The Alt Review is brought to you by Joshua Muzyka. Josh has been with CMN for over 10 years. His reviews of music interesting to teens and young adults are technically and biblically scrutinized.
Send CDs to: Joshua Muzyka, C/O Christian Media Alliance, PO Box 324, Waleska, GA 30183. NEWS FROM THE MUSIC GROUP, BRIDE:
After 20 years of recording, touring and doing ministry, Bride is still hard at work preparing for touring later on this year. The band will be getting together in the coming weeks to prepare a brand new set of material for the live show. If you have 5 favorite Bride songs that you would want to hear live send them over to us for us to consider putting them in our set list.
Here is a wonderful tribute Web Site to Bride that you might want to explore.
Spoken: A Breath Of Fresh Air Whenever Christian Music seems to decline, something always saves it.
What are they like? OK! Take everything you like about Coheed and Cambria, throw away Claudio Sanchez’s annoying voice, add in Christianity, throw in some originality and rap-core undertones and what do you get? Spoken. Spoken has been around in the shadows for several years and is a Christian band that I stumbled upon not too long ago. I’ve been holding off reviewing them for the sake of you, my readers, to make sure they read the previous article I’ve posted and to give time for you to email me back. To be honest, I’ve never been too crazy over the punk rock scene. Alright, I’ll take that back….but Five Iron Frenzy was a special case. Regardless of my previous bias toward punk rock, I really enjoy listening to Spoken.
With good morals and principles, a solid rock line up with varying chords and techniques, Spoken is a stand up Christian band that I see becoming very popular in both the Christian and Secular world. What I really appreciate about this band is their commitment to originality while still staying within their genre. So many bands tend to yes, stick to their own genre, but at the cost of originality. They’re afraid to step outside of their basic chord variations and rock lineup. What they fail to realise is that in rock music there are many ways to still express yourself while still maintaining their dignity.
Spoken borders on both Punk and Rap-Core music with variational screaming while maintaining most of the lyrics and songs as a real singing voice. They aren’t just some kids that think they can play guitar and only know how to scream their music. Take their song “A Question Alone”. Beautiful singing in the verses! Lead singer, Matt Baird, can actually sing. No joke. So many bands nowadays have lead singers that are absolutely horrible and they don’t even seem to know it.
Keeping to the lyrics, you’ll find that Spoken is both morally and biblically sound. I love the message in their song, “1992”. It’s about Christ coming into our lives, how he speaks to us and forgives us for all that we’ve done. When we became Christians, we gave everything to him. It’s like a reminder for all of us. Be sure to check out this band, visit their website, buy a CD and even go to a show in your area. They are truly a honor to have in the Christian community.
I know, it's been a long time since I've made a posting or a review in this corner of the world we like to call Christian Media Alliance. I remember so long ago when we first began this venture we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. My mother, Pola Muzyka, wanted to create an outlet where "Christian's In Media" could come together from all corners of the Earth. I was just 12 at the time. I'm pleased that through our help such undertakings, like The Omega Code, were much easier to handle.
My postings to the music reviews and the hits to my section have grown fewer and fewer. I know that there has been no real excuse for my lax. I was going through a time in my life, which of course all teenagers go through, where some things don't seem all that important. It isn't much of a help that when people complain, they send the complaints to my mother's email address and not to my personal email so she has to forward my mail to me.
The Teen Music Review doesn't really exist any longer. If someone else who is a music student would like to take it over, let my mom know. Pola@ChristianMediaAlliance.com I'm not a Teen anymore.....and I know that there are a lot of previous fans of the review who have gotten older as well. You probably listen to the type of music that is more alternative now. As a result, I've decided to rename the "Teen Music Review" to "The Alt Review", since I review alternative, rock, hard core, rap, reggae and the like. Never contemporary music.
I will be keeping a regular schedule with my reviews of current Christian alt bands from now on. If you have any bands you would particularly want me to check up on, this includes parents that would like me to personally screen certain secular bands before their kids listen to them, I would be more than happy to and will promptly post my finding on this website. At times it gets hard for me to find new bands to review so whenever I'm lapse you could kick me in the shins, I will be more than happy to reply. Thank you all for being a part of this undertaking.
Many times we have no idea what we or those we love are listening to. It's time we stood up for our values... this includes secular music, but especially when we listen to Christian related music. We have a right to know what we're hearing. You have a right to know what you or your son or daughter are hearing. I'll be glad to check whatever song you need me to check.
Please come back often and email any and all requests. Peace. G-d Bless.
ROCK MUSIC IMPELLED BY DIVINE INSPIRATION AND APPARITIONS
June 30, 2005 (Austin, TX) - After the untimely loss of his father in 2003, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Matt McCormack accompanied his grieving mother on a pilgrimage to Medugorje, Yugoslavia in search of spiritual healing. In the two weeks he was there he witnessed the spinning of the sun and an apparition sighting with Ivan. These events along with many other messages delivered to Matt about his music, has led to an ultimate conversion of the heart. Matt McCormack along with his band Rock Bottom Choir has just released the ultimate tribute to Mary and the Holy Family with their debut album "For All the Saints, Vol. 1" on Blue Wind Records. Their website www.rockbottomchoir.com even has a forum where visitors can talk about their experiences with apparitions. This is a first for modern music, but hopefully a trend that can be followed.
McCormack leads his faithful congregation with the dueling guitars of Ryan Carter and Will Sexton, along with the rest of the Choir; George Reiff (Chris Robinson's New Earth Mud) on bass, Joey Shuffield (Fastball) on drums, and Bill Carter (hit songwriter) for Stevie Ray Vaughan and others) on mandolin and banjo.
RBC's music fills the soul and comforts your heart with lyrics that Inspire hope and salvation accompanied by infectious melodies that stick in your head to help you through the day. This eleven track CD which was originally written and recorded as a simple no-frills endeavor "to give back" and to raise money for various charitable causes has since exploded into a full blown mission with the message and music of Rock Bottom Choir taking on a life of its own.
The title track "For All the Saints" is an adaptation from a church choir hymn from the 1800's by which McCormack and Sexton rearranged and added new verses; thereby eloquently bringing it into the mainstream realm of today's music. With a profound Americana resonance, "For All the Saints" as well as other tracks such as "Roses" and "Seed”, translates fluently into the Triple A radio format; while other tunes "All That You Want" and "Taste of Faith" would sound right at home on traditional Rock radio. With their music being played on traditional radio formats, Rock Bottom Choir hopes of infiltrating mainstream airwaves with their message of hope, faith, and inspiration may soon become a reality.
EWTN has added RBC's music to its Catholic Jukebox as well as its satellite radio programming. Additionally The Oblates of Saint Faustino have discovered the band's faith based music and have added the link to their website. # # #
For more information, please contact Gigi Greco - Art Attack Promotions at gigigreco@artattackprods.com or 512-445-7117.
LION OF ZION ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH PGE DISTRIBUTION (TO BE FULFILLED AND DISTRIBUTED BY SONY/BMG RED AND FAITHWORKS).
First release under new deal is Christafari's Gravitational Dub
(Nashville, TN) November 14th, 2004 -- Gospel reggae and world music record label Lion of Zion Entertainment, Inc. recently signed an exclusive U.S. (CBA and general market) distribution deal with Point of Grace Entertainment Distribution, a company distributed by Faithworks in the CBA market and Sony/BMG Red in the general market. The new deal, which takes effect immediately, will include Lion of Zion Entertainment's catalog of Gospel reggae and world music titles. The first new release to be distributed by PGE will be Christafari's Gravitational Dub--Destination Dub Central Station, in stores January 11, 2005.
Commenting on this news, John van der Veen, music buyer for Family Christian Stores, the nation's largest chain of Christian book & music retailers, said:
"When I think about the power of music, I think about the impact it can have on both the individual and the masses. Such is the case with Christafari. Mark and his band mates have impacted my life in such a way to desire more of the things of Jesus. I also have witnessed the power of Mark's records changing the masses, to see the Light, to see the Truth. I am excited about the new relationship that Lion of Zion Entertainment now has with Point of Grace Entertainment. This new partnership is more than contracts and dotted lines, this is the family of God, linking arms to both speak to the church and the unchurched. Such will be the case for Christafari's new record, Gravitational Dub. I have lived with this record for some time now, and I must say I believe it is their finest work to date. Look out folks, reggae is taking over in '05!"
Started in 1999 by Christafari founder and vocalist Mark Mohr, Lion of Zion Entertainment is the largest provider of gospel reggae and world music on the planet. The label consistently introduces Christian music buyers to new musical cultures from around the world, including such genres as gospel dancehall, dub, soca, calypso, Jamoo, raggamuffin hip hop, African, and MeReggaeTM.
"We have a lot of respect for Mark Mohr and Lion of Zion Entertainment," said PGE Distribution’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Minister Earnest Jefferson. "Lion of Zion has enjoyed huge popularity at Christian and mainstream retail over the years, and we look forward to this long-term relationship. The expanded affiliation with Lion of Zion will strengthen an already strong and growing retail presence that PGE has within the CBA marketplace. Lion of Zion Entertainment now becomes our largest single supplier of music in PGE’s history!"
Releases from Lion of Zion Entertainment have included albums from artists such as Christafari, 'Imisi, Stitchie, Sherwin Gardner, Tiko&Gita, and Monty G. The label has also released a number of various artist compilations including Reggae Redemption Songs, Dancehall Baptism 1 & 2, Africa Anointed, Ragamuffin Hip Hop 1 & 2, To The King and Soca Baptism. Beyond the reggae/world music theme, each one of these artist releases and compilations share a unifying message of salvation in Christ alone.
We are extremely enthusiastic about this new deal with PGE," said Lion of Zion Entertainment President, Mark Mohr. "Having had some unfortunate distribution experiences in the past, we set out to work with a respected organization known for its integrity and consistency. I believe we have found this in Minister Jefferson and PGE. Their professionalism, marketing strategies and distribution channels coupled with our existing international distribution will help us continue to fulfill our mission of Reaching the World Through World Music."
Please visit the official websites at www.pgedist.com, www.LionofZion.com and www.Christafari.com.
Check out which 2004 GMA MUSIC AWARD WINNERS are appearing at The ALIVE FESTIVAL 2004! 16 Overall.... Compare that with any Christian music festival in the country!! The best balanced line-up in the nation!
• Song of The Year: "Word of God Speak" MercyMe • Songwriter of the Year: Mark Hall of Casting Crowns • Male Vocalist of the Year: Jeremy Camp • Female Vocalist of the Year: Stacie Orrico • Group of the Year: MercyMe • Artist of the Year: MercyMe • New Artist of the Year: Jeremy Camp • Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year: "Breaking Me Down" downhere • Rock Recorded Song of the Year: "Ammunition" The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot • Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year: "Meant To Live" The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot • Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year: "Word of God Speak" Spoken For, MercyMe • Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: "It's Pronounced Five Two", KJ52 • Modern Rock Album of the Year: "Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...But Three Do", Relient K • Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year: "The Beautiful Letdown", Switchfoot • Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: "Stacie Orrico", Stacie Orrico • Short Form Music Video of the Year: (There's Gotta Be) "More to Life" Stacie Orrico
- Make sure to check out all the latest Alive Festival 2004 information on our web site: www.alive.org
Banner by: Sofia Ylitalo
VOTE FOR TOP BRIDE TUNES
If you have not already voted for your top 5 favorite Bride tunes to be added to the Bride "live" set list for their upcoming tour... please vote by sending in your top favorite Bride songs to bride@bridepub.com
Five Iron Frenzy....The End Is Here!
Band: Five Iron Frenzy
CD: The End Is Near/Here
Genre: Ska
There's only one way I could describe Five Iron Frenzy with the justice that they deserve, "Beautiful Satire". Throughout the years this band of 8 misfits for Christ have been able to provide Christ-centered humor, satire, sarcasm, rock, etc etc. Unfortunately, I thought the time wouldnever come...but today I review FIF's final CD. Though it is with a tear in my eye (due to the factthat Five Iron Frenzy has been my absolute favorite band since I was eleven) I am very proud to state that this is the greatest album that Five Iron Frenzy has put out thus far. Every song is riddled with meaning, purpose, humor, and awsome tunes.
Hmmm, how do I describe this band? Ok, the basics. Eight members are in this awsome ska band who takes root in genre's to the tune of rock, punk, slightly hardcore and even silly ((listen to "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here")). Somehow they're able to perfectly blend the horns and guitar in wonderful rythem with excelent biblical accuacy and fearless lyrics. Songs like "Farewell To Arms" and "American Kryptonite" portray the conflicts and frustrations true Christian's have with todays modern society and hypocrite's.
The member's are as follow: Reese Roper - Vocals; Andrew Verdecchio - Drums; Micah Ortega - Wicked Guitar and BGV's; Sonnie Johnston - Pretty Guitar; Keith Hoerig - Bass; Dennis Culp - Trombone and BGV's; Leanor "Jeff the Girl" Ortega - Tenor Saxophone; And Nathanael "Brad" Dunham - Trumpet.
Track 3, "So Far, So Bad", examplifies how modern trends don't care about quality and morals but rather mob rule. The song goes on to state "Don't worry what this song would say, you'll never hear it anyway.They won't play this song on the radio." right after explaining how the song would teach morals and unite all people (("It made a couple points about the future and how the past was kind of uncool.and if you ever tried to play it backwards,it told the kids to stay in school." -second verse))
Tracks 5 and 10,. "American Kryptonite" and "Anchors Away", go on to portray how modern American's are controled by TV and thier New God...themselves. The modern ideal is to look after number one, yourself. Money controls the world and it's not suttle. "Anchors Away" states how todays news controls us by using fear tactics on TV. And it is so true. How often do you see happy news on TV? I was watching the Atlanta news the other day and all it spoke of were misc deaths,then onto the war, afterward it told me to stay tuned for information on Micheal Jackson's childmolestation charges. Songs and lyrics like these challenge Christians to take a stand in today's world and join in reverance for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then of course there are tracks like 2 and 7, "At Least I'm Not Like All Those Other Old Guys" and "Wizard Needs Food, Badly", which portray Five Iron's humorous side. The Old Guys song (shorted so I wouldn't have to type it all) just depicts Reeses habits as a 29 year old that still acts like a teenage. Of course we could always analise that song but I'll leave that to you.Unless you email me and ask my opinion. Wizard (shortened for the above reason), is basically the bands guys speaking to their wives and girlfriends and explaining that the Wizard Needs....FOOD BADLY! Umm...sorry. I'm listening to the song now. Maybe some lyrics would clear up that song.
"You say "tomato", I say "video games", you're acting so solemn. You'll take the precious remote control from me. Do I sound like Gollum?The wizard needs food badly, the Voltron can't be incomplete. The things I love, you hate so madly, I must not go down in defeat. And I'm sure you have your reasons, but listen to me please... I want the G.I. Joe with the Kung-Fu action grip. I want Nintendo with the extra-graphics-microchip. Tackle football with rocks, and sticks, and knives, and pain... I want a truck with the four wheel drive train."
Hopefully that cleared up things. A couple of the songs address Five Iron's leaving as they close a few of the songs in "That's How The Story Ends" and "It Was Beautiful" with "The Cross Of Saint Andrew" and "On Distant Shores" give reverance to God. And finally before I finish this review, you may purchase thier CD "The End Is Here" in Christian bookstores for $13.95 while supplies last and recieve a poster and a live CD of their final show in Denver, Colorado. The live album opens with "Old West" from their first album "Upbeats and Beatdowns" and continues with misc songs from their entire discography untill they finally end the show with their greatest song "Every New Day" and Amazing Grace and complete reverance to God.
May the Lord bless Five Iron Frenzy's former band members in all that they do and say and may they continue to bring glory to you, Father God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Eso, is an Hungarian name meaning "To Reign". This band makes it clear who they're playing for. With solid drumming and driving synths Eso demands respect. This respect is doubled with an attacking guitar and bass, then fortified with a message that sends evil realing. This CD is a must for any hardcore Christian warrior wanting to hit Satan where it hurts.
The group, Eso, consists of Caleb, Kyle, Jeremy and Justin Craw. Also included is their new vocalist "Evan". The vocalist on the debut album, on the other hand, was Lee Richards.Richards left the band to persue other outlets in his life. Hybrid Rock is tending to become a massively addicting genre with bands such as Linkin Park backing up the list. Truely this new genre is a welcome touch. It's hip-hop elements combined with a rock/hardcore base guarantee that most will be surely pleased with the result.
Eso lets everyone know where their heart is (unlike other "Christian" bands that will go unmentioned cough*Evenescence*cough) right from the start. With songs like "A New Grace", "I Love You Forever", And "Sacred" you'd have to be a fool not to realize who their supreme leader is. Almost every one of their songs are linked to Christ, but notice whom the band thanks. Each member thanks "Jesus Christ" "The Lord". And finally the scripture, Lamentations 3:21-24 is found on the inside cover.
Eso has wonderful musical talent. The singer can get a little annoying, though, with his pet peve of having to pronunciate everything so precisely. It may sound a bit as if he's talking at you instead of singing to you. If you can get over that...you'll be fine.
I do have to say that the format of the lyrics on the inside cover does make things slightly difficult to read. By the way...if you state that there is a "hidden track" on the album cover, it kind-of destroys the purpose of a "hidden track". Having a hidden track on an album is like icing on the cake. Oh well...
To close, this band has amazing potential. Whatever record company signs this band should know though...they are not sellouts, yet. They know their purpose.
"Our purpose is to bring a living God into a dying world
