Author: Casey Gallenberger

Real punk is harder to find these days – but hey, not everything will fit on a Tony Hawk soundtrack. Cristo Suburbano Volume 3 is equal parts overdriven, nostalgic, and Christ-focused. There’s a mix of punk, skate punk, hardcore, and other punk derivatives. Some of the songs are in English, though quite a few are in Spanish (as the title would indicate). If you’re looking for a culture experience to remind you that neither Christianity nor punk are dead, check out the 56-track compilation below.   … Continued →

Do not sleep on this – Archabald has announced a live stream Q&A tomorrow at 3 p.m. MST on Facebook. Their stellar 2016 release Relativity set the bar incredibly high, but new music certainly is on the way. Tune in to find out more! In addition, the group has just released a few songs that had slipped through the cracks, along with some acoustic renditions of their previous songs which you can find here.… Continued →

Foreverlin proves some risks are meant to be taken with an EP showcasing their renditions of some of the biggest songs in worship.

Experimental rap/indie/electronic project Stemson has posted a video showcasing material from the upcoming album, Weird World. https://www.facebook.com/stemsonmusic/videos/vb.1630020263949893/1857503134534937/?type=2&theater

Just what should you expect from an album whose first track is titled Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? Though 7 is Orion Walsh’s seventh album, it’s my first listen to any of his work. Naturally, the first exposure to any artist comes with baggage. I can’t say I’ve ever met someone named Orion, but it’s definitely a masculine name and inherently reminds me of mythology first and astronomy second. The album art is a desaturated photo with a strong depth of field, with a central figure who we might assume to be Walsh himself.… Continued →

If you haven’t heard the news yet, Cool Hand Luke has announced a new album. More recently, Mark revealed more information behind the recording the new album at Paraphonic Studio, along with the album’s title, Cora. See the album art below and be sure to keep up with Cool Hand Luke on Facebook. … Continued →

The Danger of Falling channels European melodic hardcore influences on this succinct-yet-power EP.

Nashville-based metalcore/alternative metal act The Persuaded brings a heavy-yet-radio-friendly sound with overtly Christ-centered lyrics. Fans of Disciple, Project 86, and Spoken should definitely take a listen.

Settle the Sky has announced a reunion show AND is in the process of writing new songs. Keep an eye on their Facebook for more updates. For those unfamiliar with the band, check out one of their eponymous tracks below.

Grand Rapids' Anita Ranae has unleashed a lyrical powerhouse in the form of Watercolor Sidewalks.

Airy guitars, soothing piano, and a strong knack for minimalist composition make for a great listening experience on Jon Carolino's On New Horizons EP.

K. Gautier's first album shows promise and skill but falls victim to feeling dichotomous and simply too long.

Devin Shelton returns with a new eclectic album, but will he be able to detach himself from the expectations set forth from him time with Emery?

Mark Nicks, though previously announcing the end of Cool Hand Luke with the release of Of Man, has recently announced on Facebook that a new album is on the way, estimated to arrive this spring. He has also published a blog post with quite a bit more insight which you can find here.… Continued →

Overall, I sadly didn’t feel like 2016 was saturated with tons and tons of great music and found myself grasping at straws to pull this list together. With that said, there truly are were a few gems and I encourage you to check out each of the bands on this list. I’ve also included a sampler play list at the bottom for quick reference. Hopefully something on this list will connect with you! 1. Viscera – My Epic There’s a reason these guys consistently make it onto “best of” lists.… Continued →

The first release from this midwest slowcore project has much to offer for fans of Julien Baker and Sun Kil Moon.

Ambient-indie outfit Author has been teasing new music on Facebook. While it’s unclear whether this will be a single, EP, of full album, it surely serve as a nice follow up to 2015’s Of Brighter Days, which you can check out below. … Continued →

I’ll admit I’m far from a fan of Christmas. Radios begin playing these tunes right after Halloween, depicting a winter so far from the reality of the slushy midwest Decembers and the hysteria of holiday shoppers. Thankfully, Vocal Few’s Snowdrift EP is a refreshingly honest take on the season. As a follow up to 2015’s The Dream Alive EP, the husband-and-wife duo have returned to deliver more of that stripped down goodness. Albeit five songs in length, there’s still plenty of territory covered here. From enjoying a day off from work (Ice Storm 2008), to battling through loneliness and literal darkness of winter (Not Giving Up), to songs of adoration, the EP finds the balance between honesty and commercialism.… Continued →

Although SMOTZ released The Nog almost a year ago, it definitely went under the radar. Check out the video below and follow him on Facebook. His music is an eclectic blend of pop punk, electronic, and even a bit of rap. … Continued →

Alex Sugg's latest release as Glowhouse is an interesting mix of R&B vocals, synth lines, and vulnerable lyrics.

Muncie, IN metalcore act Send the Advocate has released a promising debut EP, but can they move past the pitfalls of an oversaturated genre?

This New Mexico quintet's ambitious sophomore release features lyrics on par with My Epic and everything you loved about early Thrice.

Evergreen, a worship project featuring former Attalus bassist John Amos, is nearing the final stretch on their Indiegogo Campaign which you can find here. The campaign perks are limited to digital and physical copies of the album, but don’t let that stop you from considering donating. You can also check out the band on Facebook.… Continued →

Raleigh's Cold Comfort presents a refreshing take on grunge on their 2015 release, Join or Die.

Last summer, Bad Christian released a compilation album focused on electronic artists. Like most compilations, it proved to be a mixed bag – however, it was specifically aimed at getting exposure to a number of lesser-known artists. Summer Sleep happened to be Black Pages’ submission to the compilation and is also the first track off his 2015 EP Where It Gets You. Black Pages, the solo project of James McCurley of Vertica, is an ambitious singer-songwriter experience that is fairly unique – it’s neither folky nor relies too much on backing tracks.… Continued →

Colours' debut album stylistically diverges from their Skin and Bones EP and ultimately leaves room for improvement.

While The Peace of Wild Things was a fan favorite, Paper Route's ambitious sixteen-track return certainly holds its ground.

Wisconsin-based pop group Loftland called it quits only to quickly reveal their new single under the name TENNIES. Check out Do What We Want, a track steeped in 80s analog synths and Justin Timberlake-esque vocals. You can find TENNIES on Facebook and other social media outlets. … Continued →

Tiger Drive, a Nashville progressive indie band featuring members of OceanSpeak, recently posted a video on Facebook from one of the group’s rehearsals. While the sound is definitely a departure from the groovy, post-hardcore elements that OceanSpeak showcased at times, there’s definitely plenty for old and new fans to enjoy. Check out the video here and be sure to give their page a like! … Continued →

Grayson, Kentucky’s own chaotic hardcore outfit has decided to reunite recently. Along with the reunion, we’re sure to see more shows (like this one) and new music to follow. Check them out on Facebook for updates. Fans of The Chariot, Botch, Norma Jean, and Rival Choir will definitely enjoy their sound. … Continued →