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INTERVIEW : House of Heroes

By Eric Pettersson in Interviews | Comments closed

Eric, IVM: Who are we talking to here? Name and instuments. Tim, HOH: This is Timothy Ryan Skipper. I play guitar and sing in House of Heroes. Your new album just came out September 23 on iTunes. How does it feel to finally have this thing out there after all the complications? It’s actually a really weird feeling. Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely amazing and relieving to have it out. But since it’s been done for so long, all of our friends have already listened to it a bunch and gotten sick of it, so it’s weird because to us and the people immediately around us, it’s kind of old news. … Continued →

INTERVIEW : Before Their Eyes

By bloodwater in Interviews | Comments closed

November 1st, 2008 By Jonathan/Bloodwater Thanks to Lance Brown of One Moment Management for setting up this interview and to Nick for sitting down to answer my questions. Which member of the band are you and what do you play in Before Their Eyes? I’m Nick and I play the vocals For those that are hearing about your band for the first time, why did you guys decide to go with the name Before Their Eyes? We thought it sounded cool. We got it from a bible verse in Romans also so there is good meaning behind it.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : Cool Hand Luke

By Eric Pettersson in Interviews | Comments closed

Eric, IVM: Please start us off by giving your name and what you do in the band. Mark, CHL: My name is Mark Nicks. I play drums and piano and sing in Cool Hand Luke. I think the big thing we obviously need to talk about is your new record, The Sleeping House. First off, how do you feel about it? Everyone reads what critics (myself included) have to say about records, so here is your chance as the artist to write your own brief review.… Continued →

REVIEW : Starflyer 59 - Dial M

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Starflyer 59 Album: Dial M Label: Tooth and Nail Release Date: 10/28/08 Reviewer: Tyler Hess 1. Minor Keys 2. The Brightest Of The Head 3. Concentrate 4. Who Said It’s Easy? 5. M23 6. Taxi 7. Automatic 8. Altercation 9. Mr. Martin 10. I Love You Like The Little Bird Okay, I admit that I am a bit older than most people that will be reading this, but does anyone remember that film “Weird Science”? Then there was that song that goes something like “She blinded me…with science!” … Continued →

REVIEW : Ruth - Anorak

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Ruth Album: Anorak Label: Tooth and Nail Release Date: 10/28/08 Reviewer: Tyler Hess

Hibernation Pieces
Back To The Five
Who I Was And Who I Am
Rolling With The Punches
Hearts On Sleeves
Pure Concept
Forgetting To Remember
Nothing To Hide
Miracle Photo
Speechless Mess
Dead Giveaway

I’ve been hearing about Ruth for a couple years now, I had even heard their first album a little bit, and I knew that they had been on some big tours such as the Appetite for Contruction Tour with Relient K and Switchfoot, yet nothing really jumped out and grabbed me about this band. … Continued →

REVIEW : Emery - While Broken Hearts Prevail

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Emery Album: While Broken Hearts Prevail (ep) Label: Tooth and Nail Release Date: 10/28/2008 Reviewer: Tyler Hess In case you hadn’t noticed, a lot of people were a bit steamed at Emery about a year ago, when their latest full length, “I’m Only A Man”, hit stores. This, in a way, is Emery’s answer to the accusation that they had lost it, in more ways than one. Produced by Emery’s own Matt Carter, While Broken Hearts Prevail was something that the band came up with around the time IOAM came out, having some ideas for some other songs that they wanted to put out, as explained by the band inside the booklet.… Continued →

REVIEW : Disciple - Southern Hospitality

By Michael Mayer III in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Disciple Album: Southern Hospitality Label: INO Records Release Date: October 21, 2008 Review by: Michael Mayer III Tracklisting:

Southern Hospitality
Romance Me
321
Whisper So Loud
Whatever Reason
Phoenix Rising
Liar
Falling Star
Right There
On My Way Down
Lay My Burdens
Savior

Disciple have decided to tweak their sound yet again. The question is, was it for the better? Well that depends what you like best about the brand of hard rock they bring to the table. In their self-titled release (and major label debut), they had a very commercial sound with nearly no screaming and catchy vocal hooks over some heavy guitar riffs.… Continued →

REVIEW : Above the Golden State - Above the Golden State

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Above the Golden State Album: Above the Golden State Label: Sparrow Records Release Date: July 22, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Loud and Clear 2. Gaze into Your Eyes 3. Sound of Your Name 4. Streets 5. I’ll Love You So 6. Comeback 7. Love 8. Chapter 13 9. Scared 10. One Thirty-nine 11. The Haunting 12. All My Heart 13. Real to Reel Last night I went to Gravity, my friend Rob’s music/bookstore in Reading, Pennsylvania, to pick up the new Copeland record and Shane Claiborne’s new book about prayer.… Continued →

REVIEW : Josh Wilson - Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Josh Wilson Album: Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup Label: Sparrow Records/ EMI Music Group Release Date: April 29, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. The Saints 2. Savior, Please 3. 3 Minute Song 4. Turn Around 5. Let Me Love You 6. Something’s Got to Change 7. Tell Me 8. Pull Me Through 9. Oak Avenue 10. Dear Money 11. Beautiful Like This Great, another singer/songwriter on a CCM major label. These albums usually get barely a full listen before I decide they don’t fit our site or they’re just plain terrible and I don’t feel like reviewing them.… Continued →

REVIEW : Sleep For Sleepers - The Clearing

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Sleep For Sleepers Album: The Clearing Reviewer: Tyler Hess Released: Independently in 2008 Sometimes it just isn’t the best idea to listen to an album for the first time at 1 in the morning in a slightly delusional state, even if the band name has “sleep” in it, because it just won’t make any sense. Then again, I didn’t know what to do with this album for the next couple of days either. This is one of those times when I just couldn’t put my finger on it right away, as I just I wasn’t sure what I was listening to.… Continued →

REVIEW : Secondhand - Get In Line

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Secondhand Album: Get In Line Released: Independently in 2007 Reviewer: Tyler Hess I first heard of “Secondhand” in the summer of 2006, whereupon I learned two very important things about them: they were a pretty good independent Christian pop-punk band and they had worked a bit with Trey Pearson from “Everyday Sunday” (another, better known, Christian pop-punk band). Getting to see where they are at a little over two years later was a most welcome invitation (though this was put out last year, it is still what they currently have to work with).

… Continued →

INTERVIEW : Jon Foreman (Switchfoot)

By Eric Pettersson in Interviews | Comments closed

What does a typical day look like in the life of Jon Foreman? When I’m home I try to do the following at least once a day: record, write, surf, hang with my wife, read, and eat. Most of our readers probably know about your seasons EPs, so you can briefly recap on that for those who don’t, and then we’ll go on to talk about your new release, Limbs and Branches. The EP’s are titled Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The music on each EP was recorded in season- Six songs a pop for a total of 24 songs to round out the year.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : Deas Vail

By Eric Pettersson in Interviews | Comments closed

Name and duties. Wes- singer Justin- bass Kelsey- drums Laura- keys Andy- guitar What have you been up to lately? We have been in the studio working on a full length that will be out in Jan/Feb. We have also been getting into playing more college dates. We have started to work with naca to meet more people and college representatives in this market. So far, it is going really well. I’ve been listening to your new EP, and you really made some pretty sweet songs this time around.… Continued →

REVIEW : Cool Hand Luke - The Sleeping House

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Cool Hand Luke Album: The Sleeping House Label: Lujo Records Release Date: October 14, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Fast Asleep 2. Cast Your Bread 3. Failing in Love 4. Buy the Truth 5. The Mirror 6. Eye of the Storm 7. The City Prevails 8. Spirit Sing 9. Wondertour 10. The House 11. Incomprehensible Sleep 12. Wide Awake A song that I’ve always had a special connection with since the day I heard it is Cool Hand Luke’s “Cinematic.” The piano and voice work together to create a beautiful song in itself, but it is the lyrics that make it so amazing in painting a picture of personal failure and God as the hero who saves the victim from that failure.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : For Today

By Kimberly in Interviews | Comments closed

(Email Interview) A big thanks to Mattie for answering these questions! (Photocredit: Myspace.com/Kimphotog)

KimIVM- Alrighty, well your debut full length Ekklesia released earlier this year on Facedown Records, what exactly does Ekklesia mean? How’d you guys settle on the name?

MattieFT- Well, the Greek word Ekklesia has two meanings that I think build on each other very well. The first meaning is “The church” and the second is “the called out ones of God”. I feel like, all too frequently, members of the church think that, because they claim the name of Christ, God owes them something. … Continued →

REVIEW : Kiros - A Single Strand

By The Headless Horseman in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Kiros Album: A Single Strand Label: Torque Recording Company Buy: IVM Store Review by the Headless Horseman. 1. Strengthen Me… 2. Hold Your Breath 3. Alone Tonight 4. City Lights 5. Speak Softly 6. Of Wolves and Angels (Anthem for the Insomniac) *Note: “Of Wolves and Angels” is free to download at the band’s PureVolume page.* 7. Dear Michigan 8. Heaven 9. Lying Sure Beats Shaving Your Legs 10. …That I May Not Cause Pain 11. Beautiful 12. The Reprise It takes a lot of talent and a lot of luck to form a successful band.… Continued →

REVIEW : Safe Haven - Setting Up and Tearing Down

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Safe Haven Album: Setting Up and Tearing Down Reviewer: Tyler Hess Are you ever tired of the artsy-fartsy side of music? I’m pretty sure that some good ole’ pop-punk made the way it should be just might be what you need. Setting Up and Tearing Down may be a little over a year old, but it is much under appreciated without the backing needed to get this out to as many people as would like this album. Safe Haven could probably use a little bit more creativity in their lyrics, maybe even in their musicianship, but if you want some straight forward lyrics that are both relatable and encouraging, then this is the CD for you.… Continued →

REVIEW : Copeland - You Are My Sunshine

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Copeland Album: You Are My Sunshine Label: Tooth and Nail Release Date: 10/14/2008 Reviewer: Tyler Hess Some artists are so good at what they do that I just have to appreciate them, even if it isn’t the type of music I’d generally listen to. I don’t listen to metalcore, but I can’t help but get hooked in by Underoath. I don’t even know much about post hardcore, but if you don’t like Blindside then I think you should deeply reconsider what you’re doing with your life.… Continued →

REVIEW : DecembeRadio - Satisfied

By Michael Mayer III in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: DecembeRadio Album: Satisfied Label: Slanted Records Release Date: August 26, 2008 Review by: Michael Mayer III Tracklisting:

Better Man
Satisfy Me
Believer
For Your Glory
Gasoline
Falling for You
Look for Me
Love Can
Peace of Mind
Be Alright
Powerful Thing
Find You Waiting

As I opened this CD and popped the disc in I remembered that about 50% of sophomore efforts by bands don’t stack up to the debut. Sometimes bands just try too hard to capture the sound they had and they end up releasing the same one again.… Continued →

REVIEW : Coolfield - The Minimalist EP

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Coolfield Album: The Minimalist Label: None (released independently) Release Date: August 1, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Wake up the Sun 2. Chestnut Tree 3. Time Passes By 4. My Fair Lady 5. Surrender (I’m Tryin’, I’m Dyin’) 6. Melody Won’t Do 7. HopeYadFun (Sarah’s Song) [demo] As someone who has followed Coolfield from the original release of Sincerity in 2005, I have to say I am very impressed with the growth shown on this release. What used to be simple man-and-acoustic-guitar songs with simple lyrics have grown to include drums, some electronic sounds (“Time Passes By”), and more.… Continued →

REVIEW : Relient K - The Birds and The Bee Sides / The Nashville Tennis EP

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Relient K Album: The Nashville Tennis EP and The Bird And The Bee Sides Release Date: 7/1/2008 Label: Gotee Records Reviewer: Tyler Hess The Nashville Tennis EP 1. Where Do I Go From Here 2. The Scene And Herd 3. At Least We Made It This Far 4. The Last, The Lost, The Least 5. The Lining Is Silver 6. There Was No Thief 7. No Reaction 8. Curl Up And Die 9. You’ll Always Be My Best Friend 10. There Was Another Time In My Life 11.… Continued →

REVIEW : Anberlin - New Surrender

By The Headless Horseman in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Anberlin Album: New Surrender Label: Universal Republic Buy It: Amazon/Amazon MP3 Review by the Headless Horseman. 1. The Resistance 2. Breaking 3. Blame Me! Blame Me! 4. Retrace 5. Feel Good Drag 6. Disappear 7. Breathe 8. Burn Out Brighter (Northern Lights) 9. Younglife 10. Haight St. 11. Soft Skeletons 12. Miserable Visu (Ex Malo Bonum) I can’t think of a witty line or clever example with which to begin this review, so here’s some random trivia: 1. There are seven words in the song titles that begin with the letter “B.”… Continued →

REVIEW : One Hot Minute - the story so far

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: One Hot Minute album: the story so far Release date: 7/25/2008 Reviewer: Tyler Hess The title to this album sums up this album pretty well, as it seems like these guys do have a story to tell, but they could use a little bit more life to draw the story for us. One Hot Minute is a pop rock band with a lot of potential, but need time and work to improve if they are looking to get on a label. Don’t get me wrong, they have some enjoyable songs, but in limited amounts. … Continued →

INTERVIEW : Ready the Way

By Cory in Interviews | Comments closed

Myspace I got the chance to sit down with the boys from Ready the Way after they played their welcome home show with Solidarity and Saints Never Surrender at Living Word in Lynchburg, Virginia last weekend. We were all exhausted and I got punched in the face during Solidarity. But, nevertheless, it was an amazing show. After the show we all piled into their van and discussed faith, music, and made a ton of product placements. Here is what the had to say. *(Note: I put IVM by my name so it wouldn’t be so confusing as to who was talking because of how many people are speaking.… Continued →

REVIEW : The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: The Classic Crime Album: The Silver Cord Label: Tooth & Nail Release Date: 7/22/2008 Review By: Tyler Hess

The End
Just A Man
Grave Digging
The Way That You Are
5805
Salt In The Snow
Abracadavers
RandR
God and Drugs
Medisin
The Ascent
Sing
Everything
Closer Than We Think
The Beginning

Have you ever gone a couple years without seeing a friend or family member? Suddenly, they are back in your life, yet they have matured. You recognize them, but they have grown up. Some like to decide to get all tattooed and pierced and change their clothes and the way they talk, while others are basically just a more developed version of themselves.… Continued →

REVIEW : Jonezetta - Cruel To Be Young

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Jonezetta Album: Cruel To Be Young Label: Tooth & Nail Release Date: 9/16/2008 Review By: Tyler Hess “Cruel To Be Young”, Jonezetta’s follow up to “Popularity”, has been a much discussed album around the webzines, as everyone seems to be unsure what to do with this album, but I am here to assure you of one thing: this is going to be way underrated. They had to know this. Having introduced themselves two years ago, they now mature their sound, slow down the tempo a bit, yet deliver great music, just without the poppy, catchy choruses that many of us grew fond of from their previous effort.

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REVIEW : Nevertheless - In The Making...

By Tyler H in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Nevertheless Album: Spark Label: Flicker Records Release Date: September 16th, 2008 Review by: Tyler Hess

Sleeping In
It’s True
Cross My Heart
It’s No Secret
Rest
I Needed This
Longshot
Augustine
Topics
When I’m Alone
I Found My Way Back Again

Quite frankly, if you are into pop rock and do not appreciate Nevertheless’ new album, In The Making…, I am just not buying your excuses. I have heard that their lyrics are devoid of hope, I have heard that they are generic, I have heard that they are slower than their previous effort, “Live Like We’re Alive”, and that there is too much piano. … Continued →

INTERVIEW : All the Day Holiday

By Cory in Interviews | Comments closed

All the Day Holiday’s Website Myspace I managed to catch these guys when they were on tour with My Epic this past week. My Epic was invited to play with the Glorious Unseen at Liberty University’s Tilley Center. Unfortunately, All the Day Holiday and So Long Forgotten were not invited to play the event. Both bands managed to fit in a few acoustic songs outside after My Epic played. I got to talk to the lead singer while the Glorious Unseen was setting up to play their show.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : So Long Forgotten

By Cory in Interviews | Comments closed

So Long Forgotten’s Website It was late Friday night. It was the grand opening of the Student Union at Liberty University. My Epic had just finished playing their set and So Long Forgotten and All the Day had just finished an acoustic set outside. I managed to pull two of the guys from So Long Forgotten for an interview while the Glorious Unseen was setting up to play. Cory: Who are you and what do you do in the band? Micah: My name is Micah Boyce; I sing in So Long Forgotten.… Continued →

REVIEW : Amohalko - Spark

By The Headless Horseman in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Amohalko Album: Spark Free Download: IVM Review by the Headless Horseman. 1. Hey Auren 2. Pound It Emerald! 3. Bacchanale 4. Slapstick Tragedy 5. Your Real Best Friend 6. Sancta Somnia (Feat. Rebekah Coley) 7. Pulse 8. Catalyst 9. Ultrasound – A Tone Poem 10. Per Severance 11. Right Where It Belongs (Nine Inch Nails Cover) It was the first week of January, the perfect time for frantically exchanging late Christmas presents. The two of us were isolated in some part of a labyrinthine church basement.… Continued →