News
August 2, 2021
Wage War is a newer band in my collection. Disclaimer-They seem to be a quasi-Christian band as has had not too much recognition in the Christian market, but I have seen their videos that hint at the subject. Other bands that fall in the quasi category are Memphis May Fire, The Devil Wears Prada, Gideon, etc… Anyways, this song is so darn catchy & just happens to be one I can relate to. Just know that in Jesus, anyone can change if they let the Holy Sprit lead.… Continued →
August 1, 2021
New Music: July 30, 2021
Rock & Metal
Pop & CCM
- Ben Lawrence, JSteph – why do i feel this way (EP)
- Coby James – Mixtape: Side B
- Glenmerle – Babel Steeple
- John Michael Howell – Running In a Dream
- Kye Kye – Arya
- NEEDTOBREATHE – Into The Mystery
- NewKings – Finale
- ON / OFF / ON – 101 (EP)
- Sam Rivera – Rise (EP)
- Sarah Nathalié – The Remix
- Sidewalk Prophets – I Believe It Now (Alternate Versions) (EP)
- Tre’ Mutava – The Movies
- 7eventh Time Down – I’m Free (EP)
- Zach Winters – Other Side (A) (EP)
- Battz – Carlton Deserves Flowers (EP)
- Big Fil – PHILLY ILLIES
- Ceasar Kiveli – Reborn
- Gil Gatsby – The Nameless Ep
- Kingholyan Miraculous, Eli Williams – Good Guy EP
- Mike REAL – S.O.S.
July 31, 2021
Song of the Day: Fireflight - What I've Become
Fireflight is one of the bands that each cd they have come out out with, there is always one that stands out the most to me. Dawn Michell’s voice is just so Today’s SOTD is just that coming from 2009’s For Those Who Wait. Also, check out the original version of Serenity The Call, You Decide, Stay Close, We Are Alive. I have not heard much of their latest so I will be checking it out soon. This song is literally the one on my Facebook page it is so good.… Continued →
July 30, 2021
Song of the Day: Velour 100 - Toledo
I’m a sucker for all things shoegaze, including music that often falls under the wider umbrella of dream pop, madchester/baggy, indie pop and some forms of Britpop and space rock. While shoegaze had a limited representation amongst Christian artists, there were a few who really excelled in the genre. Ypsilanti, Michigan’s Velour 100 was one such artist.
Led by Trey Many (who had honed his skills in the mainstream His Name is Alive and Liquorice; also a member of indie rock supergroup Lo-Tom), and rounded out by vocalist Amon Krist (daughter of renowned folk artist Jan Krist) on the debut, the band employed a trio of lead vocalists for their more accessible and also edgier sophomore effort Of Color Bright.… Continued →
July 29, 2021
REVIEW : Ischus - Blessed Assurance
Troubling times call for “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” alike. And man, are times troubling. Thankfully, Ischus’ six-track debut satisfies all of these qualifications. From acoustic, folk-adjacent arrangements to lofi songs to whatever the sonic expanse of “My Soul Belongs to Thee” might be called. If you’re looking for the quick hits, fans of My Epic’s Broken Voice will appreciate this collection of restrained-yet-lyrically-rich tracks.
Ischus begins with a unique rendition of “Doxology” – there’s in inherent irony in that Pauline doxologies typically end their respective letters.… Continued →
July 28, 2021
Song of the Day: The Call - All About You
I never did listen to this band when they were around, but caught up to them much later sad to say. This song has an awesome groove & is basically a worship song as shown by the lyrics below. The band got some mainstream success ban in the day when their song I Still Believe (which was also covered by Russ Taff) was in the vampire movie The Lost Boys Listed also is a live version just because 80s live videos are always a treat!
I was never too wild about big shots
I was never too calm about pain
I was never too cool about the heat
But I’m [burning again?]… Continued →
July 27, 2021
July 26, 2021
Song of the Day: Dimestore Prophets - Hitler's Girlfriend
I remember seeing this band in Missouri I believe back in 1994 era. The band signed my t-shirt which was the Love Is Against The Grain cd cover. The band released a few songs on Christian modern rock radio back in the 90’s, but today’s SOTD stood out for obvious reasons.
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July 24, 2021
Protect Your Heart - Closer To The Grave (Official Music Video)
New pop-punk band Protect Your Heart from the Los Angeles, California area, are back with another new song. This new song is titled “Closer To The Grave” which is one of the best things to come out of the pop-punk scene at this current moment. Check out the song and music video, below. “Closer To The Grave” is available now on all digital networks!… Continued →
Lightworker - Crawling in the Dark (Hoobastank Cover)
Most covers are just quickly mashed together, lacking any real emphasis on originality, pulling an existing song out of it’s sameness and reigniting it to a whole new level. Well my friends, Lightworker have taken the old song “Crawling in the Dark” from 00’s rockers – Hoobastank, and given it a whole new life. Most people don’t know that Hoobastank created a whole bunch of music/songs before The Reason took over airwaves and people’s hearts. This song was a real rocker and Lightworker have breathed new life into this song and the genre as a whole.… Continued →
Jason Dunn - Billy Enforcee (New Music Video and Song)
Jason Dunn is without a doubt, BACK! If this new song “Billy Enforcee” and it’s accompanying music video is any indication of what’s to come, well then we are in for one of the best new releases of 2021. Check out the music video for the new song, below. The hard charging and heavy new pop-punk rock song definitely shares a lot in common with the first couple Hawk Nelson albums before the band went the CCM route without Jason. Download the song via bandcamp right here.… Continued →
The Protest - Show Up To The Showdown (Music Video)
The Protest just put out their brand new, firery music video for the song called “Show Up To The Showdown” and its a lesson in wild west vengeance. Well not really but it is a really cool new music video for a song that is just as amazing. Check out the music video below and find the song on all digital networks now.… Continued →
Christafari Release Documentary Film, New Album, and Music Video
Lots of Christafari news to report on this beautiful Saturday morning here from Southern California. First up, the band just dropped a brand new album on all digital networks titled “Under God”. The new song “Jireh” is currently getting a music video filmed for it and will be released soon. The band dropped a music video for the song “His Blood (Feat. Roland Manakaja)” last week and the song actually comes from their 2020 album “Musicianaries: At Any Cost” which the new documentary is centered around.… Continued →
Song of the Day: These 5 Down: Hymn
These 5 Down was an amazing nu-metal band that sounded akin to Korn. Their first cd was played so many times when I was stationed in the military. I even ran into a guy one time wearing the band’s t-shirt & we have been friends ever since. For like 20 some years now. The band members have stories to on their coming to Jesus so be sure to do a search on it sometime. This song Hymn was chosen simply because of its music & lyrical content as “All in the name of Jesus I bind you up” you don’t find everyday.… Continued →
July 23, 2021
New Music: July 23, 2021
Rock & Metal
Pop & CCM
- Kevin Hackett – AWAKE AFTER MIDNIGHT (EP)
- NICE. – HOW CAN YOU SLEEP IN A TIME LIKE THIS? (EP)
- Ross King – Unfinished
- JIMMY ROCK – Summer Vibes (EP)
- Jhonny Vergel – Born Again EP
- BigBreeze – Trap Out Da Gospel
- Bishop Freeze – A New Creation: The Memoirs of Bishop Freeze (From Death to Life)
- BrodieDaVinci – I’m Feeling 22 (EP)
- cconsciencee – LIFE INFINITY
- Derek Minor, Greg James, THICC James – I’m Lovely (EP)
- Joey Vantes – SLWD
- R.
Song of the Day: Besieged - The Years Between
How often have you gone back to listen to an album that was more than 10 years old, only to find it didn’t hold up as well as you thought it would? A sloppy guitar part here, or a bad mixing job there, or even just song ideas that didn’t really work as well in hindsight?
I first heard Atlantis in 2007 when I was asked to review it for Uprise Zine (if you remember that publication, give me a shout!) While I definitely remember liking it, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds 14 years after its release.… Continued →
July 21, 2021
Song of the Day: Vengeance Rising - Bishop of Souls
Today’s SOTD recollects a simpler time when the Christian metal industry were not overrun with way to many artists to find the time to listen to. I think I bought Released Upon The Earth & Tourniquet’s Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance & Galactic Cowboys’ Space In Your Face the same day at a used record store in my hometown. I have heard of the band’s breakup & all the stories about Roger Martinez & I was one of the one whom he contacted with his play script that he wrote that was very unchristian, but this SOTD lyrics read like a worship song which is what we need to hear.… Continued →
July 19, 2021
My Top Ten Albums & EPs of April-June 2021
Continuing my top ten lists I started three months ago, I give you my top ten albums of April-June 2021:… Continued →
Song of the Day: Secret & Whisper - XOXOXO
Formed from the ashes of another Canadian band, Stutterfly, this band released 2 LPs that anyone who is into modern rock should own. Point blank. This band separates itself from the myriad of a modern rock band due its guitar tones & vocalist Charles Finn vocal stylings. Every single song they have done I like so don’t miss this way too short-lived band.
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July 18, 2021
New Music: July 16, 2021
Rock & Metal
- CHPTRS – Chapter Six
- CLOUDLAND – Where We Meet
- Fit For A King, August Burns Red – Guardians of the Path (EP)
- For the Fatherless – Poetry EP
- Ryan Stevenson – Weathering the Storm (EP)
- Sam Bowman – Children of the Burning Heart
- Dedge P – Get Up
- Little Limbo – Prince Vamp (Deluxe)
- NXTMIKE – FTLOG (DELUXE)
- Puntin – Newston (EP)
- Sarah Nathalié – Til The Sunrise (EP)
- Church of the City – Defiant Joy (Live) (EP)
- Citizens – Live in Sydney
- Deeper Well – Live Sessions: June 2021
- Kim Walker-Smith – Revival Nights (Live)
July 17, 2021
Ocean Dark Release "Hope & Chaos" New Album
I’m incredibly late with this post and I apologize. European Metal kings by way of Finland – Ocean Dark, just dropped their album last month titled “Hope & Chaos”. It’s incredible stuff and brings to mind some of your favorite metal bands that the scene has produced but on an even grander scale. This mostly unknown band has begun making waves and there’s no stopping them. Please check out “Hope & Chaos” by Ocean Dark on your favorite digital network. The song “Home” is posted below to give you a taste of the whole thing.… Continued →
Starflyer 59 Life In Bed Short Film
Starflyer 59 and filmmaker, Hunter Christy, just put together this wonderful “Life In Bed” short film. Watch it below and comment with your thoughts. Starflyer 59 “Life In Bed” single is out now.… Continued →
The Many Adventures of The Joneses and The Jesus Music Film (2021)
Well, we just returned from a wild week at Great Wolf Lodge here locally in So Cal. We spent countless days at the water park and even Knott’s Berry Farm as well as spending precious time with my wife and children. We even had our oldest son Brayden stop by for a bit on last Thursday. Overall, was a great time spent with family and unforgettable memories were had. My wallet still aches but well, what did I expect lol. I have some pics/vids up on my private Instagram so check it.… Continued →
Radical Radical Release 3rd Song, "I'm Not Ok, and That's Ok"
This is a truly exciting and mood stimulating new music project from Adam Lohrbach formerly of pop-punk kings, Home Grown. Radical Radical has now grown to be an official band with 4 members and played their first live show a few weeks ago to a very enthusiastic crowd here in Southern California. The band just released their latest song, the 3rd one so far in 2021 for those keeping track. The song is titled “I’m Not OK, and That’s OK”, which most definitely has an honest, open, and hopeful viewpoint expressed through some great emo/pop-punk.… Continued →
August Burns Red x Fit For a King EP
August Burns Red just dropped a cool new collaborative EP with Fit For a King titled “Guardians of the Path” and guess what? It’s out now! Through Solid State Records. Check out a couple songs below. Find out more and get merch by clicking this link here.… Continued →
Song of the Day: Between Thieves - The Spring
A rock song about baptism is what this SOTD is referencing. And you can’t go wrong with that. Between Thieves were on the same record label as Common Children. It was hard to choose between this one & Kindle so hope you like this one.
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July 16, 2021
Song of the Day: The Choir - Gripped
One of the longest-running indie/alternative bands in the Christian scene, The Choir emerged in the 1980s initially as Youth Choir, shortening the name after the release of one album and one EP. The band formed in 1983 and were instrumental in the early 80s Calvary Chapel scene in Southern California, that also included stalwarts like Undercover, Altar Boys, and 4-4-1.
Where some of their counterparts flirted with punk and harder alternative sounds, The Choir’s sound rarely ‘rocked’ so much as it created atmospheres and layers that have never been easily pigeonholed into any particular scene or sound and yet have toyed with dream pop, indie pop, and at times even shoegaze.… Continued →
July 14, 2021
Song of the Day: Love Coma - Astronaut
Chris Taylor is a mainstay in the music industry. He started off on vocals for this band that also consisted of Matt Slocum who would go on to work with Sixpence None The Richer. Texan Love Coma was indeed an alternative rock band when the term meant something. They released 2 LPs (Soul Rash & Language Of Fools) in the 90s before Chris went solo. They ended up releasing another back last year in 2020, but I did not see much recognition from the release. If you like this song check out my other faves Heart Wide Open & Entertainment Tonight.… Continued →
July 13, 2021
July 12, 2021
Song of the Day: X-Sinner - Living On The Edge
This is one of my favorite rock songs of the 80s. X-Sinner’s sound was akin to ACDC or Def Leppard soundalike, but that doesn’t mean they were a clone of either mainstream band. They had an area rock sound w/ a blues twist. Check out others by them that are a must have for any classic Christian rock playlist: Medicine, Walking Evil, Don’t Go, Lift Him Up or Accountable. TBH I did not care much for their later stuff after their first 2 LPs. To me this somber SOTD hits with a punch & probably always will.… Continued →