Glow in the Dark Dance Party

You Don't Know What Love Is...

I stumbled upon a new band this week. One that I am particularly fascinated with. I think you will enjoy their work, if you do make the $9.99 jump and purchase their album Home on iTunes.

Allow me to introduce you to Mike Mains and the Branches.

I think I love you.

You don't know what love is.

I know that it's great, and it's different. It's when you give and give of yourself, until your tank is on empty, just to be with the one you love. And you bleed on the inside at the thought of losing them. At least that's how I feel...

I love different definitions of LOVE. The one you just read is a pure picture of innocence.

I truly believe that we need to get back to that form of innocence...

I Am Living

A few months ago a friend showed me a video series called I Am Living. This campaign is put together by a group called Come and Live. The simple yet profound mission statement of Come and Live is: "To Establish the kingdom of God within a community of musicians."

This video series takes a look into the personal lives of musicians such as Jake Luhrs, Aaron Gillespie and Tommy Green. Each musician sharing a very inspirational story of how God has worked in and through their lives.

Check it out...

On another note, I honestly do try to get around to blogging as much as possible, with a million things on the go it is often hard to find the time, but I assure you I'll keep hanging around here.

Happy

Today at work I composed a playlist entitled "Good Hearted Electronic Tunes." The goal was simple: To make myself feel happy as I ploughed through a long day.

Music has a huge amount of power and influence over our lives. Music is all around us, all the time. Because of the power that music has I am convinced that listening to positive music makes a huge difference in our mental states. While I am not about to quote you a list of sources I am going to take the word of my educated mother when she tells me that minor keys make people sad.

Think about it. Quickly compare some Death Cab with Owl City and you will see the difference instantly. Putting aside the insane amount of synth layers, you will notice that the driving melodies make you feel encouraged, happy and joyful as opposed to sad, reflected and all around chill.

Now, there is nothing wrong with mellow music, I myself am a complete fan of Death Cab and the like. But too much of anything is a bad thing.

You + Too Much Death Cab = A sad you...

In the same regard...

You + Too Much Owl City = Everyone wanting to punch you!

The math is simple. So, if you're listening to too much sad music switch it up a little and play this video...

and if you're listening to too much happy music try this one out for size...

Moderation in everything is the key.

Peace and Love, or else...

Album Review - 41st and Home - Raised By Wolves (EP)

Moments ago I was turned onto Vancouver band 41st and Home and their brand new release Raised by Wolves. See, I don't pass up new music, especially west coast Canadian music.

41st and Home is a Vancouver based band that has been together for about 3 years now. The band describes themselves as "orchestral chamber rock", a sound that originated when founding members, and science students, Garth Covernton and Thom Colb found a cello in Garth's garage.

When I hit play I first like We Are the City and the Ember Days did a collaborative side project, but by the time the track Memory Boy came around I was convinced that I was directed onto something good and unique in its own regard. In true independent spirit the EP Raised By Wolves was conceived, recorded and mixed in little over a month with all the work being done by 41st and Home themselves.

So what should you expect when tuning into 41st and Home's new release?

Picture west coast Canadian music mixed with some brass, woodwinds and more strings. What do you get exactly? Orchestral chamber rock, of course. The opening tune Summons is a great intro, simply a jam session. As you move on through the EP you'll stumble across a lighthearted Mr. Gorbachev and eventually into a reflective Memory Boy.

Memory Boy was my favorite track the first time around and is currently on repeat. The lyrical content takes a look at God, youth, growth and loss. It seems like a lot, but it is blended beautifully.

So should you buy this EP?

Yes. Put it this way, whether you were raised by wolves, vampires or humans, I guarantee that you will be able to relate to something within these tracks. If you appreciate classical music, the violin in Hummingbird will take you by the hand into a mystical land (read that aloud, it rhymes). If you appreciate acoustic noodling the guitar in Raised by Wolves (track 7) will find your sweet spot.

So hat's off to 41st and Home for putting out a kicking EP.

Support them by purchasing this EP off their Bandcamp page!


For any and all information relating to this group click here to be directed to their website.

Here's to good music, from Canada.
Peace.