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REVIEW : This Beautiful Republic- Perceptions

By Kimberly in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: This Beautiful Republic Album: Perceptions Label: EMI Release Date: Aug 19 Review By: Kimberly Johnson The album begins soft and subtle with the opening track “Pain.” It’s another one of those “hate the name, love the song” type things. Maybe it’s the bluntness behind it. There’s no mystery! Oh well… Bringing smooth melodies that just cry to be kicked up a little, the song finally breaks free, falling into its catchy, upbeat, pop rock coated flare. This Beautiful Republic’s second full length album, Perceptions, is a collection of light and likeable, radio-friendly tracks.… Continued →

REVIEW : Norma Jean -The Antimother

By Jason B in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Norma Jean Album: The Anti-Mother Label: Solid State Release Date: August 5, 2008 Review By: Jason B Track Listing: 1. Vipers, Snakes and Actors 2. Slef Employed Chemist 3. Birth of Anti-Mother 4. Robots 3 Humans 0 5. Death of the Anti-Mother 6. Surrender Your Sons 7. Murphy Was An Optimist 8. Opposite of Left and Wrong 9. Discipline Your Daughters 10. And There Will Be a Swarm of Hornets The self proclaimed “almighty” Norma Jean has returned with their fourth and final studio album on Solid State, “The Anti-Mother” (fifth if you include “Throwing Myself” by Luti-Kriss).… Continued →

REVIEW : Flynn - Forever And Ever Amen

By Caleb T in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist:Flynn Album:Forever And Ever Amen Label:Independent Release Date:March 21,2008 Reviewed by:Caleb T Track Listing: 01.Show And Tell Ain’t Til Thursday 02.The Red Song 03.Another Disguise 04.I Am Leonidas 05.Wasting Our Time Doing Something Worth While 06.She Taught Us How To Die 07.Life 08.Victory 09.And My Eyes Fail Quickly jumping to the front of the small but close knit scene in Upstate South Carolina comes Flynn. After nearly 3 years of seeing these guys grow as people and musicians, I finally had their debut full lenght Forever And Ever Amen in my hands.… Continued →

REVIEW : My Epic - I Am Undone

By Kimberly in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: My Epic Album: I Am Undone Review by: Kimberly Johnson In this day and age, bands sadly overlook the good old prologue of an album. It’s the first thing a listener hears when they pop in the disk! It’s what carries the rest of the album out! The even sadder thing is, most music listeners over look the prologue of an album even more then the artist do! My Epic on the other hand take every opportunity to grab ahold of our ears, reel us in, and believe it or not, keep our attention.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : Akissforjersey Interview

By Kimberly in Interviews | Comments closed

I have to say that talking with Tyler was probably one of the highlights of my entire life. Not only because I’m a HUGE fan of Akissforjersey, but also because it helped build my faith and find so much more clarity in my relationship with God. I also should add that from time to time Zach would come sit and join us! That was entertaining! This interview was conducted in the Chain Reaction parking lot under a starry smog filled California sky on July 27^th, 08.

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REVIEW : My Compatriots - Waiting for Monuments to Pass

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: My Compatriots Album: Waiting for Monuments to Pass Label: None (released independently) Release Date: March 28, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist (based on the lyrics, I firmly believe this tracklist is out of order, but this is how it appears on the back of the CD packaging… if a band member reads this, I would appreciate the correct tracklist to be left in the comments): 1. Bending Heart 2. Summering Afternoon 3. Your Ecliptic Plane 4. Signing the Peace Accords 5. Waiting for Monuments 6.… Continued →

REVIEW : Alexander the Great - Circumnavigation EP

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Alexander the Great Album: Circumnavigation EP Label: Crossroads of America Records Release Date: March 25, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Confidence 2. When to Suspect the Worst 3. Thanksgiving 4. Down the Hatch 5. NYC *Bonus Tracks Live/Acoustic* 6. We Used to Go Out 7. Let’s Go Out into the Night (Confidence) 8. Give Thanks (Thanksgiving) 9. Silver Bullet Train (NYC) Just one look at the awesome artwork, and I’m ready for some indie rock. Not indie rock in the sense of The Fray and Coldplay and the like who are all very good bands indeed but not really deserving of the title indie.… Continued →

REVIEW : I Am Terrified - I Am Terrified EP

By Caleb T in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist:I Am Terrified Album:I Am Terrified-EP Label:Gotee Records Reviewed By:Caleb T Track Listing: 01.Falling On Everlasting 02.Heaven Knocking, Hell Rising 03.To The Service 04.Velvet Thunder 05.The Parting 06.Some Glad Morning A while back when I got word that the Alabama act I Am Terrified were going to sign with Mono vs. Stereo/Gotee Records I was so excited. I have seen these guys 5 times over the past few years and I was happy that their hard work and dedication was finally being recognized. Then I find out that a new ep is in the works and is due out in the summer and again I was thrilled.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : This Beautiful Republic

By bloodwater in Interviews | Comments closed

This Beautiful Republic Interview August 1st, 2008 By Jonathan Andrews Thanks to Ben Olin for taking the time to sit down and answer these questions and to Brian of EMICMG for setting up this interview. So for the record please let us know who you are and what you play in the band This Beautiful Republic? Ben Olin and I sing, scream, and thrash around on stage for This Beautiful Republic I read that you guys have all known each other since going to Toledo Christian School back in high school? … Continued →

REVIEW : Ten Shekel Shirt - Live at Soulfest (July 30, 2008)

By The Headless Horseman in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Ten Shekel Shirt Live at Soulfest, July 30, 2008. Label: Rounder Records Review by the Headless Horseman. Setlist: 1. This Story* 2. Risk 3. Spark 4. Wartime Lullaby 5. It’s Slavery 6. Jubilee 7. Fragile 8. You Rescue 9. Daylight* 10. Ocean 11. Peace With You * – I’m not positive about these songs, but they’re my best guess. Lamont Hiebert is an abolitionist. And no, I’m not speaking figuratively. Ten Shekel Shirt frontman Hiebert is also a co-founder of Love146, an organization dedicated to ending child slavery and exploitation.… Continued →

REVIEW : The Midnight Life - Aslan's Fury

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: The Midnight Life Album: Aslan’s Fury Label: Indianola Records Release Date: March 18, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. From the Ground Up 2. Measures Can’t Help You Here 3. Off the Record 4. Fast Lanes and Barricades 5. The Anatomy of 6. Et Tu Brute 7. Wolves Don’t Dance 8. Dangerous Maneuvers 9. This Is Home Team For someone who’s been increasingly taking steps away from the metal and hardcore scene over the past few years, finding a new home in indie and even some folk, it’s a special thing when a new heavy band can get my attention.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : Project 86

By Eric Pettersson in Interviews | Comments closed

Over the weekend I was able to swing by Passion Fest in Pottstown, PA to meet up with Andrew Schwab, lead vocalist of Project 86. Despite having idolized him throughout my high school years and having been told by certain people that Andrew is intimidating in person, he was surprisingly a normal guy, just hanging out, having some fun, and playing some music. E: It’s been ten years since the release of your self-titled CD. How’s it feel to be around that long? Any celebration plans?… Continued →

REVIEW : Smoking Popes - Stay Down

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Smoking Popes Album: Stay Down Label: Appeal Records Release Date: June 17, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Welcome to Janesville 2. If You Don’t Care 3. Stefanie 4. Sweet Pea 5. Little Jane-Marie 6. The Corner 7. Stay Down 8. Grab Your Heart and Run 9. It’s Never Too Late (for Love) 10. Maybe I’ll Stay 11. Into the Summer Sky 12. First Time As someone who spent all of his free time following a certain Christmas defeating Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, I have a certain fondness for straight-up pop-punk.… Continued →

REVIEW : The Human Flight Committee - Oh, When the Animals Unionize

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: The Human Flight Committee Album: Oh, When the Animals Unionize Label: Blue Duck Records Release Date: March 11, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Oh, the Beginning 2. She’s a Car Destroyer 3. You’ll Get It When You’re Older 4. Tint and Quarantine 5. Serious Emotional Problems, Beyond Pacifism 6. The Last Song Anyone Is Ever Going to Hear 7. Oh, the Middle 8. Russian? We’re Barely Moving 9. The Shortest Distance between Two Points Is a Punch in the Mouth 10. The Five Second Saga 11.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : Sleeping Giant

By Kimberly in Interviews | Comments closed

This is LONG over due! The interview was conducted after the Scream the Prayer tour in San Bernardino, California on June 15^th. So you guys just came back from Jerusalem…That is EPIC! Dish! I want to know everything! [Laughs] Uh, lets see: long plane rides, very hot, very hot. One thing we noticed was that the culture really doesn’t…they’re kind of…they’re sort of all about themselves in a way. They don’t really acknowledge you and it makes you feel kind of weird. Like they’re sort of jerks to you in a way.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : Maylene and the Sons of Disaster

By Kimberly in Interviews | Comments closed

I recently got the chance to have a quick phoner with vocalist Dallas Taylor of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. Big thank you to Ryan Johnson for setting everything up and being the sweetest tour manager ever! Seriously, the guy is just a sweetheart! You guys are just a couple of days into Warped so far, how are you liking it? It’s awesome! It’s been a lot of fun. Great! So, I saw you guys a few days back in Pomona and you all were amazing!… Continued →

REVIEW : My Epic Tour Part 2

By Elbon in Reviews | Comments closed

So much has gone on since I have last posted. You can say it’s been a roller coaster ride this past week. At times things seem to be going so well then we run into some struggles. There have also been times where I can honestly say I have witnessed miracles. After our Jacksonville show we met up with old friends of Aaron at an Ihop where we just chilled and showed some old friends the new record till about midnight. Then it was time to hit the road again, we were heading to Keystone Heights to lead a camp in worship for a whole week.… Continued →

REVIEW : And Then There Was You - And Then There Was You

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: And Then There Was You Album: And Then There Was You Label: Indianola Records Release Date: January 22, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. The Beloved 2. Star Struck 3. 1983 4. As Seen in Madrid 5. Save the Last Dance 6. Sincerely Yours? 7. The Horsemen 8. Fall Fearless Empire 9. The Devil 10. Cool, Calm and Collected Man, this album makes me feel like I’m in high school again. Not in a bad way either. It just takes me back to the glory days of sitting in class talking about Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, The Early November, Brand New and the rest, the days when kids like us secretly thought we were emo but knew that to truly be emo we couldn’t admit to the name.… Continued →

REVIEW : Jon Foreman - Summer EP

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Jon Foreman Album: Summer EP Label: Credential Recordings Release Date: May 27, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. A Mirror Is Harder to Hold 2. Resurrect Me 3. Deep in Your Eyes (There Is a River) 4. Instead of a Show 5. House of God, Forever 6. Again As the four seasons come to a close, Jon Foreman delivers what I believe to be his best EP yet. Maybe it’s just because it’s summer right now so I’m more in the mood for a record of corresponding theme, but these songs have become instant sing-alongs in my car in a way that none of the previous EPs did.… Continued →

INTERVIEW : The Gallery

By Eric Pettersson in Interviews | Comments closed

First things first… who are we talking to? Name and instrument(s). Ryan Cooney (drums)- talking in these questions Brendan Cooney (guitar and vocals) Dave Mozdzanowski (Bass and BGV’s) Shea Brennan (Lead Guitar) Give us the story of The Gallery. How did you guys get together, and how did you decide on your current musical direction? The story of The Gallery…well, Brendan and I are brothers, so we’ve known each other for about 20 years now. When we moved to Wilbraham, MA when we were 8 or so, we met Shea and have been buddies for a while now.… Continued →

REVIEW : The Gallery - If You Know What I Mean

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: The Gallery Album: If You Know What I Mean Label: Blue Duck Records Release Date: August 12, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Drift 2. Consider This 3. Where We Began 4. Kingdoms 5. The Introduction 6. Surroundings 7. My Rhythm 8. Circus Song 9. The Lonely Disease 10. If You Know What I Mean I’m a sucker for a pounding beat and a catchy melody. The two are not often found together, hence the wide range musical styles found within my collection. In fact, I’d say it’s pretty much impossible to find a pop band that you can headbang to.… Continued →

REVIEW : Redfoot - Winnowing Fork

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Redfoot Album: Winnowing Fork Label: Bad Apple Records Release Date: November 30, 3007 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Red Horizon 2. Ballad of Thomas Lynch 3. Country Mile 4. Literally 5. From Dirt, with Praise 6. Hardin Springs 7. Digital Jesus 8. Of Icarus and Petroleum 9. Love in Kodak Quality Prints 10. The Truth 11. For John Charles Carter 12. Run, Longest Some reviews are really hard to write. This is not one of them. Brandon, I want to thank you personally for sending me this CD.… Continued →

REVIEW : Run Kid Run - Love at the Core

By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed

Artist: Run Kid Run Album: Love at the Core Label: Tooth & Nail Records Release Date: April 29, 2008 Review by: Eric Pettersson Tracklist: 1. Rescue Me 2. Captives Come Home 3. Fall into This Light 4. One in a Million 5. Love at the Core 6. Sure Shot 7. My Sweet Escape 8. The Emergency 9. Set the Dial 10. Freedom As soon as I popped this disc into my car, I was ready to go pick up my youth group friends and make the annual trip to Purple Door.… Continued →

REVIEW : Burden Of A Day - Blessed Be Our Ever After

By JoshIVM in Reviews | Comments closed

Band: Burden Of A Day Title: Blessed Be Our Ever After Label: Rise Review By: JoshIVM Tracklisting: 01. Blessed Be Our Ever After 02. Pt. 2 Sometimes They Do 03. Sorry Seacrest It’s Casey’s Countdown 04. The Smile That Kills 05. It’s Lonely At the Top (Or So I’ve Heard) 06. My Shelter 07. Battle For Hoth 08. Umbrellas 09. Monsters Among Us 10. White Coats And Their Medicine 11. I’m Only Laughing on The Outside Blessed Be Our Ever After is the Sarasota, Florida natives debut release on Rise Records since leaving their former label Blood & Ink Records.… Continued →

REVIEW : Andy Hunter - Colour

By JoshIVM in Reviews | Comments closed

Band: Andy Hunter Title: Colour Label: Nettwerk Music Group Review By: JoshIVM Tracklisting: 01. Sound Pollution 02. Stars 03. Shine 04. Miracle 05. System Error 06. Smile 07. Technicolour 08. Together 09. Fade 10. Sapphire 11. Out of Control 12. You It has been 3 years since Andy Hunter released an album and as with most people I believe that’s far too long. He’s kept himself busy of course but this is just too long to keep fans waiting. Finally he emerges with Colour which shows him branching out and trying some new things musically.… Continued →

REVIEW : Soul Embraced - Dead Alive (2)

By JoshIVM in Reviews | Comments closed

Band: Soul Embraced Title: Dead Alive Label: Solid State Review By: JoshIVM Tracklisting: 01. To End It All 02. Breaking Point 03. Curtain Of Deceit 04. The Devil’s Reflection 05. Everything Reminds Me Of You 06. La Fin Absolue Du Monde 07. Crawl 08. Into Darkness 09. Judas I’ve Become 10. Bloodstained Nevada 11. Kill This 12. In Memory 13. Dead Alive It is the year of metal at Solid State Records. They announce all in one year that Soul Embraced would return, they signed The Famine made up of original Embodyment members, and also that almighty Living Sacrifice was back!… Continued →

REVIEW : Means - To Keep Me From Sinking

By JoshIVM in Reviews | Comments closed

Band: Means Title: To Keep Me From Sinking Label: Facedown Release Date: 5.27.2008 Review By: JoshIVM Tracklisting: 01. Awareness 02. Breaking In 03. Somewhere Up Ahead 04. Blackout 05. Steadily 06. We Dwell In Possibility 07. Burned Into Me 08. Refuge 09. What We Seek 10. Of Dread And Dreams Means, one of Facedown’s rising acts, are back with their sophmore release. I am a huge fan of their debut Sending You Strength and have listened to it quite a bit. Unfortunately in cases like that the bar is set extremely high for the band to top it with their second release.… Continued →

REVIEW : The Wedding - The Sound The Steel

By JoshIVM in Reviews | Comments closed

Band: The Wedding Title: The Sound The Steel Label: Brave New World Review By: JoshIVM Tracklisting: 01. Receive 02. Return 03. Renew 04. Reveal 05. Redeem Losing a vocalist can quickly be the death of a band. The Wedding I’m sure hoped this wasn’t going to be the case upon hearing Kevin’s decision to step down. Thankfully and unexpectedly for me, they enlisted former Letter Kills vocalist Matt Shelton. Being a big fan of Letter Kills I was pumped to hear the news! This EP is a debut of the new lineup and it shows that the band has indeed weathered the storm quite nicely.… Continued →

REVIEW : Since October - This Is My Heart

By JoshIVM in Reviews | Comments closed

Band: Since October Title: This Is My Heart Label: Tooth & Nail Review By: JoshIVM Tracklisting: 01. Emily 02. My Heart 03. Beautiful 04. Disaster 05. In This Moment 03. Guilty 07. World To Me 08. Live To Die 09. Follow Me Down 10. Waiting 11. Everything Since October is a band we’ve covered on IVM long before they signed with Tooth & Nail. In fact, if my memory serves me correctly they won a new band contest we ran way back. Brandon can either confirm that or tell me I’m way off.… Continued →

REVIEW : Secret & Whisper - Great White Whale

By JoshIVM in Reviews | Comments closed

Band: Secret And Whisper Title: Great While Whale Label: Tooth & Nail Review By: JoshIVM Tracklisting: 01. Blonde Monster 02. You Are Familiar 03. Vanishings 04. XOXOXO 05. The Actress 06. Spider Besider 07. Looming Moon 08. Attacker 09. Anchors 10. Werewolves 11. Lovers 12. Great While Whale You probably know the story by now. There was a band named Stutterfly who lost their vocalist. They replaced him with Charles Furney and due to how much his vocals affected their sound, they opted for a new moniker.… Continued →

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