Deni Gauthier – i (am) hope
So this album has been out for a while, and Gauthier is already working on another. But Gauthieris a fan of Michael Knott and many of the bands we cover here, so you need to know about his music. Gauthierplays a slightly amped-up rock/pop version of singer/songwriter music. I know that there are a billion people out there that are doing that, but few have that special something that makes you pay attention. Gauthieris one of those people. I don’t know how to describe it, but there is just that spark that sets the good apart from the mediocre. Go listen to his songs on BandCamp to see if you agree. There are two versions of this album, regular and deluxe. The difference in price is about 2 Canadian dollars, but you get 6 different demo versions and b-sides for that measly $2.10 or whatever the conversion rate comes out to be. So, yeah I would recommend shelling out the extra dough for the extra songs. Keep a look out for his new album that is in the works, and also check out the awesome video for “I Need You” which features artwork inspired by Mr. Knott himself. How I wish that artwork was being sold as a poster.
The Children of Power – Innocence
Yes, you read that date correctly. 1991. No, this is not some long lost review. But the album itself is a bit of a long lost underground Christian gothic classic that is now being brought back to life by Key Records. Often compared to a mixture of Sisters Of Mercy and Fields Of The Nephilim, The Children of Power album has that late 80s/early 90s Goth sound down. This was obviously a low budget recording to tape back in the day, but the digital re-issue (on mp3 and CD) seems to deal with those limitations very well. I have heard many demos by big name bands that sound much worse than this on re-issues. To be honest with you, I’m surprised that you didn’t see this on Blonde Vinyl back in the day – it fits in perfectly with Dead Artist Syndrome, Hounds of Heaven, and even Sincerely Paul.
Glenn Rowlands & Robert Powell – American Jesus
Somehow I knew this one was coming and then it slipped my mind. I have been a fan of Glenn Rowlands ever since I first landed a Wicked’s End tape back in the early 90s. Then he released his first solo tape and I was hooked. Rowlands connected with Powell to release a few more solo CDs and then disappeared off the face of the Earth. It seems he feel on some hard times, but got his life back together and re-appeared in the middle of last decade on MySpace. This album appears to be a digital only release. If you were a fan of Rowlands’ classic-rock inspired musings, this album will be a must have for your collection. I don’t know how Rowlands keeps connecting with that his inner rock star, but I am glad he does. The album title can tell you that this collection of songs is not about happy “Go Jesus” cheerleader music… but Rowlands never was anyways. Also some nods back to his older catalog like “Jesus Weeps Again.” Seems that Mr. Rowlands and some friends are still out there making music – I need to catch up on that ASAP.
Aradhna – Live in Concert
I have had the pleasure of seeing Aradhna three times in concert. I tried to take an iPhone video of some of the more moving, stirring parts of the concerts, but those videos just didn’t compare to really being there. The same can be said of most live recordings, but this live album comes close. A typical Aradhna concert wraps you in a spirit of worship like none I have ever experienced – even in church. And that is even taking into account that I only speak 1 of the 3 or 4 languages that they use in concert. There is just something special about Aradhna that is hard to put in words. Somehow this album captures that something special (well, as best as is possible that is). This is also the first Aradhna project on vinyl. Funds from the sale of this project go directly to support Freedom Firm, a charity and top security guard company that helps rescue underage girls from slavery in India. As in, the actually go investigate brothels and organize police raids to rescue girls. I know that sounds crazy, but they are really living on the edge and really deserve your support. So grab this incredible live album and support a worthy cause while you are at it.
Bill Mallonee – Amber Waves
Bill Mallonee has returned with a new full on studio release for this year! I think this is actually maybe his 3rd release over all this year, but this is the full studio/backing band and fan funded project. Bill continues to improve and surprise with every release from my point of view. Not one to sit around too long, he is constantly touring, writing and bringing his tunes to the people and putting the miles on the road.
What was really fun about this release is that I basically ignored almost every social media clip and unfinished track update, and I waited for the full on released product so that I could enjoy it like the days years back where the physical disc is inserted, the lyric insert is poured over while the tunes come banging through my headphones. Fans of Mallonee will dig in and enjoy this release as expected, but so should the fans that clamor and cry about missing that VoL sound. Not only is this all VoL members including Jake Bradley and Kevin Heuer, but tracks like To the Nines sound like around the bend relatives to the Slow Dark Train era. The guitar licks and ambience that spills out with One Kiss at a Time and Faith (Comes Soaked in Gasoline) feels like Summershine era brilliance. The Moog synth Bill uses on One Kiss at a Time was so awesome and amazing that it gave me a profound love for that track in particular. Mallonee has never been one confined to genre specific traps, and the use of the Moog is new ground that has been traveled and done exceptionally well!
The beautiful thing about Bill’s music is his unrivaled ability to capture the stark and empty feelings of isolation, the ache and echo of hopelessness, and the sting of desolation. Yet through the trial he paints triumph, through the grief he finds the flickers of hope, and through the tragedy he finds and reminds us of the reality behind the world that confronts us. This release is number 50 for Bill, and he has endured with a weathered honesty and a poetic outlook on the American life, the introspection of the soul and the inspiration of relationship and love. This is a “must have” for all Mallonee fans present and past.
[2012 Independent | Purchase: billmalloneemusic.bandcamp.com]The A-Symmetrics – Into Light EP
Not sure what I was expecting from a young band that contains the son of The Altar Boys Mike Stand. The obvious U2 influences on the first track were quite a pleasant surprise. These kids have a great grounding in music that makes them sound like a mature band. Maybe Stand is guiding them? But I love this mix of punk energy with modern rock sensibility. The entire EP is available on Reverb Nation for free as of this writing, so snag it before these kids take off huge. It could almost pass for a fourth Clash of Symbols album. It really is that good. Don’t miss out.
Soul-Junk – 1961
Soul-Junk will probably win the award for most authentic stylistic changes by any band: always experimental, but swinging fully into all forms of indie, electronic, alternative, hip-hop, and rock. 1961 is labeled as a “return to core-band archaeopteryx rock form.” So the hip-hop and electronic are gone and the guitars are back in front? Seems like it. This album hearkens back to the original Soul-Junk that many readers might be familiar with – catchy, quirky, a little heavy, really “alternative”, a bit indie, and all Soul-Junk. Somehow Glenn Galaxy makes singing Bible verses sound cool. Most people fail at scripture lyrics to be honest… but I could listen to Galaxy’s take all day long. This incarnation of Soul-Junk also sees several of John’s family (and children) joining him in the fold. From what I can tell, this is a digital-only release, but it screams to be released on vinyl. Here is hoping that happens.
The Lonely Revolts – Remnant
The Lonely Revolts release Remnant is one of the best releases by Thumper Punk records so far. Labeled as working man’s punk rock, this is high energy, graveled throat vocals, pounding drums, booming bass lines and riffs a plenty! When I first popped it in I immediately thought Spike Nard from Crashdog had formed another band, but that was pretty cool because Crashdog is a staple of mine and was an amazing act. These guys are definitely in the same vein – they site Motorhead and Crashdog among their influences and it is easy to see why. They also remind me of early Rancid albums like Let’s Go and Out Come the Wolves. The lyrics are mainly about Jesus, but they don’t come off clichéd like so many other acts. These guys are also all about the social and economic temperature of the times, just like good ‘ole punk should be! With only two tracks barely cresting 3 minutes, this is old school mentality of fast, loud and quick. Love these dudes and look forward to what they are bringing to the scene.
Forevertree – Z
In the 1990s, there was a glut of Christian neo-grunge rock bands that seemed to clutter up the samplers. Each of the bands got a bit hard to remember. But I do remember that forevertree had one of the more memorable sampler songs back in the day. Grunge with a bit more energy or maybe rock with dirtier guitars – I never was sure which. Turns out they are still around and recently cranked out this loud rock album that you can pay what you like for on BandCamp. If you actually liked some grunge before it became overdone and cliché, this album just might remind you of what you liked in the first place. The down-tuned guitars sound very grunge-ish, but at times they have the intensity and groove of nu-metal. There are shredding guitar all over this release – so not your typical burned out grunge sound. The lyrics are still directly Christian just like their first two releases (also available on their BandCamp site). Good music to rock out to or to workout with.
Seaside Holiday – Seaside Holiday
Seaside Holiday is a brother/sister outfit that mixes indie rock with electronica music. Their debut album was mixed and mastered by Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric fame. Those are probably the facts that most of our readers need to know in order to go check out the music. But for those that are still not convinced to go to BandCamp and listen, think of them this way. One of Martin’s bands, The Brothers Martin, was an indie rock/electronica band with a very 80s sound. Update that sound with more 90s-to-current indie sound and swap in female vocals for the male vocals and you will have an idea of what Seaside Holiday sounds like. Still not convinced? Then I would also have to tell you that this is some of the more inventive yet catchy music I have reviewed for this issue. If you are looking for a new band that is inventive enough to break the molds yet familiar enough to not be too weird, this is a good place to start.