Tooth & Nail darlings Thousand Foot Krutch have constructed quite a little niche for themselves over the years as one of the most commercially successful rock bands to crossover from the Christian market into the mainstream rock world. Although TFK broke out first with the 100K+ sales of their 2003 disc Phenomenon, their blossoming success really became evident after the release of the band’s 2005 effort, The Art of Breaking, which spawned a top 20 rock track in “Move”. After touring extensively behind the album, Thousand Foot Krutch returned to the studio with notable producer Ken Andrews, which resulted in this, their latest offering, The Flame in All of Us (09.18.07). Watch for their single “What Do We Know?” on modern and mainstream rock outlets, as well as Christian Rock radio.
These Canadian boys have arguably made the most complete album of their careers in TFIAOU, a potpourri of styles from the past and present that showcase the maturity and well-roundedness of the band. Without question, the album is a smooth listen and features tracks that will make you get up and “shake it”, sit back and reflect, or just straight-up sing along. Whatever the case, the biggest thing detracting from the album is its similarities to other bands of the same ilk, as there is not one track on here that can really define TFK as a staple band in the world of modern rock. Nevertheless, the band has constructed a solid album in The Flame in All of Us, and all the disc needs is a firm push in the right direction and a more identifiable persona to make Thousand Foot Krutch a household name.
INO Records Skillet’s substantial Comatose Comes Alive CD/DVD (10.20.08) features fifteen songs (plus five more acoustic tracks available online) with a majority of the tracks coming from the band’s last two studio efforts, “Comatose” and “Collide.” There are one or two songs from earlier albums, but the bulk of it comes from this burgeoning outfit’s return to their rock sound. If you’ve heard either of the aforementioned albums, then you know what I mean. This album isn’t about delivering new songs; it’s about harnessing the electric energy of Skillet’s live show.
torrent of power that Skillet shows have become known for. In a way, the DVD experience is even better than actually having been there. While nothing will ever truly replace the firsthand experience, Comatose Comes Alive makes you feel as if you actually are part of the audience…closer even.An added bonus to the show is the band’s inclusion of a cellist and violinist on the tour, as both “Collide” and “Comatose” featured a fair dose of strings backing their rock inclinations. It helped keep their sound authentic and definitely lent itself to the dark, ominous side of some tracks.
Along with other bands on the illustrious Tooth & Nail roster, Ivoryline do a great job of representing their record label quite well; they bring the melodic flavor of Anberlin and the dynamic intensity of Falling Up on their full-length debut, There Came A Lion (02.05.08). Frontman Jeremy Gray uses his inimitable vocal range to inject a heavier, fuller sound to his band’s upbeat alt-rock momentum. Standout tracks “Be Still and Breathe,” “Remind Me I’m Alive,” and “Hearts and Minds,” are a few of the livelier songs that emerge from There Came A Lion. The slowest song from this album’s track listing is “The Last Word”, which still keeps a pretty energetic viscosity. Ivoryline have an amazing variety of sound and spirit; definitely a top-notch, rock-out album!
Thousand Foot Krutch has been gracing the music world and our listening ears with their unique and irresistible sound since they “Set It Off” in 2001 with their first release. Since then, they have morphed into more of a pure rock sound.
Oregon rockers Falling Up released their third studio album, Captiva, on October 2nd of last year. Captiva is Falling Up’s first release since the departure of guitarist Joseph Kisselburgh. Guitarist Micah Sannan and keyboardist Adam Taylor also left the band following the recording of Captiva, leaving the once six-member band a three-piece act. Despite Falling Up’s member changes, their latest release remains true to the elaborate, innovative and creative sound they are recognized for while moving their music in a new, radio-friendly direction.
