Generation Now .:|diganote|:.

GMA Week 2007 By: Linda Brown

2008-03-17T11:21:00.001-06:00

As a people watcher, it was interesting to note as a sat in the Bridge Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, TN, the varying shapes and sizes of people as they worked the room during the 2007 GMA Convention April 23-35!

Men came dressed in suits, while others came in well worn, torn at the knees blue jeans and tee shirts. Some had neatly coiffure hair while others had bed heads, dread-locks, and baldheads. Some had scruffy beards and some wore neatly trimmed mustaches and beards.

The women came dressed in varying styles as well: blue jeans, the common bond. Some wore tees and some wore dress shirts. Others wore tunics and others even wore dresses over their jeans coupled with high-heeled pointed toe shoes.

The Barlow Girls came to their press interview wearing the typical jeans along with ribbed sweaters, pullover shirts and tees. They had apparently taken a little more time in preparation as their hair and makeup were deftly done.

Big Daddy Weave worked the breakfast crowd, as did many “hopefuls’! Some were obviously weary, probably having attended the previous night’s showcases which ran way past midnight.

Interviews for some began as early as 8a.m. and went sporadically throughout the day, often ending after 6 p.m. Showcases began again at 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m., so GMA week can be very tiring. A person or band has to be extremely dedicated to their ministry to place themselves on the line like this each year, hoping to expand the field of opportunity to serve God in the days ahead.

HisSong - GMA Week 2007

2008-03-17T11:15:00.000-06:00

When one listens to Dennis Humphries of HisSong, one hears a message of overcoming depression. It’s abundantly clear the amount of suffering he has endured, but the journey ends with much success with an uplifting message to others.

Years ago, Dennis was accosted by two thugs who bound him and drove him to his ATM where they robbed him. They pistol-whipped him before leaving him, seriously wounded. A few years later, Dennis’ wife was robbed and shot in the head.

It was during his wife’s seven-month hospitalization, Dennis penned the song “Through Every Storm”. This became especially meaningful following her recovery when he discovered she’d been having an affair. Later, it was revealed she’d had two more affairs and they parted ways. Thus ending one of the most difficult times of his life.

Dennis attributes a strong support group who prayed for him and, also, the late Vestal Goodman of the Happy Goodmans gets a lot of credit for helping him overcome depression and despair.

While watching a Gaither video, Vestal was featured singing “God Walks the Dark Hills”. He states that the Spirit of God began to do a healing in him. He rewound the tape again and again and each time, he received additional healing.

Currently finishing a book dealing with this difficult time in his life, Dennis hopes it helps others who suffer from depression.

Dennis is joined in his singing ministry by Adam Cannon of Illinois who sings baritone and Adam Elrod from Georgia who sings tenor.

Adam C., who joined HisSong a year ago, loves to tell folks about Jesus and loves Southern Gospel music because he believes it gets the Christian message across very clearly.

Adam E. has been singing with HisSong for eleven years and believes ‘music is something you are called to do’. He sang with his family for years and says, “It’s something I love.” He loves gospel music like no other.

The trio will be leaving April 26 for a solid two-week tour to Texas. They minister 240-250 days a year and travel on a 45-foot touring bus driven by the only other person in their entourage, the bus driver!

They faithfully offer altar calls following each concert and their goal is to minister to the lost and hurting.
BY: Linda Brown

The Turning - GMA Week 2007

2008-03-17T11:13:00.002-06:00

Four dedicated young men with hearts toward God is one of the best ways to describe the members of the Christian rock group, the Turning. Their story started six years ago when they were in Chattanooga, TN, playing secular music. After three years, their hearts were in strange places and each knew he needed a change.

God spoke to them telling them he wanted them to minister to the body of Christ. He told them to move to Nashville but said He didn’t promise them anything. All four quit their jobs, packed up their wives, and moved to Music City. All attend Crosspointe Church.

The men write their own music and though it’s very arduous, hope to have the debut single, “Out of My Hands”, out in 140 days.

Jeremy Little, 23, plays bass, Jeff Goff, 27, plays drums, Matt Warren, 26, plays guitar, and Jacob McGinnis is lead singer. They believe rock and roll music has a broad market and their desire is to lead at praise and worship camps designed especially for kids, but feel their music can touch all ages.

They were at Rocketown and passing out demos when someone heard them and brought staff out to hear them play. Within 18 months of hitting town, the Turning was signed to Rocketown label.

Although they don’t hold altar calls, they encourage pastors of the churches where they perform to offer altar calls. Their music is designed to open doors for attendees to question and evaluate their lives.

They specifically like two to three day events for a specific group where they hold a live show and two praise and worship sets. They play their music, play, and eat with the kids. Their desire is to cultivate community.

By: Linda Brown and Kris Brown Gabbitas

The Turning - GMA Week 2007

2008-03-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

Kim Dexter - GMA Week 2007

2008-03-17T11:12:00.000-06:00

Wanting to be remembered for ‘her love for Jesus’, Kim Dexter strives to mix motherhood and ministry in such a way as to reach young and old alike.

Kim accepted Christ at age six and around the same time, began taking piano lessons. Soon thereafter she began writing her own songs. She has since written for such artists as Bryan Duncan, Kim Boyce, and many others.

She has written children’s music and wrote, produced, and starred in a children’s video, “Kiss the Son”.

Kim is married to Paul Dexter of TK Records who also produces for Bryan Duncan, Patty Cabiera, and Nicole C. Mullen.

They latest project is “So This Is It” which is a self-proclaimed artsy-pop album filled with songs composed from Kim’s personal experiences.

As a gifted pianist, Kim mostly accompanies herself when she performs. She also utilizes partial tracks and is currently learning guitar.

During 2007 GMA week, Kim was in the midst of a 2 1/2 –week tour throughout the south and southeastern USA, mainly Georgia and Alabama.

She ministers mostly in church-sponsored venues and women’s retreats with varying dates throughout the year which allows her to be a full-time wife and mother. While on the road, it is very convenient for her and her producer-husband Paul to take along 11-month-old daughter, Maggie.

When asked what artist greatly impacted her life, Kim responded quickly with the names of Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Keith Green. She inferred Keith’s works inspire her to reach out with her music to touch those who are hurting.
BY: Linda Brown

Sunday Edition

2007-05-10T11:09:00.000-06:00

It’s amazing sometimes what one can learn while during interviews. One fact noted during a 2007 GMA week interview with Sunday Edition was that the surname, Unthank, actually means ‘land stealers’ in English!

This tidbit of information was gleaned from Amy Marie Unthank, daughter of Deon Unthank, owner/manager of Sunday Edition. Amy sings in the trio and her dad classifies her style as ‘country’, while he’s more ‘traditional’ and her brother, Chris, is more ‘soulful’. Quite a combination to find in a trio.

Sunday Edition originally began as a quartet in 1972 but only lasted one year, as three of the members felt led by God to go different directions. One left to become a minister of music, another to Bible College, and another to India as a missionary.

While singing together, the first group won the 1972 Quartet Convention Talent Contest and became one of St. Louis’ most popular groups.

Following the departure of his three partners, Deon joined with his cousin, Janice Lloyd, and his sister, Cheryl, to form a mixed trio. They performed at the National Quartet Convention and placed second.

After three years, the women married and decided to quit to start families. For the next 20 years, Deon ministered in his home church and did solo work. As his children aged, they often joined him in his ministry. He sang with the Southern Gospel group, The Lesters, when Brian Lester was singing with The Goffs.

In 2002, he and his children resurrected Sunday Edition.

Chris attended Toledo University, hoping to become a music director. He decided to do public relations and communications. Those with press passes doing interviews during 2007 GMA week had numerous opportunities to meet Chris as he represented several artists, including Sunday Edition.

Southern Spin Entertainment, Chris’ business, began with ten clients and is now up to 40 and does PR for websites, writes designs and does media bites.

Southern Gospel News.Com is the number one online magazine that receives 11 million hits a month! It is updated daily by Deon’s wife, Sally, with current events and bimonthly reviews of CDs.

Sunday Edition is a non-profit group and will book a concert for a love gift. They sing for the edification of the church and always present the plan of salvation and give an altar call.
BY: Linda Brown

Relient K

2007-02-28T20:19:00.002-06:00

They must have done something right totally describes the new sound from Relient K’s fifth album, “Five Score & Seven Years Ago.” Starting off with an A Cappella “Pleading the Fifth,” lead vocalist/guitarist/pianist, Matt Thiessen, provided the sounds, vocally painting a picture from the viewpoint of a turn-of-the-century man who theorizes the possibility of a conspiracy in the proclaimed assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. This song uses a clever play of words about the album’s title.
Sounding closer to their previous albums, “I Need You,” is a cry out to God. “Forgiven,” tells us that we are all guilty of the same thing, sin, and how we all need to be forgiven. The title track, “Must Have Done Something Right,” leaves you bouncing to its happy beat and melodic hook. The silly, “Crayons Can Melt on Us for All,” and ending with the dramatic “Deathbed,” that lasts for over ten minutes, weaving a story of a man telling of his life and how on his deathbed, God is with him.
With original guitarist, Matt Hoopes and drummer Dave Douglas, bassist John Warne, and Jon Schneck. Relient K spotlights each of the members` talents, while still staying true to who they are; the Ohio based punkrock band that loves playing in Skater Parks.
By: Kris Brown Gabbitas

Krystal Meyers

2007-01-13T14:28:00.000-06:00

If there ever was a person to define the term “Rocker Chick”, it would be Krystal Meyers. Her current album is packed full of hip, punchy, sing along songs, starting with “Collide” and ending with “Hallelujah”.
She sings with heart and soul, but still rocks in a way that is refreshing. She started singing at a young age, writing at the age of ten, and since then Krystal has perfected the ability to sing far beyond what you would expect for her young age.
Her debut self titled album was released in 2005 and since that time she has sought to perfect her sound.
Her sophomore project “Dying for a Heart” showcases her strength in her writing skills, and freed her to write about topics that are close to her heart. One being about sexual purity, the song “The Situation” touches on the temptation youth face today, and the struggles that every person has to conquer. Another is, the “Beauty of Grace” which shows us that no matter how many times we falter, God forgives those who truly are repentant. With an attitude of Faith as strong as hers, Krystal is sure to rock harder than ever before, and challenge others to walk with her.
By: Kris Brown Gabbitas

Mercy Me

2006-02-15T17:28:00.000-06:00

Mercy Me has captured the truth true Christians are looking to find, with their song “I Would Die For You”, written about BJ Higgins, a boy who was a man wise beyond his years. It talks of how a person’s life can become clear once they realize the importance of being willing to give their life for God. You feel a closeness to this emotional story that draws you into the message this boy gave his life to share, one of love, hope and being willing to give up your life to spread the Gospel of Jesus to all the nations. The melodic flow of the music takes you on a journey, to capture the essence of God. One can only hope that their relationship with God is this real. Heaven welcomed a hero home September 26, 2005, when BJ Higgins met the Father, he will not be forgotten. If you would like to take up the torch, go to http://www.thegofoundation.com/ where Mercy Me is donating 100% of the money generated by this song to send students into the mission field.
By: Kris Brown Gabbitas

T-Bone GMA 2005

2005-05-28T18:44:00.000-06:00

After two Grammy Nominations you would expect T-Bone to be a little arrogant, he turned out to be very casual and upbeat, very easy to talk with and very open, but very serious about preaching the gospel. In speaking with him, he openly shared about the hiatus he took from public ministry because he felt like he had begun to get caught up in the industry. He said at one point around 1998, he decided to step out because in the industry it was beginning to be all about who’s doing the better show, who’s selling the most records, etc. Being who he was, frank and very blunt, he decided that wasn’t what he got into the business for. He acknowledged most artists wouldn’t have done what he did because it was their livelihood and they needed to feed their families, but he said, “I’m out of here”. He went back to his pastor and sat under his teaching and also spent a lot of time talking with Carmen, another Christian artist who loves to minister. He told God that he had left the Christian music industry and that he was done. He told God that if He ever called him back, he’d go back. God took him to a different place. T-bone had always been into ministry, but then decided he didn’t just want to do concerts, but wanted to see people saved. He wanted to see miracles, see people healed. He wanted to see whole gangs find the Lord. He wanted to see people who were about to shoot each other, get saved, and embrace one another. T-bone spoke about the lack of accountability within the Christian music industry. Whenever someone is on stage, they look happy and are smiling. You never see them sad or unhappy. Therefore, others don’t think they need prayers, because it looks like they have everything going for them. But the reality is, artists go through a lot of stuff. They have pain. They cry. They’re human. After 3 years, T-bone’s finances went from $150,000 to nearly zero. He had about $800 left in the bank, not enough to even pay the rent. He didn’t have enough to get a haircut. He was with his fiancé and he told her he didn’t have enough money to even get married. He told her, “Let’s pray”. He got on his knees, started crying and told God, “Take everything. Strip me of my home. Strip me of my cars. Strip me of everything. Make me a homeless person on the street with nothing and that way I can show you I will serve you.” T-bone said it was easy to serve God when you’re on top, but not so easy when you’re struggling, when you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, when you don’t know how you’re going to pay the rent. He told God to send him back to 24th and Mission, in the middle of the projects where he grew up. He told God he would preach the gospel with a bullhorn like he did when he first started in the ministry. God saw his heart and decided he could trust T-bone and that’s when God called him back into the music ministry. The next day, T-bone got a call and the people told him they were supposed to bless him and they gave him a couple of thousand dollars. Since then it’s quadrupled. At the time, he didn’t own a house, and now he owns five. God has been blessing and blessing. He put T-bone with Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline and they became partners of a record label. Then God restarted his music ministry. He ministers to other folks in the industry and shares a lot with Mark Stuart, so much so that Mark says, “T-bone’s almost like my pastor.” T-bone’s is trying to help Christian artists, who are lost. He says some try to use the gift that God’s given them and prostitute that gift. They use that gift as a foothold into the industry and prostitute Christian music to get to where they want to go to get into secular ministry. He tries to show them that God will not bless them with that attitude T-bone says, “I’m one of the last true soul winners. I do an altar call every night. What’s the point if all we do is entertain?” He continues, “I could be a big star. You can’t talk about what you’ve never done. I was offered lots of money and a big part in a movie, but when I read the script and saw all the foul language, I turned it down. I’d rather go God’s way. I’m a fun guy, but I don’t play games. The reason I’m doing this is because I saw one of my best friends shot and killed; one shot in the chest and one shot in his back. My sister was hooked on all kinds if drugs. I’ve seen family and friends prostituting their bodies. I’ve told people that when we’re doing these shows and you have 15,000 in the crowd and you don’t share the gospel, you’re a selfish Christian. You’re saying, ‘I’ve got the answer, but I’m not going to tell you. You’re basically saying ‘you can go to hell’. It’s like we’re out on a ship and you see others drowning and you have the life jackets, but you won’t throw them to them. You just sit and watch them drown. T-bone finished our interview by saying that there are a lot of people who say they’re planting seeds, but he says that if you don’t lead them to the Lord, you’re letting them drown. If just a seed is planted today and God calls them tomorrow, they’re lost. He says we need to pull the lost in right now.He surprised those within hearing distance when he said he would do country music if it would save more souls. This reporter found T-bone to be a dedicated, responsible Christian artist who is open to ministry where and when God calls and in whatever format God stipulates.
By: Linda Brown

Michael Cook GMA 2005

2005-05-21T14:28:00.000-06:00

Coming from Canada to the United States was only one of the major journeys Michael Cook has made in his life. Leaving a fulltime music ministry in a church he helped start in Indianapolis to enter fulltime into the Christian music recording industry has been an even greater on-going journey. For this married young artist, he says the biggest challenge was leaving his job at the church and leaving his wife at home to work fulltime so he could go out and make pennies.

This journey began in 2003 after Jaci Valesquez heard him, liked his music, and asked him to tour with her. He had previously worked independently; singing regionally and cutting two CDs.

Michael believes that humility is the key to keeping grounded in this business. He says it’s so easy to get caught up in how many records are being sold or how much radio coverage his songs are getting. He has told his people he doesn’t want to see those reports. He wants to focus on the ministry aspect, not the business aspect.

He wants to go out each time fresh, knowing that although he’s singing the same songs, the people in the audience are hearing them for the first time. He wants his music to connect with the people and for them to get to know him. He wants to keep things more real and in perspective.

Michael believes his music is a tool which God can use to show people that it’s okay to talk about their problems and struggles. His unique personal human experience comes out in his songs; struggling with faith, the good times, and the bad times. All are part of his journey. He says it’s so difficult because even in the church, people put on masks, get dressed up, go and play church. He emphasizes how church is like a hospital where people need to come broken to receive healing. He believes Christians need to be honest with God and those around them.

Listening to Christian music while growing up wasn’t something Michael was into and he says he really doesn’t know what other Christian artists hope to convey with their music. One Christian artist, Rich Mullins, who he’d seen in concert, really impressed him and by the time the concert was over, Michael felt like he knew Rich. He decided then that if he ever had the opportunity to work in the music industry, he’s like to pattern himself after Rich. He’d seen that people left Rich’s concerts in meditative moods.

The one thing Michael wants people to take away from his concerts, is that regardless of the struggles and challenges each one has gone through, each needs to know that God’s love is faithful. He says if we know we are loved by God, it can change our identity. It changes our need to be defined by something other than that.

Knowing God loves us keeps us from trying to find out who we are through quick fixes. Even seemingly good things can ultimately become bad if our ideas are out of focus. Working on a church committee is a good thing, but when it becomes obsessive, then it becomes a bad thing.

Michael says, “I’m real. There are no pretenses. I want to encourage listeners who’ve made mistakes, to learn from them.”

Michael continued his amazing journey in 2006 by ministering and touring with the group, Grand Prize. He and his wife, also, traveled to the Ukraine where they enjoyed working with an organization which strives for pro-social justice. Because there is little money available to the people and some already have several children, oftentimes, abortion is used for birth control. They work with the mothers, counseling them; striving to show the sanctity of life, and dealing with major health concerns which follow abortions. American doctors volunteer for this and they, also, assist with the numerous disabled children.

One major issue Michael spoke about was the numerous adoptive children available in that area. If an American couple wishes to adopt a child from Russia, it often costs $20,000, but a child from the Ukraine can be adopted by paying expenses of about $4-5000 after purchasing a filing document which costs $125.
By: Linda Brown

Nate Sallie

2004-04-29T10:34:00.000-06:00

In the school of hard knocks, Nate Sallie has mastered the skills it takes to succeed. Starting out, Sallie had a desire to play basketball, but after that dream was lost due to an injury, Sallie realized his other love would be the one God had destined him to fulfill. His life had changed but he was even more determined to do God’s will and walk that path wherever it lead. He had no idea what God had in store for him, but he was resolved to do whatever it took to accomplish that purpose.
With his basketball career over, Sallie was free to focus all of his energies to his music. Classically trained on the piano, he started writing with an impassioned vigor. Sallie was offered his first recording contract while in college only to be told after signing it, that the label had put a freeze on all new releases. Without even spending one day in the studio, Sallie was once again faced with another closed door. Any other person might have quit, but Sallie was even more determined to follow God’s direction.
Shortly after he was released from that label, Sallie was offered a contract with a different label only to discover another obstacle concerning distribution had developed with that company. Facing another detour, Sallie stayed focused on perfecting his craft and exploring his calling. Sallie calls that time his “Season of Growth” as he delved deeper into his relationship with God.
After that contract ended, Sallie was signed to a new label with the end result much like the first contract. By the next morning following the dissolution, Curb Records had contacted him to join them, thus ensuring Sallie’s career. In an interview, Sallie confessed his deep love for God and discussed the bond that developed through this time of disappointment and upheaval. He explained how it taught him that he had to truly learn to trust in God before the desires he had in his heart would come to pass.
Sallie went on to express how difficult it was for him to believe that the boy who started out singing at the tender age of five in his father’s church, could be singing for thousands while touring. Sallie says his goal is to reach those within his reach, Christian and non-Christian alike. He wants the non-Christians to see something different and to be compelled to find out more about God, and he wants the Christians to be challenged and encouraged.
By: Kris Brown Gabbitas

Jonah 33

2004-04-20T20:12:00.000-06:00

There are secular rock bands out there that seemingly control and often alter the moods of the young and old alike into a state of disillusionment and negativity. God had risen up a standard against them, that band is Jonah 33.
The band started in 2001 with lead singer/guitarist Vince Lichlyter and drummer Joshua Dougan; they added guitarist Jason Rooney and bassist Cory Riley in 2004. Jonah 33 is very close knit and loves how their music impacts the youth. They remain steadfast to the calling that God has put upon their lives and will not be swayed in their beliefs or convictions. They realize just how important it is to spread the Word of God through song. One of their ongoing discussions is about why people try to hide from God. Another would be, why other bands don’t have an alter call. “We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are just along for the ride, wherever God wants to take us.” Jonah 33 released their self-titled debut album in 2001 and has climbed the charts with their single "Faith Like That". We are sure with their faith being like that, they will change the world.
By: Thomas Gabbitas

Todd Agnew

2003-05-27T19:22:00.000-06:00

On a deep quest to follow God whole-heartedly, Todd Agnew has found more then a Savior; he’s found a true friend. Agnew was encouraged at a young age to find a true relationship with God. Consequently, Agnew has delved deep to capture the essence of God, and has put it to music for the world to listen to and yearn for as well. There is a purity to his music as if he was sitting next to God himself, singing to him, showing his love and thankfulness. With his release “Grace Like Rain” Agnew has set himself apart in the genre of Rock Worship.

What you will find impressive about Agnew is his humble attitude. His bohemian lifestyle is refreshing and thought provoking at the same time. Agnew even made a point in the past of not wearing shoes whenever he can, non-conforming in his desire to be true to who he is regardless of what others may feel about him, yet at the same time doesn’t want that to be the focus of his ministry. His most heartfelt aspiration is to be close to God in every area of his life.

Agnew has established himself with his debut album as someone who will be around for a long time to come. With his track “Still Here Waiting” to his first single “This Fragile Breath”, Agnew’s vocals are filled with emotion and depth; his passion for God is so real you hear it captured within every song.
Recently Agnew said, “What is amazing to me is just how faithful God really is! Whatever my need has been, God has provided for me. Whether it was finances or what record label I got signed with, God has opened every door I needed.” Agnew went on to say that he feels his job is to love people and to help people grow to love God. With such a deep love for God, it is no wonder Todd Agnew has been blessed with a “Grace Like Rain.”
By: Kris Brown Gabbitas

Alathea

2003-03-20T17:26:00.000-06:00

If the truth is something you are seeking, it has arrived in the form of Carrie Theobald, Mandee Radford, and Cristi Johnson, the three young women who comprise Rocketown Records’ new prodigy, Alathea. Alathea is Greek for the word truth and that is exactly what this trio wishes to represent.

The truth they portray through the humble beginnings they experienced, hard work, and dedication to their Savior is as honest and straightforward as they are personally. They are the embodiment of the average young person, yet with verve that few today possess.

The trio met while attending Milligan College in the East Tennessee foothills, where they volunteered for Young Life, a relational ministry for high school students who wouldn't normally attend church. These ladies wanted to show the value in God's love and earn the right to be heard, and music was the medium in which they chose to do so.

They started utilizing their abilities in 1999 on the way to a retreat in Florida. A common bond was formed through that experience which still to this day influences their focus on the realness of God's love and their desire to be truthful in expressing it.

The trio has kept its sound veritable, trying to maintain that trueness. They recorded their debut album, What Light Is All About, in the log cabin they share in the foothills of East Tennessee. From there, they take you on a journey through music, capturing a mixture of bluegrass and folk, which they have merged into a blend of authentic Appalachian music.

Alathea's lyrics describe the depth of one’s search for the pureness of God's love and the struggles that are faced in an uncertain world. Take for example, songs like “Indian Creek” that illustrate the desire to be found by God, or “Faithful One”, a song that articulates the struggles we face with faith. Other offerings not to be missed are the hymn with a modern day twist, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”, and “Runaway Heart”, which conveys the description of a heart that has lost its way.
As candid as these three are with their struggles and their fears, they place you within their propinquity so as you listen you feel a part of the enveloping presence of God, which is truly what the light is all about.
By: Kris Brown Gabbitas

Fringe

2003-03-13T21:27:00.000-06:00

There are few bands in this life that will really impact you right from the beginning. Fringe is such a band. With a sound closely related to Dave Matthews Band, and strangely U2. Fringe has melded those sounds together to develop a sound that has created it's own genre. A sound that rocks, but still pricks your soul. They are unique in themselves, but still familiar enough to make you feel at home listening to them. Fringe consists of Jason Clark: Vocals, Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Eric Perry: Drums, Jeremy Cole: Bass, and Shawn Harnish: Electric Guitar. Cole and Perry seem to read each other perfectly to put together a beat as bizarre as Keep Me, and still make it plausible. At first you might be thrown off a bit, by how melodically chaotic it is, only to be drawn back to it again later. The main attraction of this album is the depth to their lyrics, they speak honestly of trails, heartache, and struggling to be the "Perfect Christian". Few bands expose themselves so willingly. You have to admire anyone who has the gumption to do so. They mix a blend of tact, and bluntness, to tell you exactly how they feel. Clarks vocals have a richness, a fullness, surrounded with a harmony that borders on symphonic, they pull you deeper into their sound. With masterful lyrics like Mercy, that bespeak of the hardship people feel when trying to place to much value in mankind and lose sight of God's purpose for their lives. Take Away is a reminder to place all your burdens at his feet, and Head Over Heels is a tribute to romantic love. With each song you are compelled to listen once, than once again. The honesty that Fringe is open to expressing is luminous, and thought provoking at the same time. They lure you deeper only to crash you to the surface with the ease of their lyrical capabilities. Fly, and One More Day To There, sound like they could be off Dave Matthews latest album, but yet the quality is far greater than that. You can only compare to a degree before realizing there is nothing in which to truly compare. Fringe has mastered the art of perfecting their own musical ability, to pull you closer to discover for yourself what it is that makes you want to listen to them. This band truly seems willing to make the Sacrifice it takes to make it.
By: Kris Brown Gabbitas