 We had the honor of reviewing Relent's new album "Heart Attack" and I am just going to say this out the gate, it may be a bold statement but it is one I am fully confident and comfortable saying. "Heart Attack" is one of the smartest rock/metal albums I have heard in a long time. I will be honest, when I first came across these guys and read their bio, I noticed that they were being compared to Sevendust and P.O.D., in my mind those are some big shoes to fill. I grew up listening to Sevendust, I may be showing my age here but I remember when Sevendust first came on to the scene and their first two albums were monumental in my life at that time. So, naturally, when I see this comparison, I am immediately skeptical, first, because a lot of bands make the comparison and second, most fail to meet the high bar they have set. Relent is different. You may be asking yourself "okay, so what makes this one of the smartest rock/metal albums you have heard in a while?" Well, I'm glad you asked! "Heart Attack" is very, very well written. One of my favorite things to see bands or artists do, is have a theme that runs throughout their album. To me, a cohesive theme demonstrates care and creativity. Sadly, this seems to be a lost art in a day and time where singles seem to rule. "Heart Attack" is clear in its message, the struggle is real but in Christ, we have victory. One of the things I love and appreciate about this album is that it's not all doom and gloom. So many Christian bands just talk about the struggle but aren't bold enough to provide the solution or give the listener any real hope. Again, Relent is different. Another reason "Heart Attack" is smart is simply in its song writing as a whole. As I stated, this album is very, very well written. There are so many great dynamics going on within each song, they are fluid in their approach. If you are looking for some punishing breakdowns that accompany some beautifully written melodies than Relent will for sure scratch that itch. Relent plays a bit with the traditional formulas but does so tastefully and in a way that the average listener can appreciate it and the more avid music fan will see its brilliance. A prime example of this is in the song structure we find in "Addicted". They start with a super sweet guitar lick which leads to a large intro, and after the intro we are dropped off into a pre-verse of bass, drums and some tasteful feedback. Now, here is where they demonstrate some song writing brilliance, they give you a super contagious taste of the verse and then immediately sore into a wonderfully catchy chorus. Then it gets better. When you come back to the verse they immediately build on where they left you by adding a more aggressive vocal line over a fantastic melody that was established in the taste, they gave you in verse one and it just continues to build. This sort of brilliance is all over the album, and is why I can say with complete confidence that this one of the smartest rock/metal albums I have listened to in a long time. One of the other things I enjoyed about this album is that they have a rap element vocally that is threaded throughout. This can be risky in my opinion because sometimes it can come of contrived, cheesy, and out of place. Relent is different. The rap parts are tasteful, they are not overdone and they make sense, and as a guy who makes hip-hop, I can totally appreciate that! Lyrically, these dudes are on point. One of my favorite lyrics comes out of the songs Rise, it's "I don't care what they say, You paid the price for me." I think that this lyric sums up the album as a whole. As I stated earlier "Heart Attack" has a clear theme running throughout and the best part of it is that they are unashamed of the gospel. I can't tell you how many Christian bands I have listened to over the years that don't talk about Jesus. One of the first things I am listening for is the message and does the band or artist share the gospel and the name of Jesus, or, is it watered down, cryptic, or simply non-existent. There are lots of schools of thought concerning approach and many reasons are given for why a band/artist might not be so forth coming about their views but I will be honest, the best approach and view is a view that says "I don't care what they say, You paid the price from me." Lyrically the album is dealing with the "sanctification" (the process by which we are being cleansed, renewed, and being made more like Christ) of a believer, and lyrically stands out in the midst of a Christian music scene that quite frankly, has a lot of noise. Relent is different. So, if you are in the market for a super solid album that will strengthen you in your walk with Jesus while simultaneously bringing joy to your ears than "Heart Attack" is that album. In my opinion, there is not a bad song on it and it flows extremely well. I love the heavy breakdowns and the beautifully contagious melodies that run throughout the whole album. We want to strongly encourage you to snag a copy, dive in and enjoy! If you have something you thought I should have mentioned please feel free to leave a comment. Is there a lyric that really hit you? We would love to hear it! Leave a comment and go support these dudes as they rep Jesus to the world through dope music! As always thanks for taking the time, God bless! 
I need to start by saying this album has me excited. I am a huge fan of underground Christian music and this album reflects exactly why. Jordan has accomplished something here that I think most set out to do but not all achieve, The Ripple Effect is super creative, dynamic and refreshing. Each song is well written and handled with care, this is evident as you go from song to song as nothing is out of place. The Ripple Effect is a journey that will no doubt have an effect on you from a lyrical perspective as well as what is possible in the realm of underground music. One of the overarching themes the album presents, is to run from apathy. The whole album is a call to action, and one we would be wise to heed. It is so easy for us to get stuck in the same routine, to have the same junk different day mentality, it's time to wake up. Jordan put together an album of catchy melodies that are backed by poignant lyrics, and one of my favorite parts, he deals with himself in and through all of it. Jordan has managed to catch all the great parts of Owl City and merges them with pop punk, rock and even a bit of a nu metal edge at times. The Ripple Effect stands on it's own as a new brand of pop that is sure to please any music fan.
The more I listen the more I enjoy it, and that is the mark of a fantastic album. Each song on The Ripple Effect flows beautifully into the next, there is no need to skip around but if you must, there a few songs I find myself coming back to; "Time is of the Essence", "Louder Voice" and "Starlight Symphony", these 3 songs encompass the albums message and would be a good starting point if you wanted to give Jordan's album a chance, but it's my encouragement you just dive in, and enjoy! As always I encourage you to support those Christian artists that are not only grinding but are putting out quality music! You can pick up Jordan Sovis' album The Ripple Effect on all major digital outlets including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Spotify. If you would like to purchase the album for digital download you can do so here: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jordansovis2. God Bless!  I came across Theody the other day and after listening to only one song I purchased their latest release Prelude through the Google Play store. I knew immediately it was an album I needed to dive into. Prelude was released in April of this year, and though it's only 5 songs, it carries the weight of a full length release. They bring a sound that is reminiscent of early Flyleaf, Fireflight, and Evanescence, yet they have their own individual flair which is what I find appealing. The lead singer Lauren brings heartfelt lyrics paired with an emotional delivery, infectious melodies and when you add that to amazing instrumentation you have something that is energetic, punchy and powerful. As I stated earlier, I knew after one song that this was a band worth investing in, their song "Reignite" hit me right in the feels, I connected lyrically and I found the music to contain just the right amount of grit and rhythm, it is such a solid song. After purchasing the album I found it to be consistent with "Reignite", each song is well crafted, well placed and dynamic.
One of my favorite parts about Theody isn't found in their music, rather, it is in how they present themselves on their website. There is a shocking number of bands that have removed the label Christian from how they explain their style or who they are. We often hear the phrase "we're not a Christian band, we are Christians in a band." Unfortunately, this is usually done due to the business side of things. Now, to be clear, I am not knocking any bands that do that, however, Theody is not one of those bands. They describe themselves as a female fronted Christian rock band and as you continue to read their bio it becomes clear that sharing their faith in Jesus is an important part of who they are. Fun fact, their very name makes this proclamation as it means "a hymn praising God", how cool is that? I have a major respect for artists that are upfront with their belief in Jesus and their desire to share their faith not only in their music but in how they live and present themselves. I really want to encourage you to check out Theody, especially if you're in the market for a new rock band to vibe out too! Their album Prelude is available on all major digital outlets, I picked it up for 5 bucks on Google Play, best $5 I have spent in long a time. If you are more into streaming you can stream the album on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2rZfkSa. As always, I encourage you to support those Christian artists that are not only grinding but are putting out quality music!!  Brotha Dre has been grinding for a minute, and he has been consistent. You don’t purchase a Brotha Dre album without the expectation that you are about to enjoy some straight fire, quality music that will not only rock your ear drums but will also challenge you in your walk with Jesus. Brotha Dre dropped “Trinity” back in July of 2017 and it has never left my rotation. Brotha Dre wastes no time, right from the beginning you are hit with powerful Christ-centered lyrics, and it becomes very clear that Brotha Dre is seeking to give God all the glory. I love the honesty on this album, it is as though the listener gets a snapshot into Brotha Dre’s life as he shares bits of his testimony and how Jesus has brought him from death to life. Every song on this album is worth the listen. It is worth it not only because they are fantastic songs but also because each song points to Jesus in a way that is unrelenting, understandable, and relatable. The “Trinity” album is hard hitting, Christ glorifying, simply epic!
If you have yet to pick up your copy of Brotha Dre’s “Trinity” album what are you waiting for? You can purchase it on iTunes here: apple.co/2JQTirv. “Trinity” is also available on all major digital outlets. As always, support those artists that are not only grinding but are putting out quality music! Don’t let another day go buy without adding this album to your collection!  Reborn is new to the game in some ways, at least when it comes to rapping for Jesus. Korey Roe a.k.a. Reborn has quite the backstory. Korey was in and out of gangs, prison, and turmoil. Korey accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior while in prison and hasn't looked back. Korey has been exactly as his rap alias states, Reborn. "Who's That?" Is one of Korey's debut songs, and is a sign of things to come. Korey's heart to share God's Word with the lost is very clear and evident, he is concerned with one thing, people coming to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In talking with Korey he will be the first to tell you that he is learning and growing as Christian hip hop artists, he has humbly set out to use the gifts and talents God has provided in a creative way that brings glory to Jesus and Him alone.
Be sure to check out Reborn's song "Who's That?" and throw him an encouraging word/comment! You can check the song out here: https://bit.ly/2rKLEaK.+  Every once in a while, an artist drops an album that changes the game. Beacon Light’s latest effort Loud Drive Home is one of those albums. Loud Drive Home is beautifully crafted from beginning to end, there is absolutely no reason to use the skip button. Rather, turn the stereo up, take a drive, jam out, and reflect. The album starts out with provocative thoughts concerning idolatry and redemption as Beacon admits that hip hop became something for him that it shouldn’t have, and how God has redeemed hip hop in his life. Beacon unapologetically proclaims that Jesus is his first love, in turn, that Jesus has a greater place in his life than hip hop. This sets the stage nicely as you see this theme carry though the whole album. Beacon does a great job of taking the listener on a real-life journey which is fitting given the album’s title. One of the way’s I think Loud Drive Home shines is in its features. The features were very well thought out and it’s clear. This album showcases some amazing talent like Steven Malcolm & Canon but also some fantastic up and coming artists like Kevi and Spencer Kane. If you are looking for a couple of songs to test drive I would suggest Stay Up and Sleeping on me ft. Spencer Kane, if you aren’t sold by those two, check out Too Easy ft. Joey Jewish, after that you’re on your own. Loud Drive Home is dynamic, and in my opinion Christ-centered hip hop at its finest.
I want to encourage and challenge you to support those artists that are not only grinding but putting out quality music! You can purchase Loud Drive Home on all major digital outlets for $9.99, here is the link to purchase it on iTunes: apple.co/2jpKzRR, do yourself a favor and don’t sleep on this album. Learn more about Beacon Light at beaconlightmusic.com |