Esterlyn:Lamps

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Consistent. Hopeful. Faithful. From the origin of their name, to the lyrics in every song, “Lamps” has a constant theme – all that is found in Christ. Truly music that is from the heart and directed to the hearts of every listener. A beat the creates the deisire to dance and move while celebrating that the God of the universe loves us individually.

In this debut album, it is clear that the message is Christ and the undying love He has for each of us. “We All Need” is just that, it is a compilation of words describing that even in the darkest of times ‘we all need hope – the hope to live for something more’. “Emptiness” bring to mind what Paul might have been thinking when he wrote much of the New Testament. The internal struggle in following Christ while fighting our fleshly desires.

Every song is easy to understand and delivers a true message of strength. This album is going to be hard to put down. The sound screams similarities to that of U2. “Lamps” and the eject button will not be aquainted easily.

4.5/5

Ivoryline:There Came A Lion

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“We should scream ‘thank you’
With every waking breath
And cry ‘mercy, mercy!’ at every day’s end
Yet we remain quiet and comfortable
In our A to B lives.
We’re so quiet and comfortable in our A to B lives”

It is with this blunt and unashamed attitude that Tyler,Texas’ Ivoryline brings us their debut album on Tooth and Nail records. Each song builds on what “Days End”, the first track on the album brings to the table. They confront a number of deep and important issues on “There Comes a Lion”.

How we confront our “Lions” is what makes us who we are, and Ivoryline hammers this point home with 100% consistency. Whether it be through speaking about the hypocrisy that plagues the church today, and the search for meaning through sex, enduring abuse, and apathy in “All You Ever Hear”, to the misconceptions that many people have about God and faith in “Be Still and Breathe”. “Remind Me I’m Alive” is a cry for meaning and purpose in what can often feel like a cold and lifeless world. What the mind cant comprehend, but the heart cannot live without, this is the message of “Hearts and Minds”. The album ends on a much slower note than it began with “The Last Words”, a touching tribute to Jeremy’s father, who passed away during the recording of this album.

The evidence of the faith that the members of Ivoryline have in God is prevalent throughout this album. They take on the issues that most people are afraid to even speak about, and they do it with poise and maturity. With soaring vocals, incredible guitars, and a beat that will have you tapping your foot and bobbing your head with every track, Ivoryline is definitely a band to watch in ’08 and beyond.

4.5/5

Number One Gun:The North Pole Project

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In 2006, fans were greatly troubled after learning that Number One Gun had decided to go their separate ways, despite their growing popularity. After forming 2 new bands and one member joining another, most feared that the last chord had been struck by one of their favorite bands. Jeff Schneeweis formed The North Pole Project, and began recording with Tooth and Nail. After anticipation had begun to grow for The Projects debut album, word came out that Number One Gun wasn’t done yet. In fact, The Project was becoming Number One Gun. And thus, the rebirth of NOG. The North Pole Project became the name for the debut album of the new Number One Gun.

Much of the sound is very similar even though Schneeweis is going it solo on this project. The result is a sound that borders on electronic and experimental rock, with some balladesque moments interspersed throughout. Many of the lyrics on the album deal with the issue of relationship. “The Best of You and Me” speaks about a couple that can never get close enough to each other because of the secrets that they keep from each other. The first single from the album “Million” seems to speak to to the hope that we have in Christ. The general feel of the album is hopeful, and is primarily written from the perspective of someone that is searching and seeking for hope, love, and security in their life. “Get me out of this before I get to deep!” is cry in the song “Bad Habits”. Both “Find Your Escape” and “The Different Ones” are two of the strongest tracks musically.

Overall, the entire album is excellent. And with each listen, it gets better and better. This is definitely one of the best releases of the past few months and has the potential to continue what has already began for Jeff Schneeweis.

4/5

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