Reviews
Click here for alphabetical archive
February 2, 2015
With Minorville, Derek Minor came into his own as a producer, writer, and emcee. But minor flaws aside (pun intended), Empire takes the crown as his best album to date. From its gladiatorial beginning to it’s Twilight Zone-trap-music finale, Empire is a powerful statement on kingdom-building & has raised the bar for what could be a fantastic year for music.
February 1, 2015
The Collection - Ars Moriendi
The Collection's latest album, Ars Moriendi, is a set of poignant, beautiful reflections of death, doubt, and faith set against a lush, orchestral folk backdrop.
January 31, 2015
Least of These - Mere Image
With latest release, “Mere Image,” Least of These is all set to continue their upward rise. Read on for the full review.
January 28, 2015
Talkie - Talkie EP
Talkie is the band that I always knew I needed to hear. Now you should hear them too. Check out my review of their grungy debut EP.
January 25, 2015
The Frozen Ocean - Skeleton Key
'Skeleton Key' is the passion product of a man named Dave. The name “Dave” might sound ordinary and not that interesting. Dave is one of the most common names out there. What could he possibly bring to the table that any other Dave can’t provide to us already? Dave Swanson is actually quite the contrary to that.
January 20, 2015
Of Lions - Of Lions EP
Released early last year, Hardcore band Of Lions (formerly Lion of Judah) has put together an impressive EP with much promise. Read on for the review.
January 19, 2015
Misty Edwards - Little Bird
Misty Edwards has been going to IHOP in Kansas City, KS for over 15 years now. No, not the pancake restaurant (though maybe she has, I don’t follow worship leader’s eating habits). This is the review for Misty's latest album, 'Little Bird'
January 18, 2015
Lil' Dre - Homework
Lil' Dre is back. Having tackled marriage and a few kids since his last album, Dre brings an amazing perspective on what it means to put Christ first and working on your home life second. Intelligent, catchy, and FREE (for following @lildrechurchboy on Twitter). Lil' Dre's "Homework" is perhaps the album to beat in the early part of this year.
January 14, 2015
Chris Tomlin - Love Ran Red
Chris Tomlin's latest praise album Love Ran Red reaches a level of self-parody. Read on for the full review
January 13, 2015
Sleep for Dreaming - Reverie
Check out this review of Sleep for Dreaming's album, "Reverie."
January 10, 2015
Despite My Pride - Cold Blood/Simple Math EP
Despite My Pride has delivered an interesting work, that never really settles into any one particular form, and there is nothing wrong with that. Here's the full review.
January 8, 2015
Lacey Sturm - The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living
Provided with an advance reading copy from Baker Books, I reviewed Lacey Sturm's first published book "The Reason".
December 28, 2014
Levi the Poet - Correspondence (a fiction)
Levi the Poet is like Edgar Allen Poe minus the mustache, raven, and overall grimness. Basically, they both write poems. Here is a review of Levi's latest spoken word/music mashup.
December 23, 2014
The Classic Crime - What Was Done, Volume 1: A Decade Revisited
A review of The Classic Crime's bookmark acoustic record. It has a tipping (or levitating?) chair on the cover which automatically makes it awesome.
December 18, 2014
King's Kaleidoscope - Becoming Who We Are
Spoiler alert: This album is good.
Very good.
Like, really really good.
December 17, 2014
Harbor & Home- Dark Days
A review on the latest release from Harbor & Home.
Sullivan - Heavy is the Head
My review of Sullivan's recent comeback album, Heavy is the Head, from Spartan Records.
(There is that word again. Heavy. Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with Earth's gravitational pull?)
December 11, 2014
Hearts Like Lions - These Hands
A review of the major label debut release from indie rock band Hearts Like Lions
December 5, 2014
What We Do In Secret - The Migration EP
Screaming truth against the backdrop of blistering riffs, Memphis based What We Do in Secret bombards the ears with a brand of Spirit-filled ruckus sure to excite even a casual fan of hardcore. Read the review here.
December 4, 2014
Me and the Trinity - Crux
Me and the Trinity make a splash with their debut, "Crux"
Copeland - Ixora
A flourishing return from indie rock band Copeland
November 29, 2014
The Modern Post - Lowborn King
The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.
House of Heroes - Hark! The House of Heroes Sing
Mint-fresh review of the crowdfunded holiday EP from Christian rock's beloved heroes.
November 26, 2014
BoughtXBlood - Restoration EP
Strongly proclaiming the Gospel message, metalcore band BoughtXBlood brings us their debut, five song EP "Restoration." Yes, the metalcore genre is saturated, but lets see if these guys from Lynchburg, Virginia can standout in the crowd.
November 24, 2014
Stephen The Levite - Can I Be Honest?
After a decade of high-quality lyrical theology, Stephen wanted to show what it looked like in his life. Long-time listeners may grumble, but you can’t knock Stephen for trying something different. He aims to show & relate rather than teach & debate. And honestly, he pretty much succeeds on every level.
November 17, 2014
Bellarive - Before There Was
Bellarive's latest album, "Before There Was," is an intriguing blend of innovation and mainstream worship, which ultimately disappoints.
November 14, 2014
P.O.D. - SoCal Sessions
Veteran rockers P.O.D. bring their T-Boy Records label debut SoCal Sessions to the public venue this week. The band's first acoustic album, does SoCal deserve your time and attention? Find out, here.
November 5, 2014
Silent Planet - The Night God Slept
Silent Planet is a band that has been making some serious waves over the last several years. The group has shown extreme potential with their eclectic blend of artistry which merges the beauty and ambiance of mewithoutYou and the thick tone and riffing of Oh, Sleeper.
November 3, 2014
Trip Lee - Rise
One of the best feelings as a critic is to see an artist growing and putting out their best work every time. Such is the case with Trip Lee, who has once again topped his previous album & released one of the best hip hop albums of the year.
November 1, 2014
Project 86 - Knives to the Future
Project 86, long one of the best and most innovative bands in all of hard rock music, returns with their second fan-funded album "Knives to the Future." Now, we know the album is good... but, just how good? Find out here.