Underoath - Define The Great Line [2006]

Blasting out of Tampa, Florida comes the melodious sounds of my favorite christian metal band, Underoath. It's about time we get some Underoath up on this blog, so here goes. This is Define The Great Line, their fifth record. Underoath has been around since 1997, but now that drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie has left to work with his other band The Almost, none of the original members remain in the band.

This album has a very powerful and energetic sound, from the kickin intro of In Regards To Myself, and that energy continues throughout the album. One thing that sets Underoath apart from other metal/post-hardcore bands is how perfectly they blend Chamberlain's screams and the chugging guitar parts with Gillespie's beautiful singing and the more peaceful moments. I realize that this style of music is now commonplace, but Underoath is one of the pioneers of this genre and they clearly stand head and shoulders above every other similar band. One listen to this album makes it obvious that they really are quality music rather than just another talentless group jumping on the post-hardcore bandwagon. Their lyrics and vocals, which are possibly my favorite part of Underoath, are truly an unequaled blending of screaming defiance with introspective soul searching.

While they are a christian band, don't let that prevent you from listening to this band. After all, they aren't singing hymns here. As vocalist Spencer Chamberlain says in an interview with Europunk, "It’s not like every song is a lesson from the Bible or something." Their music and lyrics are more about real life experiences and struggles and overcoming them.

The instrumentals on this album are all top-notch with amazing break downs, guitar work, and really standout drumming by Gillespie. There are some some of my favorite moments to rock out to on In Regards To Myself, Moving For The Sake Of Motion, and Writing On The Walls. This is definitely one of my top albums, and one that everyone should give a listen. I can't wait to see what their new album sounds like later this year.

Genre: Metal, Post-Hardcore, Christian,
For Fans Of: The Almost, Saosin, Norma Jean
Contact: Website
Tracklisting:
1. In Regards to Myself
2. A Moment Suspended in Time
3. There Could Be Nothing After This
4. You're Ever So Inviting
5. Sālmarnir
6. Returning Empty Handed
7. Casting Such a Thin Shadow
8. Moving for the Sake of Motion
9. Writing on the Walls
10. Everyone Looks So Good from Here
11. To Whom It May Concern


-T

Portugal. The Man - Waiter: "You Vultures!" [2006]

I will hopefully be going to see Portugal. The Man, my favorite Alaskan quartet, tomorrow, so I decided to put up my favorite release from the band for ya'll to enjoy. This album is definitely one of my favorite albums ever created; there is just so much to love about it.

From the first opening notes of How The Leopard Got Its Spots until the final mechanical dissonance of Guns. Guns... Guns, and throughout all the songs in between, there is such a cool feeling projected by the music. It is laid back, yet so complex and technical sounding. You can hear so many layers to this music, from the guitar hooks, to the melodic keyboards, to the electronic backbeat, to the perfectly fitting vocals, and it all comes together beautifully.

Not only is the music amazing, the lyrics are just as profound and talented. Lines like "If I were a god I'd be the greatest of all, With a speech so soft that loud it would kill you, Standing up tall from the top of that hill, I'd shout out commands to down below," and "We'll take steps to make sure our failures are hidden" show that talent. Other lyrics on the album are not nearly as serious, but more trippy and humerous, like "Shout at pavement that's sprouting up turnips, Who are shouting right back, "We don't need your lectures!" Also, the album art is one of my favorite covers, and the image matches the music exactly.

This album is without a doubt a solid listen; if you haven't heard it yet definitely check it out. It is classy, soulful, and unique and would be at home playing in the background at a coffee shop, in the car with the windows rolled down on a hot summer day, or on your record player in your house. Its mellow goodness is like soul food.

Genre: Indie, Experimental, Progressive

For Fans Of: Minus The Bear, Circa Survive, The Dear Hunter

Contact: Website
Tracklisting:

1. How the Leopard Got Its Spots
2. Gold Fronts
3. Stables & Chairs
4. AKA M80 The Wolf
5. Marching With 6
6. Elephants
7. Waiter
8. Chicago
9. Bad, Bad Levi Brown

10. Kill Me. The King
11. Tommy

12. Horse Warming Party

13. Guns.Guns...Guns

-T

Every Time I Die - "The New Black" Ferret Music

For the music video this week I selected a classic tune from Every Time I Die, which also has one of my favorite music videos. Great band, great song, enjoy:

Also, two of the new albums I am most excited for are now in the works: the new Underoath and Craig Owen's new project, and they both have posted studio updates (actually more of teasers, but they still got me stoked to hear their new stuff) on their facebooks. Check em out.

Peace,

-T