After finally giving it a more than deserved listen, I have written a review of Oceans Above. This is an elecrto-indie pop worship project from Chad Howart of Paper Route, and one of the most surprisingly good records I’ve been sent to review in a while.

Artist: Oceans Above
Album: Oceans Above
Label: Sparrow Records
Release Date: April 24, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettesson

Tracklist:
1. Beautiful One
2. O Praise Him (All This for a King)
3. Gazing
4. Rain Down
5. Filled with Your Glory
6. Blessed Be Your Name
7. God of Wonders
8. In Christ Alone
9. Love Break Me
10. Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful
11. Everything about You
12. Forever
13. We Fall Down
14. You and I
15. Jesus’ Blood

“Holy faith! Why didn’t I hear about this thing before?” A promo copy of this album and a simple looking press sheet entered my mailbox one day, and I regret to say that I passed over it many times before giving it a chance earlier this week, and I am terribly, terribly sorry I waited so long. Honestly, it’s hard to begin to explain the joy I get listening to Oceans Above. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Brandon told me to review this album, so eventually I popped it into my laptop and began to read the bio. But who could blame me? I recognized more than half these song names from church services, and it’s on Sparrow Records of all places. But then, I started to listen to the record and read that the head of this project was none other than Chad Howart of Paper Route.

Oceans Above is a worship album, no doubt. The songs were well chosen, including some that were new to me (“Rain Down,” “Everything about You,” etc) and some of my current favorites (“In Christ Alone,” “Blessed Be Your Name,” etc). But the music, Oh the music, this is something new to behold! Well, maybe not entirely, but it is in this context. Musically, Oceans Above is well-crafted electronic indie pop. This is the ultimate iPod hipster music taken and used for songs we are used to hearing in a style more befitting Christian soccer-moms. And yet, we still love these songs, don’t we? Because regardless of that fact that they don’t fit our typical musical mold, these are the songs we sing in church or wherever else that help us connect with God and sing praise to Him. And that is exactly what happens with Oceans Above. It’s the same songs, but now they’re done in a way that reminds you of a man by the name of Ben Gibbard. But don’t worry, just because The Postal Service are one of the few popular names in this sub-genre doesn’t mean that every band sounds exactly like them. Personally, I believe that this style is going to be the next rising trend among the pop-punk-gone-emo-gone-indie crowd, and I am amazed that this time around, the Christian music scene picked up on it at such an early stage. The majority of the songs are sung through a soft male voice, although there is a female voice doing background vocals on several tracks and taking the lead for a few. The arrangements are done reverently and inspirationally, as well as creatively and uniquely.

Some may worry that the songs will lose their original feel after being changed so much. This is true and it is not. It no longer feels like music you wouldn’t normally listen to (unless you hate this sort of music, in that case I feel sorry for you), but it does maintain the same melodies and spiritual content as before. They are recognizable, but they are now wearing tight jeans and a band shirt instead of khakis and a polo. Listening to this release has been an extremely impressive experience for me, not to mention spiritually uplifting, and I hope that all of you can join me in saying so. My only note of constructive criticism for Chad is that next time around he should consider doing original works instead of covers. But be that as it may, these covers are very well done.

9/10

MySpace

(NOTE: I understand not all churches are the same. I am working with extreme generalities here. Please do not be offended by anything I’ve said that doesn’t fit your experiences. I’ve only been referencing what I believe to be the “average” church in this country.)

Project 86 finally gave more details about The Kane Mutiny EP, which will apparently release on November 27 through iTunes. To read the full details of the post (and see the cover art!), click the replies.

MusiChristian.com is holding a big fall sale where you can get hundreds of albums for $9.99. Check it out here.

I Am Terrified has posted their music video for “Heaven Knocking, Hell Rising” in the blog section of their myspace.  Or you could just click here.

You might have missed this earlier…..

The Distance Between (featuring Brian “bubba” Yerman, formerly of Incomplete) has new songs up on their myspace page. These songs are taken from their upcoming album “Building Bridges” coming out in late November/Early December. We will hopefully have some copies of this cd in our webstore just in time for Christmas. You may have heard this band on Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2 but if you didn’t, go check them out on myspace today!

True Stance is hosting an early Christmas sale in their online store. You can get some great deals like tshirts for only $5.00!! Click here for the store.

Bert Connell, guitarist extraordinaire, has departed Sonset Down. The band is looking for a replacement. You can check out their myspace for their criteria for an ideal band member and to contact them if you’re interested in the spot.

Also, you should head over there to check out their music. Later on tonight I should have my review up of the band’s latest release, You Lose. (It’s out now on Wounded Records.) So if you guys would like to get a feel for them so I can boost my self-esteem by having comments on my review, I’m not altogether opposed to the idea.

So today is Halloween. What are you doing today for the holiday? My family is trick or treating, well my wife and son are and I get to stay back and pass out the candy. Whoopee! lol. So what are your plans today? Comment if you like.

It appears the a writer has been hired to write the script to Spiderman 4 with a potential release date of summer of 2009. What do you all think of this? If they cast all new actors, would you see it? Do you want to see the original cast return?

Here is a trailer for the upcoming Angelina Jolie starring graphic novel based film by the name of WANTED. Check it out. [cinematical.com]

It appears that the film version of the popular (and beloved) children’s toy line, G.I. Joe, has been greenlit and will be directed by Stephen Sommers. An actor named Sam Worthington is up for a role in the film but no word on what character he’ll be playing. Hollywood did a good job with Transformers, let’s hope they don’t screw this one up.

Check out the trailer for the excellent looking Kung Fu Panda animated film due to release next summer with Jack Black as the voice of the starring character.

I guess it was just a rumor after all.  According to Jesse Sprinkle, Dead Poetic is very much alive and they will begin writing new material for a new record very soon.  You can read the full bulletin they sent out on myspace about this below.

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So, Lyracist came out with a new one called Masquerade yesterday. Sevenglory came out with Atmosphere. Flyleaf’s Special Edition of their album came out.  Did any of you pick up some of the new albums that were released yesterday? If so, which ones?

Artist: Thrice
Album: The Alchemy Index: Vols I & II (Fire and Water)
Label: Vagrant Records
Release Date: October 16, 2007
Review By: Wilhelm

Tracklist:
Fire EP
1. Firebreather
2. The Messenger
3. Backdraft
4. The Arsonist
5. Burn the Fleet
6. The Flame Deluge

Water EP
1. Digital Sea
2. Open Water
3. Lost Continent
4. Night Diving
5. The Whaler
6. Kings Upon the Main

The newest release from Thrice, The Alchemy Index Vols. 1&2: Fire and Water, is a beautiful work of musicianship and artistic flare that most any music enthusiast could appreciate.  The release consists of two concept EPs, one revolving around fire and the other water.  Twelve songs later, this album is worth every bit of your hard earned (or stolen) money it costs.

As far as a concept album goes, Thrice does an incredibly beautiful job of exemplifying the concepts through lyricism, intensity, and all around musical ability.  For the Fire EP, the band puts out the most aggressive, incendiary (pun intended) post-hardcore sounds yet.  Lyrically, the Fire EP focuses on the destructive and explosive nature of fire in a way that is easily applicable to life.  The band throws in violently distorted guitars to build upon the angst and emotion of the Fire EP.

In the Water EP, Thrice’s music vastly changes to reflect the immense difference in concept.  Thrice changes from being beautifully violent and destructive to producing an ethereal, atmospheric masterpiece.  Musically, the guitars become immensely melodic and hint at a heavy post rock influence.  Digitally enhanced sound effects flood the aquatic songs, creating music that is spacious and extremely relaxed.  Lyrically, the Water EP changes to reflect the distant and limitless feel of an ocean.  Vocally, Thrice does an amazing job at changing the singing from a blistering yell to a spacious and calm whisper.

Regardless of musical taste or attitude toward Thrice, volumes 1 and 2 of The Alchemy Index are exceedingly abundant in beauty and talent.  Throughout the contrasting ideals of the Fire and Water EPs, Thrice still manages to maintain the fortitude of their beautiful sound.  New and old fans alike can appreciate this release immensely.  The best part about this album is that volumes 3 and 4 will be coming soon after this release, the elements being Earth and Air.  This album can be bought practically anywhere that quality music is sold.

Website

Myspace 

Apparently Nashville’s own Satellites and Sirens have signed with Word Records.  Check their myspace in the future for further updates.  They’ll be hitting the studio in a couple weeks to record.

Sanctus Real has recently released the song We Need Each Other from their upcoming album to radio. If you’re interested in hearing what the song is about you can watch a video of them talking about it here on their myspace. They are currently on the LIVE in this moment tour with Steven Curtis Chapmen and Bethany Dillon. You can see some of their tour dates below. Their new album is set to release in February of 2008.

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If you’re a fan of Demon Hunter, check out their Flicker account page right here.  The most recent pics posted on it are of Demon Hunter tattoos and pumpkins carved with their logo for haloween tomorrow.  There’s also new and old band shots for your viewing.  (bandsonfire.com)

You can read my interview with Ben Crist of The Glorious Unseen here. I would like any tips for future interviews that you have once you’re finished reading it.

Yesterday, I had the awesome opportunity of doing an e-mail interview with Ben Crist of The Glorious Unseen. I know that e-mail is pretty impersonal, but he seems like an amazing guy. If you have visited TGU’s myspace today, you might have read this already, because Ben posted it there.  This is my first interview ever, so constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. Please point out mistakes. I tried to ask less commonly asked questions, and I hope I succeeded. So yeah, enjoy the interview.

1.)Could you introduce yourself and give some background on previous bands/musical endeavors, etc?

My name is Ben Crist - I grew up playing drums in the worship team at my dad’s church in Atlanta, GA… Moved to Nashville in 2000 to go to school at Belmont University. Started playing drums in a hardcore band called Last Caress shortly thereafter - when that broke up I played guitar in an emo / rock band called Colson for a bit. That was fun. When that was over I started just leading worship for this sunday night homegroup some friends and I started… As the group grew - we decided to become a church. I continued leading worship - began writing my own songs - and today we have the Glorious Unseen…

Pretty much a normal day - I mean, I got my shipment of CD’s in the day before… Just had a lot of online promotion and stuff to work on… but other than that a pretty normal day… Went to see Ryan Adams play in Nashville that night…

yeah I’ve made friends with a lot of them during this whole process - some of them, I have been friends with for years - like the Normajean dudes and As Cities Burn guys… but recently I’ve met more of them and it’s cool… I like being on a label with a bunch of normal dudes who are trying to serve the lord with their talents…

I’ve met him - before I was signed I gave him a copy of my demo… haha. I feel a little embarassed about that now… but I mean I like some of his songs… I wouldn’t say I’m a huge, huge fan. First time I heard O Praise Him was when another worship leader in our church played that song on a sunday… I didn’t know it was Crowder…I hadn’t really ever listened to Crowder… I like his song “Come and Listen” … really I don’t like a ton of that Passion stuff - I like some of their songs here and there… but when I lead them I do them in kind of a different way…

I began banging around on drums when I was like 7 I think… Cause I used to watch the drummer at church and thought he was so awesome… As I was growing up I was only allowed to listen to christian music - so I was into all the early Tooth  and Nail stuff… I don’t know that I always wanted to be a pro musician… I just kinda liked doing it as a hobby - I never enjoyed taking lessons and all that… just learned on my own… Just kinda happened to start doing the worship leading thing… And I loved doing it…

The part when Jesus walks on water and Peter goes out to meet him. but when he takes his eyes off Jesus he starts to sink… Then jesus comes and lifts him up… It impacts me cause it reminds me to keep my eyes on him and not be distracted with music business and all that… Just stay focused on what he has called me to…

I don’t know - kind of mixed… There’s so many people coming in and out of the Anchor all the time… you don’t really know how long people have been there… Since it’s kinda a college aged church - people are here one day, gone the next… so yeah now it’s a completely different group than it was when it started… Honestly I don’t know a lot of the people there anymore… Those that have been there awhile treat me the same… Some of the new kids kinda act differently - since I’m a signed T&N guy or whatever… But it’s all good…

Well for me I mean this has been a very long process… this didn’t just happen overnight… I’ve been singing these songs in worship for years… It’s been a long process of learning to serve the lord… So I’m praying that my attitude would not change… Just continue doing what he puts in front of me to do… And it will continue to be a blessing…

I like to work out while listening to spirit filled hardcore like LifeInYourWay and OhSleeper… That’s a fun time… I bartend at a local restaurant… That’s a fun time too… I like to sneak into local hotels to find sweet pools and jacuzzis… One new thing I’m doing is I’m starting to eat out of the bus tub at work… I work at a sushi bar… Like, It would be a shame to waste good sushi - so when people don’t eat it all - I sneak it to the back and eat it… That’s gonna be my new hobby I guess… I can save money that way…. hopefully I won’t get fired… haha… just kidding… kind of.

Man they all had their fun recording moments… They’re all so epic - it’s fun watching the song come together from beginning to end… We had fun with Wrapped up in you… that little guitar lick at the beginning and that off tempo drum thing was sick!! Close to Your Heart was awesome cause we just made it so heavy at the end… Meet us Here has that breakdown at the end that was fun to do… Live - Hear Our prayers seems to go very well… just draws people together well…

Off the top of my head - I think some of the Tennessee Titans players or country music stars I guess… Those people are always in my restaurant - so I get to serve Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bently, Eddie George, Steve McNair and those guys a lot… hmmm… I guess I kinda met Billy Corgan once but that was at a Pumpkins show afterparty… he was drunk I doubt he remembers…

probably playing tennis / baseball with my bros and friends… I think that continues to be the best memory…

I think we might go see Saw III this week… I just heard of this new movie called Bella which apparently is very inspirational… So I wanna check that… And that new Tom Cruise thing - can’t remember the name but I’m gonna try to convince my wife to go see that too…

14.)Do you have interest in video games, or are they something you stay away from?

I have a nintendo 64 cause I used to play 007 a bunch… but now I don’t really make time anymore… I haven’t beaten it yet though… so maybe I can find some more time to play… myspace takes all my time!! It’s a curse… haha

haha… one thing I’m trying to not do anymore is book a show - and then have to back out of it… I had to back out of a few shows recently… I’m trying to plan these shows and tours more carefully now…

Just freaking sitting in the van and making inside jokes… like if we see a girl outside or something and everyone like messing with the drummer cause he’s single…and saying that she needs to be his girl and all… that’s pretty funny…

Just for continued clarity in what God has for me and for the band… that he would lead wherever this thing is meant to go…

18.)Last words/comments.

I would’ve written longer answers to some of these questions but I’m not a good typer…

And that’s it. If you don’t have the album, go buy it. These guys are one of the few bright spots in a (in my opinion) mostly bland worship music scene. Again, I would appreciate constructive criticism.

The Poison Written has a new song entitled “We Saw This Coming”. Check it out its a pretty sick song.

Flynn has some new videos of them touring, recording, and just goofing off.

been a day without Demon Hunter news. Go to MusiChristian.com to pre-order the new album, and you’ll get a free autographed cd insert. You get it no matter which edition you buy. [http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com]

No new albums from Christian artists that we cover have been released today, unless we are in error? Next week however has the huge release from Demon Hunter titled “Storm the Gates of Hell” will most likely smash the music industry to pieces, well maybe not but they will definitely cause a huge interest in the band from followers and new fans alike. Expect this album to blow up and smash all previous sales records. In one word, this album will be HUGE!! I’m not waiting on getting my free copy, I’m going to support this band and buy my own next Tuesday. I encourage you to do the same. Other albums releasing next week include the hit debut from A Dream Too Late and the acoustic release from The Classic Crime. Are there any other big releases (from Christian artists) that we are missing out on?

Last piece of news. We are interested in getting a review of the new Thrice double disc so if any of our reviewers/staff members feel like tackling this mighty (and quite fantastic) release, please email me. Thanks.

Gwen Stacy have entered the studio with Brian McTernan (Thrice, Cave In, Snapcase, Moments in Grace) and Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Bled) to record their debut full length for Ferret Music titled “The Life I Know” which will be released on February 5th, 2008. [punknews.org] Who else is excited about this?

If you live in the UK, you’ll get some awesome deals on Underoath Merch at their official merch store over there. Click here to check it out.

DecembeRadio is on a tour called “The Drifter Tour” with Nevertheless, Bread of Stone, and SuperHero. For dates, click the link.

There is another band going around with the name Not Waving But Drowning. Remember them? They were on Takehold Records years ago. Well this is not the same band.

Dates for the Impending Doom tour with Too Pure to Die, Beneath the Sky, and White Chapel have been posted and can be viewed by clicking below. Is anyone going to this tour?

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Gwen Stacy have signed with Ferret Music.

 Here’s round 4 of the upcoming bands. Some great stuff this week; check it out.

Fates Final Closure- Upcoming metal/hardcore from South Bay, California. Similarities to Haste the Day, Zao, and the Agony Scene. I really love the melody and vocals in the beginning of the song “Sacred Night”.

Seth W- None other than Seth Werkheiser the leader of our good buddies over at Buzzgrinder.com playing some groovy tunes. Give it a listen… it’s great stuff… really.

Fight to Die- Hardcore punk from Jackson, Mississippi. Reminds me of Officer Negative, The Culprits and FBS. It’s great to hear some good ol’ punk rock now and again.

Lost Ocean (Credential Recordings)- Piano based pop/rock from Bakersfield, California. Very catchy pop laced tunes. Check out the song “Vast” its one of my favorites.

That’s all for this week.

New poll, go vote. Since we’re nearing the end of the year, I thought I’d post up a poll on what everyone’s favorite fest of the year has been. I assume there are no more fests left in 07′ but if there are, let us know. I also posted up a few traveling tours because they are essentially one day festivals in each city. Feel free to add your favorites to the list if I left it off there.

According to our last poll, the majority of our readers would like to see a Five Iron Frenzy reunion and so would I!!

The Echoing Green have posted a remix and a Depeche Mode cover to their myspace. The Suffer EP drops soon.

One of the CDs mailed to AbsolutePunk.net this week was Quick and the Dead’s Going Home, which, as you no doubt know, was recently released by our very own IVM. Well, I think it would be pretty cool if we could get this CD reviewed over there. They have a very large amount of readers, and maybe it would generate some buzz for the band. And with all the press the record has had here, you have to be curious about what the review would say.

So if you’re a member of AP.net and you would like to see a Quick and the Dead review, leave a comment saying so here. Personally, I’d like to see this happen.

I have posted my review of Mahteo’s The NuWave Republic. Out now on Scotoma Arist Co-op.