, nos muestra una versátil y sorprendente evolución vocal de parte de Toby. Mientras que cada frase desecha toda la basura que el diablo ha intentado meter en nuestros corazones: “You’re a beauty and A beast / You’re the pressure never cease / You’re the straight other side / And they say you never sleep”. Pianos de caricatura encontramos en ”Wonderin’” con la participación de Matt Thiessen vocalista de Relient K, que le entrega el toque relajante que exige este tipo de canciones. Simple y magnífica lírica: “We didn’t know what to do / But you were lookin’ at me, and I was lookin’ at you / And we were thinkin’ it odd, but we were thankin’ our God / For the hope that He put down deep in our hearts”. Pregonando dependencia a Dios, “Captured” con frases que parecen sacados de un apasionado salmo de la biblia, que grita a mil voces estar más cerca de Dios, ser capturados por su amor, que de nuestras venas fluya su gracia. Un párrafo que me ha dejado perplejo: “If I should die before I wake / I pray the Lord my soul to take / And if I should get a peaceful sleep / I wanna wake at my Father’s feet”. El álbum se torna personal con “Start Somewhere”, que demuestra la vida agitada de un joven que hoy toma conciencia de sus acciones, y le pide perdón a Dios y a todas aquellas personas que un día dañó: “But here I am, and there you are / The space between us is not so far / I’m reaching out my hand in love / Before the fading sun, forgive me for what I’ve done”. Trompetas, vinilos rayados, un ritmo inolvidable. De pronto, Israel Houghton aparece en el escenario con “Break Open The Sky” dándole el sentimiento reggae que le faltaba al proyecto: “Break open the sky / Won’t You turn off gravity so we can fly? / We wanna see Your face / So tear the roof off this place / Jesus, break open the sky”, que anuncia la segunda venida de Cristo y el avivamiento de su iglesia.

La versatilidad de TobyMac es inagotable, se renueva con el tiempo, va adquiriendo consistencia en cada álbum y el resultado lo vemos en ‘Tonight’. “Intento escribir canciones que tomen una foto instantánea de lo que estoy viviendo, las cosas con la que lucho, ya sea mi relación con Dios o con mis amigos”, nos confiesa el veterano. “No se trata de poner un arco iris en lo que sentimos”. Parte de la promoción al ofrecer sólo la mejor variedad a su audiencia, “Tonight” estará disponible este 9 de febrero en formatos físico y digital, además de incluir bonus remixes y un video detrás de cámara. Que buen comienzo de año, y aún hay más.

Israel Risco
Rating-Calificación: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥

29 Jan 2010

Planet Of The Stereos - Before The Storm : The Acoustic EP

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Artist: Planet Of The Stereos
Album: Before The Storm : The Acoustic EP
Year: 2009
Label: Planet Of The Stereos/Byrneside Management
Website: http://www.myspace.com/planetofthestereos
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - emusic

It is impossible to deny that australian bands have a very particular, creative and above all dangerous sound. Planet of the Stereos is not the exception. Shaped by Chris Collins (vocals, guitar), Mitch Serena (piano), Daniel Hunt (drums), Joel Geering (bass) and Marcüs Beaumont (guitar). In anticipation of a future album, the band released ‘Before The Storm: The Acoustic EP’ produced by Craig Porteils (Cher, Ozzy Osbourne) and recorded by Mike Shipley (Queen, My Chemical Romance, Maroon 5), including love songs and personal experiences.

“Pleased To Meet You” is the official single of the EP, and is a song that expresses the infinite feelings we have at falling in love: “Like sun in ran, my life you came / So pleased to meet you / It’s nice to see some love in someone’s eyes / I so want to be you / I can’t escape the love inside your eyes”. Perfectly accompanied by acoustic guitars and rhodes that gives more delight to the track. “This Moment” continues to provide love phrases, but this time it may take two meanings, for a girl or to God: “It’s so crazy / You are a song I want to sing / I can feel it / Can you feel it too? / In this moment I’m just for you”, with a captivating organ, a wonderful piano and a fast guitar riff. Many times we are with the wrong person, who robs us of our dreams, who off our aspirations. “Must Be Dreaming” is a confession about escape from that which doesn’t allow us to dream.  “Cinderella” is the story of a girl who is tired of being used, and not being respected. Now she decided to value her heart, no matter if people watch her wrong. Very inspiring.

Planet of the Stereos is fascinating, commercial and positive, so we’re looking ahead to a future project full of innovation, guitars and interesting arrangements.

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Es imposible negar que las bandas australianas tienen un sonido muy particular, creativo y sobre todo peligroso. Planet Of The Stereos no es la excepción. Conformado por Chris Collins (vocalista, guitarra), Mitch Serena (pianos), Daniel Hunt (batería), Joel Geering (bajo) y Marcüs Beaumont (guitarra). Como adelanto de un futuro álbum, la banda lanzó ‘Before The Storm : The Acoustic EP’ producido por Craig Porteils (Cher, Ozzy Osbourne) y grabado por Mike Shipley (Queen, My Chemical Romance, Maroon 5), incluyendo canciones de amor y experiencias personales.

“Pleased To Meet You” es el sencillo oficial del EP, y es una canción que expresa los infinitos sentimientos que tenemos al enamorarnos: “Like sun in ran, my life you came / So pleased to meet you / It’s nice to see some love in someone’s eyes / I so want to be you /  I can’t escape the love inside your eyes”. Perfectamente acompañado por guitarras acústicas y un rhodes que le entrega un mayor deleite al track. “This Moment” continúa entregándonos frases de amor, pero esta vez puede tomar dos significados; para una chica o para Dios: “It’s so crazy / You are a song I want to sing / I can feel it / Can you feel it too? / In this momento I’m just for you”, con un cautivante órgano, un acelerado piano y un riff de guitarra maravilloso. Muchas veces estamos con la persona equivocada, y nos roba nuestros sueños, apaga nuestras aspiraciones. “Must Be Dreaming” es una confesión sobre escapar de aquello que no nos deja soñar. “Cinderella” es el relato de una muchacha que está harta de ser usada, y de que no la respeten. Ahora ella tomó la decisión de valorar su corazón, sin importar que la gente la vea mal. Muy inspiradora.

Planet Of The Stereos es fascinante, comercial y positivo; así  que estemos atentos a un futuro proyecto colmado de innovación, guitarras y arreglos interesantes.

Israel Risco
Rating-Calificación: 3/5 ♥♥♥

27 Jan 2010

Thousand Foot Krutch - Welcome To The Masquerade

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Artist: Thousand Foot Krutch
Album: Welcome To The Masquerade
Year: 2009
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Website: http://www.myspace.com/thousandfootkrutch
Buy: iTunes - Amazon - Official Store

Once again the trio formed by Trevor McNevan (vocals, guitars), Joel Bruyere (bass, vocals) and Steve Augustine (drums), called Thousand Foot Krutch is willing to tear down our speakers with its roaring sound. The band has managed to win a remarkable respect in the secular and christian markets, thanks to his honest and shameless lyrics full of spirituality and hard rock. “The inspiration for the album comes from people who hide things in their lives” says Trevor, “masking their lives, hiding their frustrations”. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle (The Almost, Anberlin, Demon Hunter) and mixed by Randy Staub (Nickelback, Metallica), Canadians snatched attention from our minds and hearts to a level of awareness and hope through his fifth project entitled ‘Welcome To The Masquerade’.

The album opens with “The Invitation” with an atmosphere of epic poem starring by a screaming guitar that gradually grows and becomes adding successful drums and keyboards. Synchronously “Welcome To The Masquerade” resounds with impressive guitar riff and a message outlining the purpose of the album: “I’m not afraid, I’m not ashamed / I’m not to blame / I’m not ok / Welcome to the masquerade”. The aggressive “Fire It Up” (third single) hit you with heavy guitars and provocative voices yells: “I’m in love, with the feelin’ of pressure to the ceilin’ / Wake up with my intention to face opposition / Get raw, when it’s time to lay it on the line / To the wall’s where we’re takin’ it / Let your light shine, somebody fire it up”. This irresistible and vigorous song has been included in the trailer for GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra, as well in several video games. With an odd piano and powerful guitar riffs similar to Disturbed, “Bring Me To Life” (first single) is a song with a desperate intent that laments the pain and unhappiness that the enemy injected into our hearts. But we shouted: “Just, shut it! If you’re talkin’ to me / I’m sick and tired of all your lies / And what you want me to be”, then desperately asks God:” Bring me to life, breathe air into me / It’s taken me my whole life to do / All the things I’ve never seen / Bring me to life, breathe air into me / Take me from the darkness that I’ve been in / ‘Cause I just want to be free “. Another dose of adrenaline comes with “E For Extinction”, which starts slow but then flooded with innovative and uncontrollable screaming guitars contrasted with a lyric that talks about freedom, insecurity and a need for transformation. The sweet melody of the verse is broken in a ferocious performance in the choir with Seether and Korn influences: “When We Move / We camouflage ourselves / We stand in the shadows waiting / We live for this and nothing more / We are what you created”. Leaning over a similar sound to FM Static or Skillet, we find “Watching Over Me” that recognizes the presence of God who cares for our welfare in the midst of adversity: “I know you’re out there / And I know you care / ‘Cause I feel you watching like an angel over me” and ends with a spectacular symphony of violins. With an accelerated ’80s synthesizer, “The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me)” shows us a beautiful performance by Trevor, and is the cry of a boy who longs to change his loving lifestyle, already tired of harm their loved ones and raise cries out: “No! Stay away from me / Get up! I’m trying’ to walk away / It just will not let up!”. The portrait of a person whose crisis is like a mask that does not want to use more, we find in “Scream”. But then comes a flash of promise, saying: “I’d give everything I am just to feel something”. Trevor shows us once again that his repertoire is filled with spiritual wealth. As in “Look Away”, a song which combines feelings of hopelessness and spiritual thirst in the reality of suicide, with acoustic brilliance, pure falsetto and inspiration: “I will not look away this time / Take all these cuts, and make them shine / And all this pain I’ve held inside / So I can find my way home again / I will not look away this time / Take cuts all these, and make them shine / Don’t want to be perfect, just alright”. Similarly, “Forward Motion” (second single) with condiments featuring pop guitars and upbeat pianos, encourages us to put aside our differences and work to achieve our main goal, to lead people to Christ’s feet. “Outta Control” and “Smack Down”, both are perfect examples of the versatility and creativity of the band. With messages of anguish and new beginnings rock influenced by the ’80s, but is a sound tha has been heard before in “Phenomenon”. Finally, “Already Home” is tempered with violins, acoustic guitars and sweet vocals. The message of this song is about God’s spiritual thirst, on new opportunities and worship: “The trouble with truth is it never lies / and the trouble with wrong that it’s never right / so I rest my head under your light”.

In each consecutive album you can clearly hear the growth and maturity of Trevor and Thousand Foot Krutch, and ‘Welcome To The Masquerade’ has too many reasons to be a potential classic. They are back to snatch and deepen youth carriers need to change, and some may not agree with me, but this could be the best album of their career.

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Una vez más el trío conformado por Trevor McNevan (vocalista, guitarras), Joel Bruyere (bajo, voces) y Steve Augustine (batería),  llamado Thousand Foot Krutch está dispuesto a derrumbar nuestros parlantes con su rugiente sonido. La banda se ha sabido ganar un respeto notable en el mercado secular y cristiano, gracias a su honesta e impúdica lírica colmada de espiritualidad y hard rock. “La inspiración del álbum viene de aquellas personas que esconden cosas en su vida” declara Trevor, “enmascarando su vida, escondiendo sus frustraciones”. Producido Aaron Sprinkle (The Almost, Anberlin, Demon Hunter) y mezclado por Randy Staub (Nickelback, Metallica), los canadienses arrebatan la atención de nuestras mentes y corazones hacia un nivel de conciencia y esperanza a través de su quinto proyecto titulado “Welcome To The Masquerade”.

El álbum se abre con “The Invitation”, con una atmósfera de poema épico protagonizado por una aullante guitarra que poco a poco crece y se le agregan acertados bombos y teclados. Sincronizadamente “Welcome To The Masquerade” retumba con un riff de guitarra impresionante y un mensaje que resume el propósito del disco: “I’m not afraid, I’m not ashamed / I’m not to blame / I’m not ok / Welcome to the masquerade”. El agresivo “Fire It Up” (tercer sencillo) te golpea con fuertes voces y provocadoras guitarras que nos grita: ”I’m in love, with the feelin’ of pressure to the ceilin’ / Wake up with intention to face my opposition / Get raw, when it’s time to lay it on the line / To the wall’s where we’re takin’ it / Let your light shine, somebody fire it up”. Esta irresistible y vigorosa canción ha sido incluida en el tráiler de G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra, así como en varios video-juegos. Con un piano inquietantes y pujantes riffs de guitarra similares al de Disturbed, “Bring Me To Life” (primer sencillo) es una canción con una intención angustiosa que se lamenta por el dolor y la infelicidad que el enemigo inyecta en nuestros corazones. Sin embargo le gritamos: “Just, shut it! If you’re talkin’ to me / I’m sick and tired of all your lies / And what you want me to be”, y luego le pide a Dios desesperadamente: “Bring me to life, breathe air into me / It’s taken me my whole life to realice / All the things I’ve never seen / Bring me to life, breathe air into me / Take me from the darkness that I’ve been in / ‘Cause I just want to be free”. Otra dosis de adrenalina viene con “E For Extinction”, que comienza lento pero luego se inunda de innovadoras guitarras e incontenibles gritos contrastados con una lírica que habla sobre libertad, inseguridad y la necesidad de una transformación. La dulce melodía de las estrofas se quiebra en una feroz interpretación en el coro con influencias de Seether y Korn: “When we move / We camouflage ourselves / We stand in the shadows waiting / We live for this and nothing more / We are what you created”. Inclinándose más a un sonido similar al de FM Static o Skillet, encontramos a “Watching Over Me” que reconoce la presencia de Dios que se preocupa por nuestro bienestar en medio de la adversidad: “I know you’re out there / And I know you care / ‘Cause I feel you like an angel watching over me”; y culmina con una sinfonía de violines espectacular. Con un acelerado sintetizador de los 80’s, “The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me)” nos muestra una hermosa performance a cargo de Trevor y es el clamor de un muchacho que anhela cambiar su estilo de vida amorosa, que ya se cansó de dañar a sus seres queridos y que pide a gritos un despertar: “No! Stay away from me / Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away / It just won’t let up!”. El retrato de una persona cuya crisis es como una máscara que no quiere usar más, hallamos en “Scream”. Pero luego, un destello de promesa surge al decir: “I’d give everything I am just to feel something”. Trevor nos muestra una vez más que su repertorio lírico está lleno de abundante espiritual. Como en “Look Away”, una canción que junta sentimientos de desesperanza y sed espiritual en la realidad del suicidio; con un brillo acústico, falsetes y pura inspiración: “I, will not look away this time / Take all these cuts, and make them shine / And all this pain I’ve held inside / So I can find my way home again / I will not look away this time / Take all these cuts, and make them shine / Don’t want to be perfect, just alright”. Del mismo modo, “Forward Motion” (segundo sencillo) con condimentos pop protagonizados por pianos y optimistas guitarras, nos anima a poner a un lado nuestras diferencias y trabajar para alcanzar nuestro mayor objetivo, llevar a las personas a los pies de Cristo. “Outta Control” y “Smack Down”, son perfectos ejemplos de la versatilidad y creatividad de la banda. Con mensajes de angustia y nuevos comienzos influenciados por rock de los 80’s; sin embargo es un sonido ya antes oído de ‘Phenomenon’. Finalmente, “Already Home” se empaña de violines, guitarras acústicas  y dulces voces. El mensaje de esta canción es sobre sed espiritual de Dios, sobre nuevas oportunidades y adoración: “The trouble with truth is it never lies / and the trouble with wrong that it’s never right / so I rest my head under your light”.

En cada álbum consecutivo puedes oír claramente el crecimiento y madurez de Trevor y Thousand Foot Krutch, y ‘Welcome To The Masquerade’ tiene demasiadas razones para ser un potencial clásico. Ellos están de regreso para arrebatar y profundizar en aéreas que la juventud necesita cambiar, y tal vez algunos no concuerden conmigo, pero este podría ser el mejor álbum de su carrera.

Israel Risco
Rating-Calificación: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥