Lion’s Roar ep by Men as Trees Walking

posted in: Music Review, September 2011 | 0

This ep is a great release from Allan Aguirre’s latest band Men As Trees Walking. The thing that is cool about this on a couple of different levels is 1) finally there is some authentic reggae that we have access to! Also 2) the package comes with a t-shirt and a 6 song EP – and 3) there are also a couple of Scaterd Few songs on this disc! When you think back through the history of the music scene, Aguirre is definitely without a doubt one of the innovators with what was really the first Christian punk rock (not surf punk or pop punk) band, Scaterd Few. Scaterd Few was controversial, loud, brash, reggae-influenced, and ahead of their time for Christian music.

Allan has (again) really done something so unique and new with his band Men As Trees Walking. But add to that this 6 song reggae EP and the stakes are upped again. There is nothing else out there that is like this. Men As Trees Walking has done something so different – and to add to the mystique and the singular focus of prophetic worship – they have brought a whole new generation before God with the sounds of reggae. They are really good at what they do.

The 6 song EP breaks down like this: two songs are from MATW’s first release 1518. These two tracks are “Song of Moses” and “Lion’s Roar”. (If you haven’t already scooped up that full release, give it a go – you will not be disappointed!) Two more tracks are Scaterd Few tunes; “A Freedom Cry” (from the Sin Disease release) and “Rise Up!” (from the Omega No 5 disc). The last two tracks are from the next MATW album to be released sometime in the fall. Those two tracks are “Lion of Zion” and “I Will Deliver You”.

The music is authentic reggae; relaxed beats, shakers and full percussion that is layered with nice punctuated bass lines and rounded out with guitar work that carries the tracks along in an almost whimsical manner. Allan’s vocals are crisp and upfront which is a perfect blend between the music and his unique vocal style. There are also female vocals which at times sound like a background chorus and at other times are right up front and leading the way. This is a welcomed release as well as a patented sound from Aguirre and Co. They have found a way to bring praise and worship to a very different level through a very different sound. This album is full and the music is precise.

The t-shirt and EP package is inexpensive and the music is fresh and inspiring. Support the band and visit their site today! Also, for a very detailed interview with Allan about Scaterd Few, check out Down the Line’s archive section and download (free) the first issue. Also keep your eyes peeled for a great interview with Allan as he talks about Men As Trees Walking in the next issue from Down the Line. See the regular MATW website for band information or the pre-order page for Lions Roar EP.

[2011 Faceless Gen Recording Company/Come&Live! | Purchase: Lions Roar EP]

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