Month: November 2020

I know it’s not Christmas yet, but in the spirit of the season, Shawn Browning’s Rottweiler Records released their yearly Christmas compilation back on November 24, 2020. I remember seeing various Facebook posts about the upcoming project & is up on Rottweiler’s Bandcamp page. Consisting of 20 songs, this comp is sure to satisfy most hard subgenre lovers. The lead track For Unto Us is Malaysian band Shamash who actually released their first EP recently. Coming in on track 2 is progressive rockers Mawcore (formerly known as Blushing Well) with vocalist Joshua Redding who is pretty active on social media so it was nice seeing them here.… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Anberlin – We Are the Lost Ones
• Brotality – Prisoners of The Abyss
• Heliocentric – Never Again
• Killdevil Theory – Die Another Day
• The Midnight Wedding – Enforcers
• Talkie – anna

Pop & CCM

• Alyssa Jordan – I’m With You
• Beach Chapel – Jerusalem
• The Brilliance – Tell Me I’m Dreaming
• Chasing Daylight – Heartbreak
• Common Courier – Let Go
• I AM THEY – Scars (Acoustic)
• I AM THEY – Tremble Acoustic
• J.Prosper – Never Let Go
• JJ Heller – I Have Enough
• John Gabriel Arends – God Is Moving Like a River
• Josh Sellers – All in My Head
• Shana|Lana – Goodbye Babylon
• Tom Read – Stabal Session (Live)

Electronic

• LoudWorship, Swedish Revolution, Retro Mars – You Say (Lauren Daigle Version)
• Trampolines – The Blessing

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• hadassa morais – Love Letters
• Jon Foreman – Doubt (EP)
• Jonathan Gabriel Masters – Park
• Karissa Frampton – Memos
• TJ Harris – Walk Love

Hip Hop & R&B

• Adriel Cruz – Punk (EP)
• Bryann T – Kingdom Muzic Family: The Remnant
• Courtney B – The Evolution of Courtney B
• davecreates – Ascension
• Hyper Fenton – Darkest Hour
• IMRSQD – Fox Glacier (EP)
• Jalen Williams – Thank God, Show Love
• Jekasole, Scootie Wop – N Luv
• JohnLion.,

… Continued →

Underground hip-hop leaders Illect Recordings (home of Sivion, Terem, James Gardin and many others) are running holiday sales currently on physical merch (12″ Vinyl, 7″ Vinyl, CDs, Cassette Tapes & more). A few new items are included in addition to a couple re-stocks. There are also pre-orders, from tomorrow, for the Sivion x DertBeats Vinyl LP. Stock is expected to arrive in a few weeks from Europe. The official release date will be 6-8 weeks later but fans who pre-order the vinyl will be the first to have it.… Continued →

From the opening riffs of opener “Armadillo”, you know this is going to be something interesting—dual harmonic guitar riffs in fuzzy tones. Vocals reflect Markham’s alt country background, but this is clearly a rock record. His bio claims he was trying to return to the hard rock and heavy metal that made him happy as a child, and while that is certainly a tangible presence, it’s filtered through his alternative consciousness. It’s like the rock era of Starflyer 59 where they essentially wrote doom metal riffs but set them into the context of shoegaze songs.… Continued →

Earlier this year I shared a list of the best albums of 2020 so far from A to Z. Now I’m back to share my list of the best songs of 2020 from A to Z! Once again the letters Q, X, and Z gave me some trouble but I was still able to put together a great list of songs for you. Be sure and check out the playlist of all the songs and runners-up at the bottom!… Continued →

There’s a recurring debate about who the first Christian rocker was. It’s very often touted that Larry Norman was the “godfather of Christian rock.” And if we mean by that that he was the first artist to really capture the essence of the genre with a wide influence, you’d have a pretty decent argument. However, if we’re talking about who was first, it wasn’t him. Not by a long shot. Larry’s first Gospel album dropped in 1969, after an impactful encounter with the Holy Spirit led him away from a substantial career in famed rock group People!… Continued →

This is a big year not only for music, anniversaries, but also Indie Vision Music in general. Yes, my friends, this year is the 20th Anniversary of the website/store/label and everything IVM means to me. I thought of a few different things I could do for the anniversary but due to time constraints and well, this pandemic which has completely changed EVERYTHING about our daily lives, I decided to keep it simple. I have put together this little write up on what I consider to be 20 of my favorite albums of that monumental year in music history.… Continued →

Continuing with the (former) IVM band news is a sweet little drum cover of “Broken Youth” (Homeplate) by Paul Hyde of the band Grandpa Loves Rhinos. Check out the drum cover below this post. Grandpa Loves Rhinos “Searching in the Sarchasm” and Homeplate “Derby City” EP available now from your digital network of choice and on CD.… Continued →

The pop-punk duo known as “Homeplate” are returning after just a few months from the release of their incredible debut EP, “Derby City”, to record MORE NEW MUSIC. That’s right friends, the guys will reconvene in the studio soon to lay down some new tracks for another EP. If you enjoyed “Derby City” as much as I did, you’re in for a real treat. No word yet on whether a label will pick these guys up and release future tunes but stay tuned. For now, pick up Derby City EP on CD from IVM or your favorite digital network.… Continued →

A classic Tooth & Nail pop-punk band, Hangnail, that everyone will claim is an underrated band who definitely should have been “bigger” (whatever that means) in their time is seeing a most triumphant return to the music realm. With hands held high in applause, we welcome these posi-pop-punk gentlemen back and we welcome their brand of uplifting, spiritual punk rock with our arms wide open (cheesy Creed pun, sorry). You can pick up or stream “Christmas Hymns” on your favorite Digital Network, December 4th, through long time label home, Tooth & Nail Records.… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Lyrics:… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Awaken – The Veil
• CHPTRS – When You Came Along
• CLOUDLAND – Lights
• Faintheart – Growing Pains (EP)
• Kevin Max – Revisiting This Planet
• The Lasting Hope – Lead Me
• Mike Mains & The Branches – Briggs (Cinematic Version)
• No Lost Cause – Hope For The Hopeless (2020 Version)
• The Reversalist – Falling Embers
• VERIDIA – Crushed Velvet
• Weathered – Everything All at Once

Pop & CCM

• 21:03 – Never Let Me Down
• Bien – Megaphone
• Cristabelle Braden – My Story Now (Lo-Fi Remix)
• Daulton Hopkins – I Melt With You
• DC Talk – Trying to Find A Life
• Feikje Douwina – This Time (EP)
• Gabriel Conte – Belong
• Jacob Hilton – A Voice Shouting (Féz Remix)
• Jessica Love – Stronger
• JJ Weeks Band – JJ Weeks Band
• John Michael Howell, Ashylnn Rose – You Will Love Again
• Jordan St.

… Continued →

British Christian reggae artist Ben Okafor was born in Nigeria. Experiencing life as a victim of the Nigerian civil war, and even serving temporarily as a child soldier, Okafor was able to relocate to England in the late 70s where he began a career as a reggae artist. His early works were even produced by Bob Lamb (UB40). Musically, Ben’s music has always had an interesting mix of influences from traditional roots reggae (Ben’s clean guitar playing is noted throughout his lengthy discography) to lovers rock (AKA pop-reggae), but also including folk and world elements–all of which are impacted by his diverse cultural and geographical background.… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Bandcamp | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Lyrics:… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Lyrics:… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Music Lyrics:… Continued →

Love and Death are back after a more than 8 year break, with a brand new song titled “Down”. Check out the lyric video for this explosive new track, below. The new album “Perfectly Preserved” is out in February12th, 2021 via Earache Records. For the low down on track list, guests, pre-orders, and more, see the feature on Alt Press here.… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• 12 Stones – Smoke and Mirrors Volume 1 (EP)
• Amongst Wolves – Golden (Remix)
• Cory Shane – Pyramid Scheme
• Crushing the Deceiver – At The End Of The Tunnel
• Fallstar – SSRI Feel Better Already
• Fight The Fade – What’s Left (Acoustic)
• The Fold – Young & Free
• Love and Death – Down
• Revelation Attic – Agony
• The Rocket Summer – Bee Sides: Select Rarities 2015-2020
• Talkie – to be alone
• Then It Ends – Despised (Acoustic)

Pop & CCM

• Andrea Hamilton – Time Under Tension (EP)
• Camryn Leigh Smith – Tightrope
• Freddie Fardon – Under Your Wings
• Grace Graber – Real
• Harolddd – Hoodie Weather
• Jessie Early – The Fire Never Dies (EP)
• Jon Webster – Rendezvous
• Judah & the Lion – Spirit
• MacKenzie Phillips – Deeper
• Marie Bashiru – Joyride
• Matthew West – Gobble Gobble
• Neoni – OUTLAW
• Punch Parade – Stay In
• Smalltown Poets – In Real Life (Live)
• Spencer Kane – Smoke
• Terrian – Light It Up
• Whosah – Heaven Here

Electronic 

• God’s Warrior – River Flows In You (God’s Warrior Remix)
• God’s Warrior – Tears

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Alisa Turner – Row
• Allison Clarke – Live Oak (EP)
• Jamie Barnes – Ex-Voto
• Jessie Dipper – Sirens
• More Than Rubies – The Bravest Thing
• Ordinary Time – Hard Times
• Tracy Nitschke – Ghost Town

Hip Hop & R&B

• Aluis – Faith Without Sight 2
• Angie Rose – Meet Me (Heaven On Earth)
• Anthone Ray – FACADE
• Arrow – All That (feat.

… Continued →

This band holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been a fan since 2001 or so when I first heard “Foreign Concepts” from Men of Israel Records. They were big time self promoters and got their music into my ears. I bought their early albums for sale in my store back in the day. The band was out from Israel touring the country and stopped in to play this store here in Orange County, CA. where I was putting on “I’m Your Biggest Fan Vol.… Continued →

A new group coming straight out of the North Pole called The Myrrhderers are here to spread some Christmas cheer and celebrate the holiday like only a punk rock band could. This super special group are releasing their debut Christmas only EP titled “The Myrrhderers Sleigh Christmas” on November 20th. You can download “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” right here via their bandcamp page. The band will follow this up with “The Myrrhderers Sleigh Some More” on December 11th. I have the EP and it absolutely rules.… Continued →

Fallstar are back and with a new song in tow. Check out the track “SSRI Feel Better Already” below this post and give it a solid listen. The song will appear on the new album “Sunbreather”, out February 2021 through Facedown Records. I was an on/off Fallstar fan in the past probably due to my tastes at the time but this new song completely changes my entire outlook on the band and their job as musicians. This is solid and I mean that in the most sincere way.… Continued →

I’m not sure how most IVM readers feel about new wave and synth-driven music. It’s extremely nostalgic for me, having grown up in the 80s. The 1980s also comprised the decade where contemporary Christian music came into its own as a marketable industry. While you could argue the merits of that, or against them, it’s a simple fact. But where there is ‘progress’ or marketability (read: money), there will also always be an undercurrent–an independent protest against the mainstream. Marc Plainguet–and his alter egos Gadget and Crazed Bunnyz–were spearheading lo-fi and experimental synth-driven music in the underground tape-trading scene.… Continued →

Charlotte, NC wordsmith Andy Squyres has released a lyric video for his must-hear track “Dead Horse”. This track is rife with lament and worship all the same and is a great example of why I’ve clung deeply to Squyres’ songs this year. His lyrics avoid clichés on both extremes – this is far from CCM, but it does not wallow in self-pity. Other suggested tracks to check out include “The Pestle and the Mortar”, “Unanswered Prayers”, “Cherry Blossoms”, and “Before You God”.   … Continued →

With a name like Knuckle Sucker, one may not be quick to think that they would be a faith based band, but they sure are and unabashedly so! FFO: Loose End, Pocket Change, Preach it Ray Ray!, Relient K, Slick Shoes, and MxPx.

One of my all time fave releases, Lemonade, was from a band released by the defunct R.E.X. Music. Forming circa 1993, the 4 band members had changed their name from Leaderdogs to add For The Blind. They blew Christian indie music lovers away with an industrial/hard rock hybrid with iconic songs such as Yellow & Black Attack (no, not the Stryper album!), Better Ways, Ripple & Supersaturated. They followed up with The Resurrect Me EP that included other the greats Pollinate & Lie You Buy. Then, boom, that was it.… Continued →

Facedown Records indie rock band Weathered’s first & latest single Quick Tempered from their upcoming album lyrical content is simply some of the most profound lyrics that I’ve seen in a while. They seem to align with my favorite Bible verse that I have tattooed on my arm. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Here are the lyrics up until the bridge.… Continued →

Unbeknownst to me, apart from a Facebook post, I’ve been writing for IVM for four years now. That’s long enough to get a college degree, or a Master’s. And in some ways, that time feels like a drop in the bucket. In other ways, it has been stressful, tense, uncertain, even insurmountable at times. But in the midst of that, there have been pockets of joy, wonder, and passion. I got to tour with American Arson. I’ve had reviews shared by Facedown Records. I’ve covered bands that got big; elsewhere, I helped put a few artists on the map.… Continued →

Trulah has released an incredibly relevant, captivating song. Pairing jazz and soul with sentiments about the world’s blindness to unfolding spiritual realities, “Sing of the Times” is at once comforting and convicting. The track borrows themes from apocalyptic literature (wars and rumors of wars, the great apostasy), placing the audience in the middle of this uncomfortable reality: many are asleep, and narrow is the path to life. We have a responsibility to keep the faith and plead with the faithless. Of course, it’s an entrancing track in terms of overall sound as well – making this a very unique song, one that demands to be heard for its urgent message.… Continued →

Rackets is the best shock rock band imho with loyal fans called Therapy Patients. Led by vocalist Kandy Kane (Kiffany), they have definitely had a controversial impact on the Christian music industry & have been repeatedly listed as sounding akin to Marilyn Manson. Starting out in 1994, they formed under the name Human Soup. Many years have passed & they have released recent music more akin to their first 2 albums. The first was released under the moniker of A Violent System with this new one back to Rackets & Drapes.… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• 2 Minute Minor – Stand for Something or Fall for Anything (EP)
• Chaotic Resemblance – Unto the Lamb
• Collision of Innocence – Sorrows End
• Dawnbreaker – Vanquished Horrible Night
• Diamonds to Dust – Corpus Christi
• The Midnight Wedding – Set Me Free
• Northern Flame – Sanctification of the World
• Talkie – look at me
• Weathered – In This World

Pop & CCM

• About A Mile – Godless America
• After Grace – Forever Home
• The Brilliance – Hurricane
• Common Courier – At the Table
• The Complete Fiction – Things Are Looking Up
• Future Of Forestry – We Can’t Breathe
• Gabriel Conte – Los Angeles
• GALLERY – Beacon (Radio Edit)
• The Gray Havens – Forever / / Autumn Sessions
• Greg Attwells – So Crazy
• Jamie Grace – Normal
• JJ Heller – Impossible
• Joel Vaughn – It’s Okay
• Mary Ives – Is There Anybody Out There
• Tom Read – Dead Things to Life (Live)
• Tyler Batts – Falling In
• Xandria Cross – Marionette
• Wake Low – Wake Low

Electronic

• Edu Linares – Is Now
• God’s Warrior – Honor Jesus
• Jeremy James Whitaker – I’m a Mess (Buryme James Whitaker Remix)
• JSteph – I’m Sorry (Sam Bowman Remix)
• Man Cub – In A Dream (Remixes)
• Neon Beach – Countdown
• Roberto Rosso – Freedom (Radio Mix)

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Allie Crummy – Balance
• The Arcadian Wild – Fall: War
• Becca Jordan – Autumn Gold
• Madison Cunningham – Wednesday (EP)
• Thomas Austin – Someday

Hip Hop & R&B

• Aha Gazelle – 180 (Chopped NOT Slopped)
• Ahchwan – Trapped-N-Truth
• Aklesso – Popular
• Alphein – Hold On
• Andrew Puckett – Fight
• Avila – Love Lust
• Beleaf – My Father’s Business
• BigGucciDame – Memories to the Future
• B-Shock – Rise and Shine EP
• B-Shock – Sing Thru It All
• Caleb Gordon – elev8
• Christ Is King – Real Slow
• Christ Jr – One Way
• Chxsen – Highs & Lows
• Collinthekid – Hvnly Glow
• CS LIT – CD-R
• Darrell Dominic – Polarized
• Datin – Who Do You Believe?

… Continued →