Piano Rock at It’s Best

After losing two members within the last year it almost seemed that Between the Trees was doomed to be added to the ever growing list of bands calling it quits. However, through perseverance their back with their sophomore album “........Spain” and it does deliver.

If you’re into the Piano driven rock, such as Jacks Mannequin then this album is definitely for you. The opening track and current radio single ‘We Can Try’ starts off the album with the catchy chorus that we’ve grown to love about the band.  Other tracks like Scarecrow and Story of A Boy show the progression this band has made in the last few years. While at first I thought this album was going to be a stripped down version of BTT because of the recent member changes, it proves that even with the lack of members it is still possible to write a solid record complete with 10 amazingly structured piano driven songs. Whew. That was a mouthful. But you get what I’m trying to say.

Fans of Between the Trees will notice that lyrically “........Spain” is chopped full of emotionally driven songs that touch the heart. From the beginning track the very end it’s obvious that they are trying to stay with a positive vibe. And in my opinion they are successful at doing so.

While I’m not saying I like this album better than their first album “The Story and The Song” I am saying that it definitely matches up both musically and lyrically. The spark that BTT gives music is still there on this album. I really liked this record; even though it took me a few run throughs, it’s proven to be a solid sophomore release from such a young band. If you’ve never heard Between The Trees you can check them out on MySpace, Facebook and Purevolume. If you like piano driven rock songs then this is the album for you.

4 out of 5 stars

Till Next Time stay real and keep listening to the music.

Matt

So I came up with this really cool idea today. Just hear me out. I am currently in a band, yet untitled, and we are in the process of getting some songs prepped so we can cut some demos and practice them for our live show. I am a lyricist and I constantly write new lyrics. I am having what some people would call and creative writing block. There’s a way that you can get involved and help. Here’s what I need YOU to do. If you have some issue or topic that you would like to hear in a song please comment those in this blog. For instance, I just finished writing a song on Abortion. While this is a hotly debated topic I feel it’s something I want to sing about. So if you have a topic or issue you would like for me to write about PLEASE PLEASE comment those ideas right here on this blog. I need ideas and I need stuff that people want to hear. Hopefully then I will write lyrics around that and make it into a song you will hear at a show. Thanks for your time guys. God bless you all!

Matt

It's sad to think that some of your favorite bands, that you expect to have christian values off the stage, dont! I am so sick of having bands that I love and appreciate to then throw it in their fans face by overly cussing at shows and all that.

I am by far not perfect. I cuss sometimes. I'm not trying to be hypocrtical here. I am saying that If a band decided they are a christian band then they should act like that on stage and off! Christain bands are there to be role models for kids ya know. Some kids need to go to shows to feel better about themselves and to feel better about their christianity. I don't, and kids like that dont want to go to shows to see all this non-christian attitude.

Sorry for the rant. I am just so mad at one of the bands that I really really like. I was told the other night that they were cussing like crazy and all that stuff. That is ridiculous. I will still listen to them, i just wont look at them the same. Thank God there are some non-poser bands out there like Underoath!!

Matt

Lately, I have come to the realization that I am like every other person on this planet. I am constantly lost and searching for something better, something real. Trying to discover what life is about and why I am on this planet. I wish i knew what my purpose was. I know that God put me here on this earth for a reason. I am going to make an impact, I am going to make a change, I just don't know how, when, where, or why.

We are all put on this planet for a reason. We have all been given the opportunity to change at least one thing. God has given us a chance and a choice. Many reject him. He still loves. Many persecute him. He still loves. Many don't believe and he still loves them. God has done amazing things in my life. He is constantly talking to me and telling me things and although I am at times stupid and/or afraid I know that he's right.

Lately, I have been thinking about my purpose. Why did God grant me life? Why do I deserve a chance at eternal life with him? I truly don't hold the answer, but I am moving closer and closer to why every single day. Many things have plagued me over the last 21 years. I have had some highs and some lows. I have wanted to give up on who I am and what I will be. I have wanted to shy away from God. But now I know that he is the only way. You know the old saying, "The Light at the End of The Tunnel"? Guess what? That light is Jesus. Do you wanna go to heaven one day?

Underoath is Breathing in a New Mentality

By: Matthew Horst

       Metalcore is an ever growing genre in the music world today and Underoath is the staple that holds this genre together. These guys have been jamming since 1998 and not only have they grown as people, but also as a cohesive unit that dares to be messed with. Their latest release on Tooth and Nail Records, "Lost in the Sound of Separation" is what I would like to call a perfect album. Sure, I am biased when it comes to these guys, since they are my favourite band, but let's face it these dudes have become the premiere Metalcore act in the world and with good reason.

       "Lost in the Sound of Separation" sounds nothing like their first full length "Their Only Chasing Safety" and only a little like their sophomore release "Define the Great Line". With that said, they are still the band we have come to know and love, their just heavier and more real. On this record you will notice that lyrically and musically it's a lot darker than anything previous. With the whole "break-up" issue during mid 2006 it really changed their perspective and added an element in their stuff today that I honestly don't think would be prevalent if that hadn't happened. It's allowed lead singer Spencer Chamberlain to delve deeper within him to find lyrics that are unlike any other Christian act you will hear.

       "Lost in the Sound of Separation" is the biggest and best metal core album to hit shelves in a really long time. It gives fans of the genre and of the band something to listen to more than once and all the way through. They do a great job of combining some of the hardest music with some of the most realistic soft music. Songs like "Desperate Times, Desperate Measures" and "Breathing in a New Mentality" show off the brilliant heavy side and a song like "Too Bright to See, Too Loud to Hear" slow the record down with a gorgeous ballad.

       You've got to take my advice and check this record out. If you are a fan of the genre then you will not be disappointed, as it will showcase all the reasons why metal core is where it is today. You can catch these guys on tour with Saosin and The Devil Wears Prada in St. Louis on November 2^nd.  There are two versions available, the regular edition featuring full length and then the deluxe that offers full length and DVD. This album could be, no wait, it is the perfect album of 2008.  

As some of you already know, many of you don't know, that Sierra and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary today (September 28th)! I still can't believe that we started dating a year exactly today. Time has flown by and I honestly wouldn't ask for a better year. I wanted to write her a letter, but instead of writing in on paper and hadning it to her I wanted to write it here so that you can see it too. Thanks for reading. God bless you guys.

Sierra,

This has been an amazing year. We have had some ups and downs and some highs and lows, but we have sustained an amazing relationship that I wouldn't change a bit. I have grown to know you and love you tremendously.

Just over a year ago I didn't know where life was taking me. I felt like I was in a tailspin. I thought my relationships with girls was going to be over for a long time. However, I was proven wrong the day GOD put you in front of me. Amazingly enough our first real conversation was about music! Haha Go figure! and from that moment I knew that you and I were going to have a future together.

I never really knew what I wanted in a girl. I had some ideas and at one time in my life I thought that I knew. But, you totally changed my perspective. You are unlike any other girl that I have dated or ever known. You are unique. That makes me feel special. 'Cause I am with the only SIERRA on this planet.

Thank you babe for an amazing year. I will always be the guy that will be there when you need it. I will always be the guy that will wipe your tears off your cheek. I will always by your guy. You are special babe. WE are a special couple full of so much promise. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. We have a long road ahead of us, but it's gonna be worth the trip. Thanks for being there always. Thanks for showing me love no matter what the cost. I love you.

Matt

Recently I was given the opportunity to interview several bands. Bands such as The Classic Crime and Valencia were included on that list. I will have those full interviews and album reviews on here sometime in the next week, so be looking for those bad boys. They are really interesting dudes and it was a pleasure to talk with them.Lately, I have been rockin the new Underoath Album "Lost In The Sound of Separation"I can honestly say that its the best body of work I have ever heard. So if you like the screamo genre check out this album. It's what Screamo was meant to be. I have also been rockin the new Valencia album "We All Need A Reason To Believe". It's got some great positive tunes that anyone can relate to.

School is going good. I recently picked out a piece for Speech Team. It's a DUO piece entitled "The DMV". Man it's freaking funny! I kinda thought about recording and putting it on youtube. I will let you know if I do, 'course that won't be for a long while! Otherwise School is going fairly well. I can't wait to finally graduate this semester! It's about freaking time! Haha.

Gotta Run,Matt

A great video from one of my new Favorite Bands!

Interviews, Interviews,

and MORE INTERVIEWS!

MUSIC NEWS FOR WEEK OF 7/13/08

This News Taken From RADIOU.COM

Falling Up announced that they will be releasing a best of album this Next Tuesday. Its a sudden release without much warning, but it's going to be worth it! The album is entitled "Discover the Trees Again".

Spoken announced a major summer tour. They will be finishing up their tour with RED and then they will be going out on the Children of War Tour. Bands like Oh, Sleeper and Emorosa will make up the bill. You can see this tour at the Living Room in Mt. Vernon coming up this coming Sunday! You won't want to miss it. For more information go to www.myspace.com/thelivingroomtv.

Family force 5 announced some fairly important and exciting news. They haveSome big news for Family Force 5 was announced last week. officially parted ways with Gotee Records and have signed with Tooth and Nail Records. Along with the change in labels, the Family has also released the album cover and track listing for their new album. The new album entitled "Dance of Die" will be released on August 19th.

Underoath has released their new album cover and track listing for their upcoming album The Sound of Separation, which is due out in stores on September 2nd. Also, they were originally set to shoot a video for their new song Desperate Times, Desperate Measures with Endeavor Media, but then almost immediately called it off due to what they called "creative differences."

THIS NEWS FROM TOOTHANDNAIL.COM

You can now pre-order The Classic Crime's new album "The Silver Cord" at iTunes for only $9.99! To pre-order your copy now and have it digitally delivered to you when the album is released on July 22nd.

Capital Lights' New Album "This Is An Outrage" In Stores & Online Now!Capital Lights' debut album "This Is An Outrage" is available in stores and online now! Pick it up at your local Best Buy, FYE or wherever you like to buy your music. OR, you can get it over at iTunes for only $7.99!

CHECK OUT MORE NEWS NEXT WEEK!

I am sitting here at work and I just read the latest "To Write Love on Her Arms" blog and it really spoke to me.  It was talking about how music can provide you with a story,   something that can speak to you unlike anything else.  Personally I don't like to read books.  I have a lot of friends that do, and that's awesome. It's just that I am more of a visual and sound kind of guy.  I prefer to listen to a song and its lyrics and then decipher its meaning to fit me.

So today I am sitting at work and quite literally, just now, a new song from Nevertheless called "Sleeping In" played, and holy crap! That song spoke to me. The whole concept and lyrics made me think about stuff in my life. The biggest of those questions were, are you sleeping in on your life? Think about it. Can you honestly say that right now you are the happiest that you have ever been? Can you? I can say that there are things about me that I wish were different. I wish that I could miraculously change some things by rubbing a magic wand. But, guys I can't. Accepting who you are and what you're all about is the biggest part of life. Don't sleep in cause you can. Don't sleep in because it's easier. Get up and be better. Live your life. Love it. It's all that we got.

Songs like "Sleeping In" gave me a new perspective on some stuff. That's what music can do. Sure, reading a book, like the bible is a great source of information. Don't think that I am down playing that at all. I am simply saying that Music has helped me cope and just plain "think" about stuff in my life. So if you're looking for that one thing to change your perspective. Maybe you need something to help you realize how great you are as a person or how great you can be, try music.  Don't just listen to the music, listen to the lyrics. Before I end this I will put the Top 5 bands that have influenced the way I think. Love you guys and don't for one minute think you are useless. I promise, life can be a great thing. You just got to know how to live it.

Top 5 Bands:

5. Emery

4. Between the Trees

3. Jeremy Camp

2. Skillet

1. Underoath