Pop Music
- Tanya Godsey - Love Lines The Last Horizon
- Group 1 Crew - Power
- Love and The Outcome - These Are The Days
- Royce Lovett - Love Wins
- Beckah Shae - Mighty
- Unspoken - Follow Through
The Home of the Platinum Vinyl Awards. Reviews of New CD releases, mostly CCM but also mainstream releases that may interest the Christian Music listener. Music News and Commentary, especially when there's a CCM connection.
Showing posts with label Group 1 Crew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Group 1 Crew. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2016
A Perfect Scale: The 2016 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Quarter - Pop
The second of our beastly trio is Pop Music, which to some is really no better than Dance Music. Maybe so, but it isn't exactly the same. Enough soapbox preaching, let's get to the list.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
#PlatVnyl6 The Nominations Begin: Dance-Synthpop Video of The Year
We continue with our announcing the nominees for this years Platinum Vinyl Awards. We are moving through the Video of The Year Nominees first. Our next bunch of nominees is for Dance/Synthpop Video of The Year. The nominated videos are: Brighter by +FEARLESS BND ; Dance Up ft Spencer Kane by +Abigail Duhon ; Feel It ft Mr. Talkbox by +Toby Mac ; Heaven by +Group 1 Crew ; and Verge ft Aloe Blacc by +Owl City
The Nominated videos packaged in a nice playlist for your enjoyment:
Next up is Electronic-Industrial. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply
The Nominated videos packaged in a nice playlist for your enjoyment:
Next up is Electronic-Industrial. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Nominations Begin: Dance/Synthpop Video of The Year
Nominations for the Electronic/Dance category this year were so large, and the field not just in Dance, that it necessitated splitting the category in two. We begin with Dance/Synthpop. Of course we are in the Video Awards at present here on the blog.
The Nominations for Dance/Synthpop Video of the Year are:
He Said by Group 1 Crew
Let it Go by Satellites and Sirens
Time (Spiral Galaxy Mix) by The Washington Projects
Toes by Lights
Zombie by Family Force Five
That concludes part one of the new electronic music genres. Next up is Electronic/Industrial. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
The Nominations for Dance/Synthpop Video of the Year are:
He Said by Group 1 Crew
Let it Go by Satellites and Sirens
Time (Spiral Galaxy Mix) by The Washington Projects
Toes by Lights
Zombie by Family Force Five
That concludes part one of the new electronic music genres. Next up is Electronic/Industrial. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Warm Tones: The 2012 4th Quarter - Dance
We continue with the announcement, genre by genre, of those albums which made the cut for the initial pool of the Platinum Vinyl Awards in the 4th Quarter, which is July 1-September 30. The full eligibility year for each PVA is October 1-September 30.
Today we move on to the Dance genre, which includes techno, synthpop, ambient, house, progressive, trance and industrial. Basically everything that revolves around a synthesizer. This was a very good category this quarter, with eleven nominees. Since I hope to narrow the choices in each genre down to seven finalists, you see this means I have work to do. Without further ado, the initial dance pool entrants for the Fourth Quarter are:
Today we move on to the Dance genre, which includes techno, synthpop, ambient, house, progressive, trance and industrial. Basically everything that revolves around a synthesizer. This was a very good category this quarter, with eleven nominees. Since I hope to narrow the choices in each genre down to seven finalists, you see this means I have work to do. Without further ado, the initial dance pool entrants for the Fourth Quarter are:
- Abandoned Pools - Sublime Currency
- Anchor and Braille - The Quiet Life
- An Epic No Less - Echo of Love
- Capital Kings - I Feel So Alive
- Group 1 Crew - Fearless
- Andy Hunter - Glow
- Mandisa - Get Movin
- Owl City - The Midsummer Station
- Satellites and Sirens - The Covers
- Beckah Shae - Rest
- White Collar Sideshow - The WitcHunt
Monday, October 1, 2012
Music Video Monday: Sooner Than Later
Welcome back to the latest edition of Music Video Monday. It's October 1, 2012, and that means that we have begun the First Quarter of the 2013 (or 4th) Platinum Vinyl Awards. At least I can say that as the First Quarter of 2013 begins I am on the 4th Quarter of 2012.
We begin with a band which will be nominated in several categories, not the least of which will be comeback of the year. If you consider The Dawn of Grace (2008), which was a Christmas Release, it's been four years. For the non seasonal studio release Divine Discontent (2002), you saw that right, it has been TEN YEARS. Either way comeback is appropriate. This is Sooner Than Later from the just released Lost in Transition by Alternative legends Sixpence None The Richer.
This next one is a two-fer. Both Group 1 Crew and Chris August recently released new studio albums. Deciding to be extremely nice to us here at The Night Beat, Group 1 Crew released this video He Said (Feat. Chris August) from Fearless.
An Epic No Less is a promising new band, and this is Mercy Light from Echo of Love.
Finally we conclude this edition of Music Video Monday with the sophomore release of The Museum, which was entitled My Only Rescue. This is Love Will Find You off of that album.
That concludes this edition of Music Video Monday. We will continue with our Fourth Quarter Releases next week. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
We begin with a band which will be nominated in several categories, not the least of which will be comeback of the year. If you consider The Dawn of Grace (2008), which was a Christmas Release, it's been four years. For the non seasonal studio release Divine Discontent (2002), you saw that right, it has been TEN YEARS. Either way comeback is appropriate. This is Sooner Than Later from the just released Lost in Transition by Alternative legends Sixpence None The Richer.
This next one is a two-fer. Both Group 1 Crew and Chris August recently released new studio albums. Deciding to be extremely nice to us here at The Night Beat, Group 1 Crew released this video He Said (Feat. Chris August) from Fearless.
An Epic No Less is a promising new band, and this is Mercy Light from Echo of Love.
Finally we conclude this edition of Music Video Monday with the sophomore release of The Museum, which was entitled My Only Rescue. This is Love Will Find You off of that album.
That concludes this edition of Music Video Monday. We will continue with our Fourth Quarter Releases next week. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Music Video Monday: Break Out
Welcome to the latest edition of Music Video Monday. We are just about done with the second quarter videos, just in time for the third quarter finishing up. Because of the small amount of videos and some crossover potential, we are combining Hip Hop and Dance Videos today. We start with a group that spans both categories, like techno-hop. This is Rhema Soul and Break Out.
Next up is Group 1 Crew and Live It Up. This is a perfect song for your summer travel playlist.
The High Society Collective Shows what it's like to be Young Again And Finally, we say Goodbye with Json This has been Music Video Monday. Next week we crank it up with Metal. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Next up is Group 1 Crew and Live It Up. This is a perfect song for your summer travel playlist.
The High Society Collective Shows what it's like to be Young Again And Finally, we say Goodbye with Json This has been Music Video Monday. Next week we crank it up with Metal. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The Night Beat Summerfest 2012: Gate Crasher Edition
It is "Summer" in the USA (unofficially the season begins on Memorial Day in the States, we know it doesn't really begin until June 22 or thereabouts.
For those interested in Christian Music, Summer means one thing. Music Festivals. Of course that used to mean SUMMER Festivals, or at least June, but with Purple Door moving from August to April, that's out the window. That reminds me, what part of music festival says indoors. Yes you may get soaked, but that's part of the deal when you are enjoying fresh air, good music and overpriced concessions.
Today I will do a gatecrasher edition: These are festivals within June, and may be within 7 days of this post. Sorry about that.
View Larger Map
I will begin with the Southeast. Atlanta Fest is at Stone Mountain Park from June 14-16. Toby Mac will be getting things started and other artists on the schedule are Mikeschair, Hyland, Icon For Hire and Disciple. Tickets are $99 at the gate for adults and $60 for children 3-11. This is good for all three days and includes admission to the park as well as the festival.
View Larger Map We'll move on to the Mid-Atlantic region next. Icthus fest in Wilmore, Kentucky is probably the longest running Christian Festival ever. It started in 1970, one year after Woodstock. Kutless, Switchfoot, Red, need I go on. It's from June 20-23 and you can still save a bit. Through June 15 you can Pay $89/adult and $48/Child (7-10) for the entire event. Tickets rise to $99/$56 on the 16th.
View Larger Map Lastly we'll go into the Northeast. Creation Northeast in Mount Union, PA takes place from the 27th to the 30th of June. It is the first of the mega-festivals to take place in the Northeast (Soulfest and Kingdom Bound are in August). Thousand Foot Krutch, The City Harmonic, Group One Crew and others. It's $107 Adults/$49 6-11 until the 11th when prices go up to $120/$59 at the gate.
I wanted to get this one out quickly, and if you can't make any of these festivals don't worry. I will be coming out with a post on the later summer festivals very shortly. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
For those interested in Christian Music, Summer means one thing. Music Festivals. Of course that used to mean SUMMER Festivals, or at least June, but with Purple Door moving from August to April, that's out the window. That reminds me, what part of music festival says indoors. Yes you may get soaked, but that's part of the deal when you are enjoying fresh air, good music and overpriced concessions.
Today I will do a gatecrasher edition: These are festivals within June, and may be within 7 days of this post. Sorry about that.
View Larger Map
I will begin with the Southeast. Atlanta Fest is at Stone Mountain Park from June 14-16. Toby Mac will be getting things started and other artists on the schedule are Mikeschair, Hyland, Icon For Hire and Disciple. Tickets are $99 at the gate for adults and $60 for children 3-11. This is good for all three days and includes admission to the park as well as the festival.
View Larger Map We'll move on to the Mid-Atlantic region next. Icthus fest in Wilmore, Kentucky is probably the longest running Christian Festival ever. It started in 1970, one year after Woodstock. Kutless, Switchfoot, Red, need I go on. It's from June 20-23 and you can still save a bit. Through June 15 you can Pay $89/adult and $48/Child (7-10) for the entire event. Tickets rise to $99/$56 on the 16th.
View Larger Map Lastly we'll go into the Northeast. Creation Northeast in Mount Union, PA takes place from the 27th to the 30th of June. It is the first of the mega-festivals to take place in the Northeast (Soulfest and Kingdom Bound are in August). Thousand Foot Krutch, The City Harmonic, Group One Crew and others. It's $107 Adults/$49 6-11 until the 11th when prices go up to $120/$59 at the gate.
I wanted to get this one out quickly, and if you can't make any of these festivals don't worry. I will be coming out with a post on the later summer festivals very shortly. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The Frozen Chosen: Rap
We move on to Rap and Hip Hop as we continue our announcement of the best releases for the past Winter, which was the Second Quarter of the 2012 Eligibilty Year for the Platinum Vinyl Awards. As I am writing this post I am listening to a potential 5 Emerald release in another genre. I'll only say as a teaser "her initials are L.L." On to the releases.
All were solid releases, and Toby Mac doubled up in the Dance Category as well. Not as big as some of the others, but a solid showing. Until Monday, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Rap/Hip-Hop
- Young Chozen - Class President
- Flame - The 6th
- Group 1 Crew - Outta Space Love, Bigger Love Edition
- High Society Collective - Circa MXMXI: The Collective
- JSon - Growing Pains
- Rapzilla - King Culture
- RMG - Welcome To The Family
- Scotty G - Real Life
- Toby Mac - Dubbed and Freq'd: A Remix Project.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Night Beat Rewind: January 2012
This has got to be some kind of record. Here it is only the first week of February and the January tunes are done. Plus I have just finished the First Quarter Platinum Vinyl Awards announcements. Now that that is done, it is time for the January 2012 edition of Night Beat Rewind.
For the newcomer, let me explain. Having only limited resources at present for obtaining full album streams of new releases, the great majority of the new releases are quick-hits from Amazon samples. At the end of each month I compile all the releases, both those I have been able to fully review and those I have not, and put them into a "Rewind" column where I give a rating to each. Without further ado, the January Rewind.
For the newcomer, let me explain. Having only limited resources at present for obtaining full album streams of new releases, the great majority of the new releases are quick-hits from Amazon samples. At the end of each month I compile all the releases, both those I have been able to fully review and those I have not, and put them into a "Rewind" column where I give a rating to each. Without further ado, the January Rewind.
Off Target
- Andrew Greer - Angel Band: The Hymn Sessions 2.25 Emeralds
- Theory Hazit - Thr3e 3.75 Emeralds
- Various Artists - Anchors of Faith, 100 Hymns 3.5 Emeralds
My opinion on these releases? For the most part they are OK. For the most part. Note the first one on the list. My advice - Avoid it. I take no responsibility if you buy it and then say "my ears, my ears". You have been warned.
Purest Platinum
- Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power 5 Emeralds
- David Crowder Band - Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C) [The Happiest of All Keys] 5 Emeralds
Semi-Precious Metal
- All Sons and Daughters - Reason To Sing EP 4.5 Emeralds
- Anthem Lights - The Acoustic Sessions 4.5 Emeralds
- Jon Bauer - Forevermore 4.5 Emeralds
- Bethel Music - The Loft Sessions 4 Emeralds
- Myron Butler - Worship 4.5 Emeralds
- Rachel Chan - Go 4 Emeralds
- Kirk Franklin - The Essential Kirk Franklin 4.75 Emeralds
- Scotty G - Real Life 4.5 Emeralds
- Group 1 Crew - Outta Space Love: Bigger Love Edition 4.75 Emeralds
- Fred Hammond - God, Love and Romance 4.75 Emeralds
- High Society Collective - Circa MMXI: The Collective 4.25 Emeralds
- Kari Jobe - Where I Found You 4.5 Emeralds
- Calvin Jones & Teresa Scanlon - Dueling Pianos: White Water Chopped Sticks - City of Peace 4.75 Emeralds
- Lindsay McCaul - If it Leads Me Back 4.5 Emeralds
- One Sonic Society - Forever Reign 4.5 Emeralds
- Parachute Band - Matins: Vespers 4.5 Emeralds
- Pioneer - Pioneer 4.5 Emeralds
- Rapzilla - King Kulture 4.5 Emeralds
- Rend Collective Experiment - Homemade Worship by Handmade People 4.75 Emeralds
- Sanctuary - Reveal 4.75 Emeralds
- Michael W. Smith - Decades of Worship 4.5 Emeralds
- Starfield - The Kingdom 4.75 Emeralds
- Tidewater - This Beautiful Life EP 4.25 Emeralds
- Various Artists - Seasons of Hope 4.5 Emeralds
- Various Artists - Seasons of Joy 4.5 Emeralds
- Various Artists - Seasons of Reflection 4.5 Emeralds
- Various Artists - WoW Gospel 2012 4.5 Emeralds
- Worship Central - Spirit Break Out 4.5 Emeralds
- Yancy - Little Praise Party: Happy Day Everyday 4.75 Emeralds
That ends the first edition of Rewind for 2012. Check out the new releases, and enjoy. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2012 Wishlist: Dance
Taking a look ahead to 2012 in a genre most in the industry fear to tread. The most feared word in the Christian Dictionary (Actually, I think it has been deleted from most editions). The word is D-A-N-C-E. Yes Dance. As in Dance Music. Techno and Electronica included. I went to a Christian College in the Northeast. The top two sins were Dancing and going to the Movies. "Christian Dance" involves moving up and down and somewhat side to side without your feet actually coming unglued from the floor. Don't get me started on Christian Interpretive Dance. I think that's an Olympic sport. It's called Rhythmic Gymnastics-Ribbons.
I expect some new blood to show up in this category in 2012, mostly because some of the entrants have been on such a tear. It's not that they couldn't. Especially with techno, all you need is a synth and a recording device and you're off to the races.
It has been Two years since Stephen Petree came out with Weakness Makes You Beautiful, which was among the inaugural Dance nominees. While the album was good, it was also somewhat derivative, and it wasn't among my favorites. Besides, I was more of a fan of his Brother Chad Petree, who along with Jeremy Dawson formed Techno Group Cloud2Ground. Now that is on a wish list. But why not, we had reunion summer this year. Anyway, I think a return to the studio by Petree would be appreciated.
Also appreciated, but highly unlikely, would be another release by Beckah Shae. Life came out in 2010 and Destiny (A Perfect 5 Emerald Album) followed this year. It would be tough to think that something as epic as Destiny could be reached so quickly, so my prediction for ms. Shea would be a much deserved year off to recharge the batteries. Besides, she needs the energy to carry all the statuettes she will be hauling off at the Doves (Yeah, Right).
Another Christian "Dance Queen" that I do think will make a return in 2012 is Charmaine. She started out as backup Singer to Rebecca St. James before releasing a debut album "All about Jesus", way back in 2002. Completely reinventing herself for her Sophomore Release, Love Reality, which came out in 2010 along with the Radio Hit "Tokyo". I think most of the Christian Dance Fans are looking for a re-appearance this year.
I know they are looking for Group 1 Crew. The Dance Group (Some call them Hip Hop) took the inaugural PVA in Dance in 2010 and were silent this year. Now they say this band recently dropped a member and is now a duo, with Just Manwell Reyes and Blanca Reyes Callahan making up the Band (Pablo Villatoro being the one who left). They were a part of 2010's For Those Who Wait Tour and while I remember three people in G1C, only Manwell and Blanca did the singing. There was a drummer to provide a beat. But that was in 2010, and they say that Pablo left this year. So you can see why I am slightly confused. Either way, count me in on being one of those who would like to see another G1C release in 2012.
A Few final notes. Though she recently put out an EP, I think Dance/Pop/Rock artist Kerrie Roberts should be putting out a second full length release this year. Just a prediction. Since I am going out on a limb anyway, I think that Press Play will be taking the year off, with World Anthem having to suffice. And of course, though Queens Club made the nominees in 2010, they disbanded this year. They were a promising young band. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
I expect some new blood to show up in this category in 2012, mostly because some of the entrants have been on such a tear. It's not that they couldn't. Especially with techno, all you need is a synth and a recording device and you're off to the races.
Another Christian "Dance Queen" that I do think will make a return in 2012 is Charmaine. She started out as backup Singer to Rebecca St. James before releasing a debut album "All about Jesus", way back in 2002. Completely reinventing herself for her Sophomore Release, Love Reality, which came out in 2010 along with the Radio Hit "Tokyo". I think most of the Christian Dance Fans are looking for a re-appearance this year.
A Few final notes. Though she recently put out an EP, I think Dance/Pop/Rock artist Kerrie Roberts should be putting out a second full length release this year. Just a prediction. Since I am going out on a limb anyway, I think that Press Play will be taking the year off, with World Anthem having to suffice. And of course, though Queens Club made the nominees in 2010, they disbanded this year. They were a promising young band. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Night Beat Presents: 2010 Songs of The Year
The 2010 Platinum Vinyl Awards are over, and sacrifices had to be made to make sure we beat the Doves to the line. One of the sacrifices was the Song of the Year category, which was genre based. Still, I felt that there should be some recognition to the artists. This post is my solution. The Song of the Year Category will officially be added to the Platinum Vinyl Awards for 2011.
Without further ado, the 2010 Songs of the Year, as determined by The Night Beat:
Without further ado, the 2010 Songs of the Year, as determined by The Night Beat:
- Folk/Folk Rock Song: The Apple
, Carolina Story, When the River Meets the Sea
- Dance Song: Live it Up
, Group 1 Crew, Outta Space Love
- Gospel Song: All the Way
, Forever Jones, Get Ready
- Alternative Song: Between Bare Trees
, The Choir, Burning Like The Midnight Sun
- Modern Worship Song: Movements
, Rend Collective Experiment, Organic Family Hymnal
- Pop Song: 2AM
, Poema, Sing it Now
- Hip Hop/Rap Song: The Invasion (Hero) feat. Jai
, Trip Lee, Between Two Worlds
- Hard Rock Song: Voices in the Night
, Silverline, Voices in the Night
- Rock Song: Desperate
, Fireflight, For Those Who Wait
- CROSS/over Song: Broken Pieces feat. Lacey from Flyleaf
, Apocalyptica, 7th Symphony
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The 2010 Platinum Vinyl Awards: Best Dance Album
The awarding of the "Trophy" for the Inaugural Platinum Vinyl Awards Continues with the Album of The Year Awards. We move on to Dance (including Electronica and Techno). For the record (sorry!), this will be the posted award order.
- Children's Music
- Folk/Folk Rock
- Dance (incl. Electronica and Techno)
- Gospel/R&B
- Alternative
- Modern Worship
- Pop
- Hip Hop/Rap
- Hard Rock
- Rock
- Love Reality by Charmaine
- Outta Space Love by Group1Crew
- Favorites at Play by Joy Electric
- Weakness Makes You Beautiful by Petree
- Beautiful History by Plumb
- NY2LA by Press Play
- Life by Beckah Shae
Thursday, October 28, 2010
For Those Who Wait
Canadians are not Vampires, at least that's what the members of Manic Drive would have us believe. I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Last Friday the For Those Who Wait Tour came to Central Massachusetts and this blogger and about 500 other concert goers enjoyed an ear shattering head banging extravaganza that will not be soon forgotten.
The Venue was the Liberty Assembly of God in Shrewsbury, MA, a 1000 seat mega-church Just off Route 20 in the heart of the Commonwealth. It looked pretty much like a traditional New England Church from the outside. On the inside, the high cathedral ceiling complete with 3 humongous front projection HDTV screens and a hybrid padded seat front/traditional padded pew rear and theater style stage seemed to scream mega church. My only complaint to the venue? The official capacity of the sanctuary was 990?! Could Ye Not Have Found Ten More Seats? (Sorry for slipping into King James Version). As I said, I estimate the final crowd at about 500. I was pleased, if only that, If I didn't check iTickets for free downloads every week I may have never known about this event. The promoter, New Sound Concerts, despite being the force behind the immensely popular Summer festival Soulfest, never seems to promote concerts to the best of their ability, with the result that they barely fill small venues. Flood the zone with ads, posters, and promotional materials and we could fill the DCU Center. We'll never know if we don't try.
Manic Drive was first to take the stage. A pretty basic rock and roll band out of Toronto started by brothers Shawn (Lead Vocals, Keys, Guitar) and Michael (Guitar, Backing Vocals) were introduced via a 5 minute Twilight Parody selling the members as Vampires. "Their skin was pale and cold, and they avoided the sunlight." I think that can pretty much sum up all Canadians, especially those from Montreal and Toronto with their underground cities. Later they reassured the audience that they weren't really vampires, they just really hated the movie Twilight. They did a four song set, of which I couldn't recognize a single song. That's really no surprise, since I only really know their song Blue, and they didn't do that one.
After a ten minute intermission things got kicked into high gear with Group 1 Crew, a Rap/Dance group out of Orlando, Florida. Think Black Eyed Peas but Saved. Almost all the songs came from the current release Outta Space Love, which was their opening song. We all tried to get our gangsta lean on with the song Live it Up. I think they were kinder than we were successful. It was fun. And Vocalist Bianca Reyes really got to shine with Walking on the Stars. Not only a good rapper Manwell Reyes (no relation to Bianca) is also a pretty good comedian, after the set he did a unusual appeal for World Vision, bringing in Redbox, Movie Theatres, Geico, Kool Aid and American Idol into a passionate appeal. I don't know if the results were any better this way, but it made the appeal more palatable. It sure beats the typical "while you enjoyed that last song twenty million children died of hunger you selfish brats" appeal. I am new to the hip hop/rap style of CCM, DC Talk excepted, but it is definitely a favorite of mine these days. For my review of Outta Space Love click here.
After a 15 minute intermission Fireflight took the stage to the piercing cry "This is for those who wait."I have been a fan of Fireflight since Unbreakable came out in 2008, but this is the first time I have seen them Live. I knew they were loud, but...Every time drummer Phee Shorb struck the drums the building shook as if from an explosion. Lead Vocalist Dawn Michele orchestrated the 15 song set with nary a break for introductions. Most of the songs were done medley style, though, unlike a traditional medley, the complete song was sung. Also unlike most bands, they did songs from each of their three albums. Eight of the songs were from For Those Who Wait, five were from Unbreakable, and two were from The Healing of Harms. Also this reviewer noticed a nice homage that probably passed unnoticed except by me and a few of the parents in the audience. During several songs Dawn Michele, flanked by guitarists Justin Cox and Glenn Dennen orchestrated what I would best describe as Synchronized headbanging, where the guitarists would dip their guitars and heads Stage Left and Dawn, sans guitar, would match their movements. I have not seen this done since 80's supergroup Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart invented it. It was a nice touch. Wendy Dennen, Glenn's wife, plays Bass and rounds out the quintet.
Except for styles like Metal-core, I have always considered Skillet to be one of, if not the, hardest and loudest rock bands out there in the CCM world. Having heard the CD's I had placed Fireflight alongside an Audio Adrenaline. Now, I think they are more of a Heavy Metal band, at least an 80's style like Whitecross. Still, they did slow it down once, for Name, a heart rending ballad that really showcases Dawn Micheles beautiful voice. The original set was 14 songs. When the audience began to chant "one more song", Fireflight, literalists that they are, came out for one more song. Fortunately for the audience it was Unbreakable. Having their two most famous songs bookend their set was fitting for a concert that spanned their entire career so far. For Those Who Wait made my list this year for a Platinum Vinyl Award for Best Rock Album and is a strong contender for Album of the Year. My live experience only confirmed my opinions about the album. I expect to hear a lot more form this band in the future. I waited a long time for Fireflight to come to New England for a concert, and the the saying is definitely true, good things come "For those who Wait."
The Venue was the Liberty Assembly of God in Shrewsbury, MA, a 1000 seat mega-church Just off Route 20 in the heart of the Commonwealth. It looked pretty much like a traditional New England Church from the outside. On the inside, the high cathedral ceiling complete with 3 humongous front projection HDTV screens and a hybrid padded seat front/traditional padded pew rear and theater style stage seemed to scream mega church. My only complaint to the venue? The official capacity of the sanctuary was 990?! Could Ye Not Have Found Ten More Seats? (Sorry for slipping into King James Version). As I said, I estimate the final crowd at about 500. I was pleased, if only that, If I didn't check iTickets for free downloads every week I may have never known about this event. The promoter, New Sound Concerts, despite being the force behind the immensely popular Summer festival Soulfest, never seems to promote concerts to the best of their ability, with the result that they barely fill small venues. Flood the zone with ads, posters, and promotional materials and we could fill the DCU Center. We'll never know if we don't try.
Manic Drive was first to take the stage. A pretty basic rock and roll band out of Toronto started by brothers Shawn (Lead Vocals, Keys, Guitar) and Michael (Guitar, Backing Vocals) were introduced via a 5 minute Twilight Parody selling the members as Vampires. "Their skin was pale and cold, and they avoided the sunlight." I think that can pretty much sum up all Canadians, especially those from Montreal and Toronto with their underground cities. Later they reassured the audience that they weren't really vampires, they just really hated the movie Twilight. They did a four song set, of which I couldn't recognize a single song. That's really no surprise, since I only really know their song Blue, and they didn't do that one.
After a ten minute intermission things got kicked into high gear with Group 1 Crew, a Rap/Dance group out of Orlando, Florida. Think Black Eyed Peas but Saved. Almost all the songs came from the current release Outta Space Love, which was their opening song. We all tried to get our gangsta lean on with the song Live it Up. I think they were kinder than we were successful. It was fun. And Vocalist Bianca Reyes really got to shine with Walking on the Stars. Not only a good rapper Manwell Reyes (no relation to Bianca) is also a pretty good comedian, after the set he did a unusual appeal for World Vision, bringing in Redbox, Movie Theatres, Geico, Kool Aid and American Idol into a passionate appeal. I don't know if the results were any better this way, but it made the appeal more palatable. It sure beats the typical "while you enjoyed that last song twenty million children died of hunger you selfish brats" appeal. I am new to the hip hop/rap style of CCM, DC Talk excepted, but it is definitely a favorite of mine these days. For my review of Outta Space Love click here.
After a 15 minute intermission Fireflight took the stage to the piercing cry "This is for those who wait."I have been a fan of Fireflight since Unbreakable came out in 2008, but this is the first time I have seen them Live. I knew they were loud, but...Every time drummer Phee Shorb struck the drums the building shook as if from an explosion. Lead Vocalist Dawn Michele orchestrated the 15 song set with nary a break for introductions. Most of the songs were done medley style, though, unlike a traditional medley, the complete song was sung. Also unlike most bands, they did songs from each of their three albums. Eight of the songs were from For Those Who Wait, five were from Unbreakable, and two were from The Healing of Harms. Also this reviewer noticed a nice homage that probably passed unnoticed except by me and a few of the parents in the audience. During several songs Dawn Michele, flanked by guitarists Justin Cox and Glenn Dennen orchestrated what I would best describe as Synchronized headbanging, where the guitarists would dip their guitars and heads Stage Left and Dawn, sans guitar, would match their movements. I have not seen this done since 80's supergroup Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart invented it. It was a nice touch. Wendy Dennen, Glenn's wife, plays Bass and rounds out the quintet.
Except for styles like Metal-core, I have always considered Skillet to be one of, if not the, hardest and loudest rock bands out there in the CCM world. Having heard the CD's I had placed Fireflight alongside an Audio Adrenaline. Now, I think they are more of a Heavy Metal band, at least an 80's style like Whitecross. Still, they did slow it down once, for Name, a heart rending ballad that really showcases Dawn Micheles beautiful voice. The original set was 14 songs. When the audience began to chant "one more song", Fireflight, literalists that they are, came out for one more song. Fortunately for the audience it was Unbreakable. Having their two most famous songs bookend their set was fitting for a concert that spanned their entire career so far. For Those Who Wait made my list this year for a Platinum Vinyl Award for Best Rock Album and is a strong contender for Album of the Year. My live experience only confirmed my opinions about the album. I expect to hear a lot more form this band in the future. I waited a long time for Fireflight to come to New England for a concert, and the the saying is definitely true, good things come "For those who Wait."
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