The End is Not the End

{House of Heroes}

The End is Not the End

House of Heroes has stepped off on a new foot with their release of The End is Not the End. Their former release, Serial Sleepers, didn’t do a whole lot to really impact the music industry, but this album is pretty good. The style House of Heroes puts forth in this album is quite different from their first, but yet it manages to keep the band’s identity.

Strengths

Strong and catchy rhythms are the single most improved feature of The End is Not the End for House of Heroes. I generally can get bored with some music very quickly, especially if it all sounds the same. But with this album, the style and direction of many songs change multiple times through the length of a single track. For example, “In the valley of the Dying Sun” starts out in a moderate tempo with a nice guitar background. Then it quickly changes to a melodic falsetto that adds so much complexity to the song — yet it remains simple. A tricky thing to do.

Cannons

{Phil Wickham}

Cannons

I don’t know what is more impressive: Phil Wickham’s vocals or his guitar playing. I’ve had the privilege to see Phil in concert two times already and I have not been disappointed. Although both venues could have used some better acoustics, the sound from this guy is unique. Along with this album, Phil’s first album, Phil Wickahm, holds another spot in my list of favorite albums (although I’m not going to count it as one of my “20″). Specifically form his previous album, standout tracks include “Divine Romance”, “Crumble to Pieces”, “Holy Holy Holy”, “Grace”, and “Always Forever”.

Strengths:

The album starts off almost dark, mysterious, and bass-driven with “Must I wait”. The only thing that carries through the rest of the songs form the description in the previous sentence would probably be the bass. The mystery of the song is lifted when Phil starts in with his vocals. It all seems to come together at this point; the lyrics add to the overall clarity and beauty of the song. There are transitions from driven guitar, to more subtle controlled vocals. This is an example of the strength of the album, not necessarily in the song itself, but what elements it portrays. The vocals are by no doubt some of the most powerful, subtle, beautiful, and fully enticing vocals I’ve ever heard (seeing him in person also adds another layer to his depth). I would say that this element of the album is certainly one of the strongest.

The Heat

{Needtobreathe}

The Heat

Needtobreathe has always been one of my favorite bands. With their first release, Daylight, I’ve been eagerly watching the band, and as they have progressed in style, they have moved up on my list. I am relieved that needtobreathe’s sophomore album is not a “slump” and shows the band can change but remain itself.

_

Strengths:

The vocals of needtobreathe’s lead singer, Bear Rinehart, are outstanding. They are not going to suit every person’s particular taste, but if you like smooth, strong, southern rock vocals, you’ll love this band. The melodies and blend of the band is also a highlight. The instruments are in balance and we hear what we are supposed to hear and when we’re suppose to hear it (always a bonus).

Heal for the Honey

{Brooke Waggoner}

Heal for the Honey

When I learned that Brooke Waggoner had recently released a full length album, I was immensely excited — immensely excited. I went and bought the album off iTunes and was almost giddy. I think some of the expectation I had for Brooke was based off of her last release, Fresh Pair of Eyes, but Heal for the Honey isn’t quite as sweet as what I thought it would be. I think having such a high expectation let me down a little bit when it wasn’t as wonderful as I expected, but perhaps this album will grow on me over time.

Strengths

Brooke Waggoner does a very good job of fusing different instruments into a style that is intriguing, enticing, and just plain different. I am glad that she is not another run-of-the-mill artist who sounds like everybody else. She manages to define herself as an artist of quality and skill. The piano in the album is a reoccurring strength that adds layers as well as complexion to the songs — a defining and well done feature of the album. At times, Waggoner’s voice can be smooth and controlled and blends very well with the style of music she is performing.

Apple Tree

{Katie Herzig}

Apple Tree

I have been whistling “Songbird” for the past four days (quite literally). I don’t know what that tells you about me, but this album has turned into one of my all-time favorite albums. I have been a fan of Herzig’s previous album, Weightless, but I’ve come to perch on Apple Tree’s branches quite a bit more in the past few months. People are starting to comment on how I’ve been whistling the same song for days, and yet it’s still in my head.

Strengths

Katie Herzig is a master of quirky and beautifully unique rhythms. Her musical intuition is so clearly portrayed within her work that it makes me smile to hear her use bells and wind instruments in so many different ways. One of my favorite tracks, “I Will Follow” is more of an upbeat song that utilizes bells in such a clever fashion. I don’t know why it strikes me as such, but the chorus goes perfectly with all the background music.

Trade Some Noise!

I’ve been a fan of NoiseTrade for a while now, and it seems to keep getting better. If you go to the site, you will be able to download free albums if you “pay what you want” or enter three of your friends email addresses.

Katie Herzig put her latest CD, Apple Tree, on the site and it has become one of my favorites. There’s a lot to say about the site, but I’d rather you go and take a listen yourself. It’s worthwhile. Trade some noise!

NoiseTrade