Shorthanded Studios
Mar 15
Sanctus Real
We Need Each Other
February 12th, 2008
Sparrow
Continuing my recent CCM binge (which is out of the ordinary for me since CCM has been dead to me since the heyday of the Newsboys, Jars of Clay, dc Talk and Audio A in the mid 90’s) I’ve been listening to the latest offering from Sanctus Real.
Sanctus Real owns a special place in my heart. I first heard them when “Say It Loud” and the video by the same title debuted on TVU while I was a senior in high school. Then a couple years later, while I was a sophomore in college, I spotted “Fight the Tide” in Wal-Mart for 9.72 and decided to buy it. It was a good thing I did because that record became a soundtrack for that year, my favorite year of college, the year I met my girlfriend-turned-wife, the year I switch majors, etc. The record still brings back warm memories when I put it on.
“The Face of Love” was pretty weak sauce in comparison to the previous 2. It had a couple really good tracks, but overall it was way to soft. What does “We Need Each Other” have in store for me? I’m glad to say that it has plenty to offer.
While the opening track would lead you to believe that the rock and roll Sanctus is back, this is a falsity. This album is still slow and syrupy. But there are enough rock songs to keep the mixture interesting. What sells this record is that a handful of the song are flat out gems filled with powerful lyrics that speak to me in a way few songs have in recent years. A couple of modern worship bands have written a single song that touched me (Leeland, Glorious Unseen) but on “We Need Each Other” Sanctus Real wrote 4 lyrical masterpieces.
While I miss the days of “Alone” I have accepted the fact that bands change and Sanctus’ edgiest days are behind them. And when they pen slow songs as perfectly as they did this time out, I cannot blame them for it. I even dare to say this album is their best yet. I Highly recommended if you are looking for quality, heart felt modern worship instead of the over done, half baked crock of worship albums that flooded the market these past few years. Sadly, I have a feeling this record will not get the love it deserves.
Favorite Tracks - Turn On The Lights, We Need Each Other, Black Coal, Whatever You’re Doing, Sing, Eternal, Legacy
RIYL - Leeland, The Afters, Audio A
9/10
Mar 14
Pillar
For The Love of the Game
February 26th, 2008
Sony/Providential
I grew up with Pillar. They began life in Kansas, so did I. They used to love rap rock, so did I. They lost interest in rap rock, so did I… then I lost interest in them as well. Their best record is ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ but by the time it was circulating, I was no longer interested in mainstream rock music.
2006’s ‘The Reckoning’ sounded promising, but did nothing for me. Now we’re at 2008’s ‘For The Love of the Game’ and for some reason I decided to give them another listen. I’ve been pleasantly surprised, or should I say floored. The songs are really heavy (for Pillar) and really low and loud. They rock harder than Pillar has done in a long while while maintaining an excellent amount of catchiness and relevancy to modern rock music.
Unlike most bands in this market (P.O.D., TFK, etc) Pillar succumbs to the desire to slow it down and write an introspective, personal song only once. “Smiling Down” is filled with agonizing cliche’s, though the back story to this song makes it more enjoyable. No matter how much I want to hate it, in the end, even the slow song ends up being a bit of a guilty pleasure for all of it’s Daughtry-ness.
But when they want to bring the radio heavy rock, they showcase the fact that they still got it. Including a nod to 2000’s ‘Above’ was also a nice touch with the slight rap element on “Throwdown.” It’s moments like these that outweigh the weaker side of this short album and surprisingly, the weaker side is very small in comparison to the strong half.
I give Rob major props for the lyrics in “Turn It Up.” Not only is the song the catchiest sing along anthem on the record, but it’s concept is one of the most original I have came across in recent years. He uses song titles from some of the most influential Christian songs in the past decade or so. Instead of recognizing only Mercy Me, Smitty and Tomlin, he gives a nod to classic songs by some of my personal favorites like Project 86, Bleach, Blindside and Kids in the Way. The actual song title is the same as a song by Squad Five-O, but I have a feeling that is coincidental, not a nod to my favorite band.
This record, like “Where Do We Go From Here” is Pillar at it’s finest. Some of the songs remind me of good TFK (it’s been awhile since TFK has been good). Other songs remind me of the latest from Kids in the Way. “I Fade Away” sounds like it could have been a b-side to a Skillet album. All these may sound like negatives, but they aren’t meant that way. The aforementioned bands have failed, in my opinion, to stick to their guns and write the kind of music they write best. That is what Pillar has done with “For The Love of The Game,” they wrote the kind of music they were meant to write. I’m so glad I didn’t let my bias against this band cause me to pass this record up. Granted, if you’ve always hated Pillar, you still will. But if you’ve liked even a moment of Above/Fireproof/WDWGFH I guarantee you’ll like almost all of “For The Love of the Game.”
Favorite Tracks - “For the Love of the Game” “Turn It Up” “Reckless Youth” “State of Emergency” “Throwdown”
RIYL - Chevelle, TFK, Skillet, the radio rock stations.
7/10
Mar 13
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE - Unbreakable
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE
Unbreakable
February 26th, 2008
Tooth and Nail
This album is generic metal that brings nothing new to the genre. It’s got the heavy breakdowns, it has standard-faire metal vocals, it’s even got the “Hey we’re metal!” album cover. All of these facts were influencing me when I put this record on for the first time. Even though I knew all of this was true, I cannot help myself. I love this album.
I don’t know what it is, really. Something about it just works. That description feels like a cop-out, but that’s the best way I can describe it. All of the pieces fit together like they should. The infectious yell along choruses break up any chances of it becoming monotonous. The lyrics are well written and well varied. I just find myself enjoying this record, and that’s what a metal record should do. It never becomes tedious and never grates on my nerves. While it’s true that the end is not as strong as the beginning, it’s still a solid record throughout.
Favorite Tracks - “Boris the Blade” “On the Wings of Integrity” “The Machinist”
RIYL - any of the plethora of metalcore acts that our out there
Advent - Remove the Earth
Advent
Remove the Earth
February 12th, 2008
Solid State Records
I need more time with this record. I’m struggling getting into it.
4/10
Children 18:3 - Children 18:3
Children 18:3
Children 18:3
February 26th, 2008
Tooth and Nail
I have nothing but glowing things to say about this album. From top to bottom, front to back, I love everything about it. I’ve been complaining for the past few years about T&N’s lack of punk rock. I grew up on MxPx, Craig’s Brother, Ghoti Hook, The Dingees, Squad Five-O, etc and I feel like Tooth and Nail completely turned their back on that side of their roster. What once was a great indie label has become mainstream. While I’m not one to bash on them for that because they have to make a living as a label and the albums they’ve released the past few years have been good, I still find myself missing the late 90’s era Nail.
Well I can say that no more. Children 18:3 has put out a great punk rock record and it’s not jut punk. There are glam influences and ska upstrokes. While the more single worthy songs remind me vaguely of The Offspring, other tracks remind me of The Dingees. Even better for me, there is an overarching Rancid feel to the record and at times I hear the glam of my favorite band Squad Five-O.
The dueling vocals of the brother-sister tandem of Dave and Lee Marie (with brother Seth keeping time on the kit) works flawlessly and not just because siblings always sing well together. Trust me, Dave and Lee Marie aren’t always singing. If you like The Forecast, you’ll love this for the shear fact that the intensity lets up only for “Samantha,” a perfect slow tweener that lasts a whole 55 seconds.
I find it impossible to believe that T&N will release a better debut record this year. I also have little faith that many records they release this year will be better than this record is for me. This is my kind a music, this is what I love. If you are like me and you enjoy any of the bands previously listed in this review, then I suggest you go out and buy this record. It won’t disappoint because it’s so much fun. It begs summer to get here now!
Favorite Tracks - there is no weakness, but if pressed to point out specifics, I would say:
- “The City”
- “Search Warrant”
- “All My Balloons”
- “Homemade Valentine”
- “Mock the Music.”
See, it’s really good.
RIYL - The Dingees, Saves the Day, The Offspring when they were good, Rancid, The Clash, the 90’s, I’m listing many of my favorite bands here, so it’s no wonder I love this record.
10/10
Marah - Angels of Destruction
Marah
Angels of Destruction
January 8th, 2008
Yep Roc Records
I’m kind of obligated to listen to Marah. With 2 members from my favorite now-defunct band playing in Marah, I can’t help but listen (though apparently those 2 are no longer in the band). It doesn’t hurt that the music they play is my favorite style of music.
I loved 2005’s ‘If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry.’ It was a perfect blend of all the bands influences. So I’ll dive into my review of ‘Angel’s of Destruction’ by stating that thus far it is no IYDLYC. It’s much more varied in style and lacks the standout tracks like the previous record was littered with.
While I find myself enjoying this album a lot while I’m listening to it, in the end I find that I have no favorite songs. They all kind of run together. It’s not a huge glaring negative like it is for other albums, but it does pale in comparison to their masterpiece ‘If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry.’
Favorite Track - The one that’s most memorable to me is “Santos De Madera.” I also enjoy “Coughing Up Blood” and “Can’t Take It with You.”
RIYL - Springsteen, Dylan, Petty, Mellencamp, etc. Gasoline Heart.
7/10
Ludo - You're Awful, I Love You
Ludo
You’re Awful, I Love You
February 26th, 2008
Island
I’m trying to kick the habit of buying cheap, first week albums on a whim, but I’ve been quite successful with it in the past, most notably The Format’s ‘Dog Problems.’ When I saw Ludo’s ‘You’re Awful, I Love You’ in Best Buy for 7.99, I couldn’t resist. The deciding factor was the track named after my hometown, “Topeka.” Was it a good decision?
I must whole heartedly answer that with a resounding yes. I had heard some of Ludo before in their ‘Broken Bride EP’ and their major label debut does not disappoint.
They are at their best when they aren’t taking themselves seriously and at times they are quite hilarious. Take the track “Lake Pontchartrain” for instance. A story about a mysterious lake luring his friends in—-never to be seen again. Quick, short lyrics that I hear something new everytime I listen to it.
While the lead single “Drunken Lament” is a great pop song, I think there are plenty other tracks on this album to make give it a long run on the radio if it’s pushed properly.
Favorite Tracks: “Topeka” “Lake Pontchartrain” ”Such As It Ends” “Mutiny Below” “Go-Getter Greg”
RIYL - Fountains of Wayne, They Might Be Giants, fun light hearted pop, having a good time.
PurevolumeWebsite
8/10
Secret & Whisper - Great White Whale
Secret & Whisper
Great White Whale
February 12th, 2008
Tooth and Nail
This record is another prime example of why I should never give up on an album until I have had plenty of time to listen to it. When I first bought this record, I couldn’t get past the Saosin knock-off feeling and the fact that I really didn’t care for it that much. But as time went on, it began to grow on me and the Saosin qualities that were once glaring negatives became positives.
For starters, I really like the album art. It’s the first record of the year that I feel the art and the music fit each other really well. As you listen to the record you begin to hear the intricacies and differences between Secret & Whisper and Saosin. While they are very similar in style, I would go so far as to say that S & W wrote a better Saosin record than Saosin has thus far. I think it should also be mentioned that the Saosin I speak of is the current Cove Reber iteration, not the previous one.
Now will this record be as sucessful as Saosin? Probably not. Will it succeed as an underground classic? Maybe. I think that if people gave this record an actual chance and put aside their initial complaints, they might find a record they enjoy. This album will more than likely find its way to my list at the end of the year and I highly recommend you give it a listen.
Favorite Tracks : “XOXOXO” “Anchors” “Vanishings” “Great White Whale”
RIYL - Saosin, ‘A Moment of Imperfect Clarity’ Spoken, ‘Sing the Sorrow’ AFI
8/10
Once Nothing - First Came the Law
Once Nothing
First Came the Law
Solid State
January 15, 2008
They describe themselves as “blue-collar metal” and I think that is a fitting title for them. In a genre that’s quickly becoming over-saturated, I think that there is still room for the likes of Once Nothing.
They differ from other more notable southern metal acts most notably in vocal delivery. I feel like the vocal stylings of Todd Lowry place Once Nothing more in the domain of metalcore than southern metal. They remain brutal and heavy throughout.
In the end, I really enjoy this album. I don’t think that it’s going to wind up getting any mentions from me at the end of the year, but that’s in no way a negative. I’ve average 120 CD’s a year the past couple years. I am definitely glad that I now own the songs “Columbus Wasn’t Looking For America” ”Then There Were Nine” “Gunfire is the Sound of Freedom” “The Dust of a Town” and “My Sweet Medusa.”
RIYL - Life In Your Way, War of Ages
7/10
Mar 12
Ivoryline - There Came A Lion
Ivoryline
There Came a Lion
February 5th, 2008
Tooth and Nail
This record is a bit too generic for me. At first listen, I thought it sounded promising. Then all the songs began to run together and mesh into one big mass. It’s not all bad, it’s just not that great in the end either. I plan on giving it more time in the future, if the release schedule gives me time.
Favorite Tracks - “Be Still and Breath” and “We Both Know” RIYL - anberlin, anberlin and anberlin
5/10
Mar 10
Number One Gun - The North Pole Project
Number One Gun
The North Pole Project
January 15th, 2008
Tooth and Nail
I can’t say much about this record. I loved Promises for the Imperfect. But after the demise and resurrection of Number One Gun I feel like this record is just a bunch of ideas that never got the chance to be finished by a full band. There are a couple solid tracks, but in the end it’s a very forgettable and very unsatisfying experience.
RIYL - maybe the diehard NOG fan will still like it
3/10
Mar 08
Jon Foreman - Fall/Winter EP
Jon Foreman
Fall/Winter EP
January 15th, 2008
Credential
I don’t like the direction Switchfoot has gone since ‘The Legend of Chin.’ Though I will give a brief nod to ‘The Beautiful Letdown’ as being a great record, its subsequent over hyped, over played nature drove it into the ground for me. The last 2 Switchfoot records has made them dead to me.
So we get to Jon Foreman’s solo debut. I bought it because I had a feeling that i would like it. I’ve been into singer songwriters recently (Kensrue, Ritter, Rouse, Ward, Malin, etc) so I gave Jon his shot. After hearing these songs I find it hard to believe that any Switchfoot fan would put the disc aside and say anything other than “If only Switchfoot still put that kind of passion into their music.” Where did this come from, Jon?
The lyrics are beautiful, personal and for a man who has made his fortune in the CCM market, they are controversial at times. But that’s what makes it so good, I can relate to it. “White As Snow” is one of the most touching songs I have heard in the past couple of years.
I close this review urging you to put aside your feelings for Switchfoot. This has nothing to do with them and it’s nothing like them. If you happen to be a Switchfoot fan, I can guarantee you’ll love this solo project, especially if you are like me and you think that Switchfoot’s best songs are “Twenty-Four” or “Let That Be Enough.”
Favorite Tracks - “The Cure for Pain” ” Southbound Train” “Learning How to Die” “Somebody’s Baby” “White as Snow”
RIYL - Dustin Kensrue, City and Colour and other acoustic Singer-Songwriters
8/10 (I’m reserving final judgment until after he releases the other half of this set. I don’t look at them as EP’s, I look at them as a full project)
Mar 01