So, Bring On Mixed Reviews

The Runner Destroyed

Destroy The Runner has called it quits because of “personal struggles.” You can read a statement by the band about the indefinite hiatus on their Myspace.

Secret & Whisper – Teenage Fantasy – Review

Release Date: April 6th, 2010
Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Genre: Rock

Several months into 2010, it finally seems there is life over at the ol’ house that god build (aka Tooth & Nail Records). There have only been a few popular albums released so far, others being labelmates Fair and Number One Gun. Therefore, Secret & Whispers upcoming effort “Teenage Fantasy” appears to be the biggest production for the label so far this year and I’m sure they want to make it a fine first step for the year, and a continuation of the mild success that the bands previous record, “The Great White Whale,” garnered back in 2008. My personal interests were in seeing if producer Andreas Magnusson would have a strong hand in molding this record, and if Secret & Whisper could step out of the amorphous Christian rock community that pitfalls many and provide more than a linear experience. Read more »

Jamies Elsewhere – They Said A Storm Was Coming – Review

Release Date: February 16th, 2010
Record Label: Victory Records
Genre: Post-Hardcore

After Jamies Elsewhere came about and they spent a few years doing their own thing back in 2007, I had a feeling they would get roped in and signed by Victory Records. It could have been the atmosphere where bands like Silverstein and The Devil Wears Prada were making their arrivals into mainstream appeal — but hey, some times Victory gets things right (Thursday, Darkest Hour, etc). The corresponding debut album “Guidebook for Sinners Turned Saints” was a underground success, having a faithful following rather than a brain-dead mass of fans. The result is progression without the hindrance of any kind of celebrity. Therefore their newest album “They Said A Storm Was Coming,” was equal parts Take The Crown and The Devil Wears Prada, but with more personality. Read more »

Gwen Stacy – A Dialogue – Review

Release Date: October 20th, 2009
Record Label: Solid State Records
Genre: Metalcore

Truly, a lot can happen in a year. Just ask Indianapolis, IN four-piece Gwen Stacy, who after releasing their indie label debut “The Life I Know” back in 2008, asked their ex-lead singer Cole Wallace to leave the band, as well as having his replacement (Bobby) leave as well soon after. After the eventual refiling of roles though, the band is now headed by vocalist, Geoff Jenkins (Once Nothing) and the band has recently signed to metal-sided, jesus-amplifying, label, Solid State Records. Gwen Stacy, it seems, had their eyes set on establishing a confident effort with producer Andreas Magnusson (Haste The Day, Oh Sleeper), in loo of recent events. Enter their junior effort, “A Dialogue.” Read more »