Switchfoot- Nothing Is Sound

Switchfoot- Nothing Is Sound
Release Date: Sept., 2005
Review Date: April 26, 2009

In light of Switchfoot's forthcoming releases this next year and the beautiful summer weather, I I figured it was time to give a shout out to this great nationally known band from San Diego. Nothing is Sound is an odd album to say the least. I didn't really like it very much when I first received it and nonchalantly tossed it aside. I have since picked it back up and spun it a few more times, only to discover an amazing slow-burn album.

Nothing is Sound is not overpowering, but it's strong, subtle good-ness only grows as you listen to it. There are some really good songs on this album, but they all seem to fall short of amazing or spectacular. It's strange, but the album ends up still working well. There are no errors on it, but I doubt that it's Switchfoot's best work.

Some of the standout tracks: "The Fatal Wound" is a spectacular song with a quirky uniqueness that has always stuck with me; "The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" is dear and delicate, vulnerably touching the listener; "Stars," "Lonely Nation," "Setting Sun," "Easier than Love" and "Politicians" are all great straight-up rock numbers perfect for summer driving on the highway.

All in all, Nothing is Sound really is a good album. Although not the best, you don't have to worry about being distracted by flaws on this '05 disc.

Score: 8/10

-joe

Conditions

Conditions
listen: www.purevolume.com/conditions

This is a shameless plug for Conditions, a great band I discovered this winter when Purevolume announced the top 21 unsigned bands of 2008. Conditions, an unsigned alternative/rock band, is well deserving of the aforementioned honor. I haven't heard an unsigned band whom I liked this much since discovering Red. Hopefully they will land a record deal with a big label like T&N and get some serious production behind them. Their purevolume site is chalk full of great songs. Enjoy :) If you go to listen to them, you MUST listen to Citizen. It's absolutely amazing. They remind me of a scaled back Emery: plenty of harmony and off-balance song signatures, a great vocal aesthetic and a slight edge.

-joe

Thousand Foot Krutch- Bring Me to Life (song)

Hey hey hey!

here's the link for the song: http://www.feedthebeat.com/

free listen and download of the new track from the unreleased new album from TFK. This is probably the best TFK music since Phenomenon, and certainly a return to the general style of that record with a little more edge and attitude this time around. Parts of this song are reminiscent of Disturbed, even.

Look for the new release in fall 2009, Welcome to the Masquerade

enjoy ;) -joe

Jars of Clay- "Boys (Lesson One)" (Song)

Jars of Clay- "Boys (Lesson One)" (from the album The Long Fall Back to Earth)
listen: www.jarsofclay.com

There are some songs that remind you why you listen to music, that touch a deep part of you unreachable by any other means. This is one of those songs for me. Deep, tender and mature, this song is ineffably good. Please listen and enjoy. I can't wait to listen to rest of the album.

-joe

Breaking the Silence

Breaking the Silence

listen: www.myspace.com/breakingthesilenceonline

Another year, another screaming girl with a particular bent toward hard rock. Breaking the Silence is a new band that has just signed with Tooth and Nail records. Think Flyleaf/ Fireflight. They're pretty good for an unproduced group. "Stand" is especially good. I can't wait to hear more.

Capital Lights- This is an Outrage!

Capital Lights- This is an Outrage!
Release date: August 2008
Review date: April 21, 2009

listen now: http://www.grooveshark.com/

Capital Lights, one of the best new artists of 2008, shines in this outstanding debut effort. Pop/punk with perfect timing, meticulously matched lyrics and music, and brilliant execution on steroids comes close to describing the sound experience you will undergo upon spinning this disc. "Mile Away" and "Let the Little Lady Talk" are two of the best pop/punk tracks I've ever heard. The distinct characteristic of Capital Lights is the complete and perfect grasp of how music is composed. Most bands don't quite get the point where their music and lyrics are so connected that they flow seemly effortlessly together, but Capital Lights has serious chops here, separating them from the masses.

The lyrical quality on this album is also unprecedented. Most songs deal with relationship issues, with some going deeper than others. The anomaly when it comes to their lyrics is how perfectly they fit with the rhythm and sound of the album. Each word was carefully selected to convey just the right accent sound to the music, and yet, the lyrics still make sense on their own. This dazzling exhibition of pure talent isn't confined to one song or even one particular beat or cadence, but ranges all over the place for the entire duration of the album.

All in all, this album is one for the books. If you have even the remotest leanings toward pop/punk rock, this album is a must have. Standing above the rest as quite possibly the best new artist of '08, they really will be an act to follow in the future. Standout tracks include (but are not limited to): "Out of Control," "Remember the Day," "Miracle Man," "Mile Away," "Work it Out," "Let the Little Lady Talk," "The Night of your Life is When you'll Die" and "Frank Morris."

Score: 10/10
-joe

My Epic- untitled* (song)

My Epic- untitled* (song)
listen now: www.myspace.com/myepic

I'm not a huge fan of experimental/indie, but these guys know what they're doing. This song is a splendid example of why My Epic has gained the notoriety in the small indie circles that it has. This is an artistic, stripped down praise song to God that builds yet never looses its intimate feeling. The chorus cries out "My God, I am not, but You are." The theme is simple, but the music carries a deep sentiment to accompany it. It truly is a beautifully balanced track, and clocking in at over six minutes, they allow plenty of time for the song to breathe and grow.

If you're feeling the least bit down and need something bare that is shockingly honest and vulnerable, this song may help. Give it a shot, it's really a great tune.

score: 7/10
-joe

FM Static- Dear Diary

FM Static- Dear DiaryRelease date: April 7, 2009

April 20, 2009

listen now: www.jesusfreakhideout.com/listeningparty/party2.asp

Pop punk with an honest streak, this is the album you've been waiting for. Many will know frontman Trevor McNevan from his efforts in the rock group Thousand Foot Krutch, but few are intimately acquainted with his side project, FM Static. FM Static has released two other cds that have scraped the high side of bad (What are you waiting for?; Critically Ashamed). This album, on the other hand, leaves the others behind in a cloud of smoke.

Dear Diary is a simple concept album which depicts the journal entries of a teenage boy who moves to a new town and jumps into high school, soon to end up in over his head. This album deals with many serious issues teens face, whether it's God's activity in our lives, making one's faith their own, coping in tragedy, feeling on the outside, or finding who you are. I was blown away by the musicianship and lyrical value of this masterpiece. Hopefully you are too.

Musically, this album shines, dipping from many genres outside of the standard pop-punk formula. This is truly a gem, with standout tracks like "The Unavoidable Battle...," "Man Watcha Doin?," "Voyage of Beliefs," "Her Father's Song," "Take Me As I Am," and "Dear God."

CHRanonymous: 9/10

-joe

mae- (m)orning

mae- (m)orning

April 20, 2009

listen now: http://www.whatismae.com/
release: digital: (throughout year); physical: tour exclusive

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The Project: This EP is an exclusive collection of songs complete with a "rub and smell" cover from our favorite acronymed band (Multisensory Aesthetic Experience). It's the featured story of the week (or so). I'm very excited for this collection. I've been picking up each of the digital songs you can find at the above website.

Each month this year, Mae is releasing a brand new song. You can either stream the song for free or donate to their cause this year (change the world through various humanitarian efforts) and get the download.

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The Songs: These songs are great. The new one up on the site currently is "Night/Day." One thing I really appreciate is their length. Most songs are at least four minutes and a few are over six. I wasn't a fan of "Boomerang" very much, but "The House Fire Built," "A Melody, A Memory," and "Night/Day" are all tremendous.

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If you're looking for great mid rock with a pop twist, this is your band. Great previous efforts are The Everglow and Singularity. (The Everglow is actually my favorite cd of all time).

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score: 9/10

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joe

CHRanonymous- what is it?

Hi, I'm Joe Mieden and this is CHRanonymous, the blog where I will temporarily pipe in with my opinions and finds in the realms of Christian music. Most of what I will cover will fall into rock, but I'm not opposed to searching outside of that genre. I like to search for independent and new, up and coming acts, especially ones that don't get the airplay that others do, so this will be the reservoir for my critiques and excitement. Please enjoy and may this site lead you to new music!
-Joe Mieden