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Rob Ray is the kind of artist that has the rare ability to instantly capture listeners’ attention. Blending what could best be classified as a mix of Josh Garrels, John Mayer, and Macy Gray, Ray crafts punchy tracks with instant appeal. More practically, it’s a soulful mix of R&B-tinged indie. Yours Is The Day meets the biblical classification of “spiritual songs” in no time flat. This is an upbeat, fun EP with a bit of gospel bravado to keep the energy high throughout its 21-minute runtime.… Continued →

The late 90s/early 2000s had some great emo bands including The Juliana Theory, Brandtson, Acceptance, Further Seems Forever, Dashboard Confessional & today’s SOTD band, Ancient of Days. The background of this band is they were musicians before they became Christians & had played the bar scene back in the day. The LP was released by Rescue Records whom had released bands such as Dogwood, P.O.D.& some hip hop acts. Check out these worshipful lyrics that moves me to tears. Some day… This will all make sense to me… When faith is all I have to give… Still all I want is you Lord… Filthy… I come before you everyday… Broken on my hands and knees… You see past the sin in me… Fighting with myself again… Filling up my emptiness… Your love Fills the loneliness… Waiting for you to speak to me, Patiently… I listen to your voice calling me… Nothing can compare to the promise I have in you… Knowing that you’re right here next to me… … Continued →

If you turn the Christian indie shaker upside down, not too many psychobilly bands fall out. One of the first and best was The Calicoes, from Texas. They released one fantastic EP called Rumble (the title a contextualized reference to the battle between good and evil), and a full-length named Custom Acceleration. For my money, the EP is the better release song for song. It’s more primitive and raw, which suits the style better in my view. You can’t go wrong with any of those 6 songs, but check out track 5, “Read.”… Continued →

Ravenhill is a soulful blues rock tinged band hailing originally from southern Illinois. Nearest mainstream bands would be The Black Keys or The Ranconteurs. My son Tyler & I had the pleasure of chilling with vocalist Joshua Clifton a few times locally at a music festival called Audiofeed & seeing them live.  To be honest, there are several great songs I could have chosen with this band, but another album review was done on Soul & Midnight Gold deserves some recognition! Anyways have fun with this rocker that eludes to our freedom in Jesus as only He has the cure for our sin-His forgiveness by His death burial & resurrection.… Continued →

You all need to check out this phenomenal new project from Tommy Green (Ex-Sleeping Giant) called Holy Name. Check out the song “Fall On Your Knees” (Feat. Brook Reeves). It’s an amazing representation of how Faith, Christianity, and Music in general should intersect. This my friends is the future of heavy worship and heavy music in general. Two songs have been released so far and you can listen to both below. This should send shivers down your spine and a fire in your heart.… Continued →

At The Wayside have just dropped their brand new EP “Somewhere Between”, today, on all digital networks and streaming sites. Take a listen to the songs below or pull up your favorite streaming service. What do you think?… Continued →

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

Gr8frt‘s sophomore release is not one of vanity. From its raw vocals to quirky cover, this is not the type of EP meant to fly off the shelves. And it’s clear this is the artist’s intention as well: These five songs were painstakingly recorded over the course of two years. The songs survived a catastrophic computer failure, getting sober, a relapse of a different sort, suicidal thoughts, and a whole lot of upheaval. We started this album as farm workers and ended it as missionaries.… Continued →

Indiana’s Richard Wayne Mullins is a vital part of the Christian music industry. Besides penning & performing one of the best worship songs of all time, “Awesome God”, he also was a very talented musician who was proficient with the piano & the dulcimer which can be heard on many of his songs. His first couple albums did not gather much radio play, but The World As Best As I Remember It Vol 1 & 2 garnished many songs heard all over the radio at the time.… Continued →

Sure, the title feels trite – a conversation that has happened a hundred times already for decades. But I’m not approaching this from a strictly musical standpoint. Instead, my focus is largely ideological. Punk, and even other genres like outlaw country, centered around ideas that ran counter to the mainstream narrative. But now, it feels like what many of these artists believe or fight for lines up curiously with the same things coming from the media (an undeniable extension of the political structure as well as collateral of the the consolidation of journalism to under ten companies) and pop artists alike.… Continued →

This will be a series of posts based upon old “indie” (or ‘independent’ for the savvy) albums released over the past few couple decades collecting dust and cobwebs in the vaults of our devices (or computers for those living in the past). Check out these 20 Indie Albums You Almost Forgot Existed and maybe discover something old that is now new again? Enjoy.… Continued →

Wolves At The Gate just dropped a brand new song titled “Stop The Bleeding”. It’s classic Wolves At The Gate mixed in with a little new, the perfect combo. Check out “Stop The Bleeding”, below. The song is now available on all digital networks and streaming sites.… Continued →

If you like Christian Rock then make sure to check out Contagion Fest Part 2 April 23rd-24th presented by Christian Rock X and iChristianRock. You can watch/stream it live from YouTube here or here. Watch the trailer for it below. Nate Parrish is one of the many artists playing so you can’t go wrong with that right?… Continued →

Arkansas’ Common Children reminded me plainly of a cross between The Prayer Chain & Skillet. Why, might you ask? Well, CC has some serious ethereal atmospheric music akin to The Prayer Chain. And Skillet due to the obvious grunge influences and the three male band members when they first formed. Skywire came out in 1996 as did Skillet’s S/T. As far as the band’s name, well Jesus Freak Hideout’s site interview vocalist Marc & it is “because we are all common children in the sense that we all live together, in a broken world, in need of grace—beggars attempting to tell other beggars where to get bread.”… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Alex Henry Foster – Standing Under Bright Lights (Live from Festival International De Jazz De Montréal)
• August Burns Red – Guardians Sessions EP

Pop & CCM

• Haiva Ru – Bloom Baby Bloom
• NEEDTOBREATHE – Live From the Woods Vol. 2
• Tauren Wells – Citizen of Heaven (Live)

  Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Andrew Blooms – 987

Hip Hop & R&B

• GOSPEL READY, D4christ – Simplicity  (EP)
• J. Crum, Starlite Drive – STARLITE DRIVE (EP)
• Mitch Darrell – Rap Should Be Fun, Vol.

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Names Without Numbers have dropped what is quite possibly, their BEST song ever and it’s called “Empire On Fire”. The song features backing vocals from Matt Baird of the band Spoken which just adds an extra dose of flavor to an already incredible new song. If you enjoyed their past material and wished they would amp it up a bit and even add in some screaming like the old days, well then you are in for a treat. Give “Empire On Fire” a listen below and make sure to visit their bandcamp page to download and buy other great merch direct from the guys.… Continued →

Last year I shared my top 100 albums and EPs of 2020. This year I thought I’d try and break that list down a little and share my top albums and EPs for each quarter of 2021. So here’s my top 10 album for January-March 2021. You can find my full list of 2021 new releases here. 10. Fight Deck – Signs of Life I love the alt-rock vibes I get from this album. Right up until a song makes turn that makes me cringe.… Continued →

At The Wayside are back and with a vengeance. The band recently entered their studio space and have recorded a brand new EP titled “Somewhere Between”. This surprise EP drops everywhere on April 20th and is sure to be one of the biggest hits of 2021! I mean just listen to the teaser and tell me this isn’t a most anticipated release. Get a taste and learn more at the link below or by visiting them on Facebook here. I’ve heard a tease about a 7″ for these songs so you’ll definitely want to own that when the band puts it up for sale.… Continued →

Peoria, Illinois’ Must Build Jacuzzi are a throwback to 90s era ska music. Having seen them multiple times, I can say they are most def a fun band to catch live. My son had fun the last time back in 2019 when he learned how to crowd surf at 12 years old! They also released a 2018 album right here on our own IVM. Check this SOTD & try to stop you head from bobbin’. … Continued →

Melodic Punk super band, Too Bad Eugene, have reached beyond their goal on Kickstarter and have begun work on their 3rd full length album! So no more EP, just an awesome full length set of songs. There is still time to support the band and help them record more songs, cover the studio costs, and maybe even more merch. Heck, let’s get them some epic special guests. Why not, right? Grab your vinyl, tapes, cds, merch and more right here on Kickstarter.… Continued →

World renown hard rock/metal band P.O.D. from San Diego, CA. have just announced that they are playing a 3 Day Set of Songs in May celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark 2001 album, “Satellite”. The 3 nights will consist of “Satellite” (2001), “Fundamental Elements of Southtown” (1999), and a 3rd day featuring a collection of HITS, Rarities, B-Sides, and Classic Songs from the past. You can get your tickets right here via the special Mandolin website. 9/11 marks the 20th Anniversary of this much loved and celebrated (4th) full length album.… Continued →

Independent solo artist – Arthur Alligood, is back and with a brand new song titled “It’ll Be Alright” featuring Josh and Dean from Toad The Wet Sprocket. It’s a beautiful song and really well done. Showcases Arthur’s immense talent and his ear for making a great song. Having two members from one of my favorite bands, Toad The Wet Sprocket, just makes this new song all the more special. The song is available on all digital networks now. Give it a listen below this post and let us know what you think.… Continued →

The Sprinkle brothers are very talented & have been very busy in the music world. Just think about all the bands the 2 of them have played in: Poor Old Lu, Demon Hunter, Rose Blossom Punch, Fair, Blank Books, The World Inside, The Wrong Mind, Serene, A Cold Vein & Transparent, amongst many others. Although most projects Aaron has worked on lean to the alt-rock genres, 2017’s Escaping Light had a synthpop indie flair. Elle Puckett from Poema & Eisley guest vocals on this SOTD.   … Continued →

Rock & Metal

• 4th Point – New Horizons

Pop & CCM

• Matthew West – Brand New (Deluxe Edition)

Electronic & Dance

• Adam LaVerdiere – This Is Revival (Instrumental)
• Andy Hunter – Presence, Vol. 5
• God’s Warrior – The Blood of Jesus

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Paul Demer – On the Way Back Down
• Wilder Woods – the work tapes ep

Hip Hop & R&B

• Bumps Inf – Perception
• Hulvey – Christopher
• Hyper Fenton, Moflo Music – 2080
• Krum – Black Lung
• MSCMKRS – Cinematic Hits 2
• MvkeyyJ – young underdog
• Whosoever South – Riverbank

Worship & Gospel

• Becca VanDerbeck – Sacred
• Circuit Rider Music – Jesus People (Live)
• Clay Collective Music – Living Stones
• Enterline – Colors Bright
• Here Be Lions – Still God, Still Good (Live)
• Kierra Sheard – KIERRA (Deluxe)
• IFGF Praise – For God So Loved: Instrumental Worship
• Merry Clayton – Beautiful Scars
• Michael Hughes Watson – Feeling
• planetboom – JC Squad (Live With The Squad)
• Soul City Worship – No.

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Celtic punk-now that’s a genre one doesn’t hear much of!  But, Chi-town’s Ballydowse does it well. along with other genres such as oi, folk, klezmer & aboriginal. The band rose from the ashes of one of the best hard punk bands ever Crashdog & released 2 LPS produced by Steve Albini. Their lyrics dealt with many social issues that were taboo in the “Christian” music industry. They used many instruments besides the normal guitar, bass, drums including the mandolin, didgeridoo, moorhen, bodhran, whirligig, concertina, fiddle, bagpipes & bullroarer.… Continued →

In the mid- to late-90s when all of the other Christian hardcore bands were doing new school/chugga chugga style hardcore with increasingly metallic influences, Bakersfield’s Chasm were drawing on earlier inspiration. These influences came mostly from the 80s British hardcore punk/d-beat sound (Discharge, Conflict, etc.), although somewhat ironically this track has elements of early black metal in the guitar riffs (a la Venom or Bathory). Nonetheless it’s still filtered through a hardcore punk sound. The band released one 7″ (Squander, Squander the Bright New Dawn) and one full-length (Gye Nyame, from whence our featured song is taken).… Continued →

L.S.U. has been around since the mid 80’s & have had several monikers including Lifesavers, Lifesavers Underground & L.S. Underground. They have also attacked several genres including, alternative, new wave, indie rock, surf rock & a tad being goth tinged with Michael Knott being the mainstay. Freedom is the first I heard from them from 1994’s Grace Shaker & the lyrics portray an homage to the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus. Hopefully you will like this song as much as I have over the years.… Continued →

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