"New Beginning" by Shaken - Review

Hello all! Today I have another awesome independent band for you guys! Shaken hails from Mississippi, and brings with them the sounds of Red and Disciple. Their debut EP, "New Beginning" shows they are serious about their music, and have a message to share. Let's get to the review!

"History" is a strong start to the album, with an industrial intro bringing to mind the style of Red, yet with a style all Shaken's own. "History" not only hits hard musically, but lyrically as well. With lyrics such as I'm on my knees/My God I'm screaming/broken before you. /Take it all away, Jesus!, "History" makes an impact. There's a message in this song everyone can relate to. 


The title track, "New Beginning" is a song about desiring to follow God's Will, and becoming a new creation. An empowering track for new Christians and others desiring to go deeper in Christ, "New Beginning" continues the heavy rock sound with relevant lyrics. "Falling" is a plea of desperation and a fear of failing God. I know I've been in that place before, and this song reaches out to people like us. "Falling" continues the heavy sound, but brings a slower, urgent feel.


"Run Away" changes things up a bit, adding a slight punk influence to their heavy sound. The theme of this song is remorse for fading away from God, and acknowledging how wrong it was. "Living without you is just living, for nothing." truly sums up a life without Christ.

Closing out the album is "Fake Tomorrow" , and is one of my favorites off the album. "Fake Tomorrow" is a stand against falling back into the trap of sin. This song is a great choice for the closer, because it not only finishes the album perfectly, but it leaves you wanting more. 



"New Beginning" is a solid EP from Shaken. Like with all independent bands, there's room to grow, but these guys are definitely on the right track. With unique vocals, rock solid music, and lyrics that make an impact, Shaken is well on their way to being a top Christian band. Check out their website, Facebook, and their amazing music video for "History".

Ilia "We Were Shipwrecks" Review

Ilia has been a band since 2003, but they didn't really get noticed until 2007, when they began touring full time. Since then, they've released 2 EPs, got a new lead vocalist, and changed their sound. Originally, when Alyssa Duncan was on lead vocals, there was a lot of screaming and a heavier sound. Since she left, Brittany Mosher has stepped in and is now the lead vocalist, bringing a softer sound.

"We Were Shipwrecks" is Ilia's second EP (released in 2011), and the first with Brittany Mosher on vocals. It's quite different than Ilia's older stuff, but still very good.

"Ezekiel" kicks things off, bringing a slight rock edge, and tells the story of Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones. The lyrics not only tell the Old Testament story, but relates how we today are like the bones, and how Christ will raise us up. The title track, "We Were Shipwrecks" comes next, and has a more experimental sound. My personal favorite from the album, "We Were Shipwrecks" has some great lyrics, "We are, We are standing together with hope filled hearts, we are safe on the shore of forever, redemption today has come, cause we are the rescued ones". Brittany's voice is absolutely lovely on this as well.

"Reaching" speaks of needing God, but acknowledging we don't always accept Him. This song has an older Ilia feel to it lyrically, so fans of the first album should enjoy this. "Fall On Us" has beautiful lyrics and is a song of worship, asking for God's Spirit to fall on us. "We Will Rise" is the final studio recorded song, and is another favorite of mine. "We Will Rise" is a prayerful and passionate song that speaks of rising up to act as true Christians. "We Will Rise" is a top notch track.

The final two tracks are live versions of "We Were Shipwrecks" and "Reaching". Both are beautiful versions of the original songs, and I can't decide which I like better! Brittany has a beautiful voice, and sounds great. The recordings are slightly rough, but not too distracting.

Ilia has changed tremendously over the past few years. If you like soft rock with worshipful lyrics, "We Were Shipwrecks" is for you. With gentle melodies and prayerful lyrics, Ilia has manged to reinvent themselves a mainstream band that fans of Seventh Day Slumber (who they are going to be touring with soon), should love.  Check out Ilia's website to learn more about them, check out tour dates and more! You can buy "We Were Shipwrecks from Amazon MP3 or iTunes. For fans of harder music, stay tuned, as I'll be reviewing Ilia's first EP later this month.

Skyhawk Drive's new music video!

Yesterday Skyhawk Drive released a trailer for their new music video, "Whisper", coming out October 4th! I'm extremely excited for this, as Skyhawk Drive is such an amazing band! I'll post the music video first thing, but for right now, check out this epic trailer:

Indie Exclusive: Liam Blake

I recently found out about Indie artist Liam Blake, a Christian folk-pop artist from England! Liam has been making music since he was 17, and he has just released "You And Other Stories". I really enjoy Liam's music; it's worshipful, full of meaning, fun, and is perfect for fans of Shawn McDonald, Aaron Shust, Jimmy Needham, and JJ Heller. His songs tell a story, and you feel a strong connection to the music. His song "Simon" is one of my favorite off "You and Other Stories", as well as "Sinners and Saints", in which Liam humbly acknowledges the state of his soul and crys out to God for redemption. I am excited to offer "Sinners and Saints" as an exclusive free download!

Be sure to check out Liam Blake on Band Camp, YouTube and MySpace! Here he is performing "Gypsy Fireflies". Enjoy!