Artist Spotlight

Journey Through Christian Folk Rock with Eddy Mann on “Turn Up the Divine”

Eddy Mann’s latest LP,

is a journey through the heart of Christian folk rock, blending spiritual reflection with accessible melodies that uplift and inspire. The album, released in June 2024, continues Mann’s tradition of creating music that speaks directly to the soul, offering listeners a sanctuary of sound where faith and artistry meet.

A Tapestry of Faith and Melody

Turn Up the Divine is an album that weaves together themes of hope, divine love, and unwavering faith. From the opening chords to the final note, Mann’s music is imbued with a warmth and sincerity that is both comforting and challenging. It’s an album that calls listeners to introspection, asking them to reflect on their spiritual journey while also providing a soundtrack that encourages resilience and joy.

The Anthemic “I’m Coming”

The lead single, “I’m Coming,” stands out as a powerful anthem for believers. The song encapsulates Mann’s ability to take profound spiritual truths and translate them into relatable, emotive music. The lyrics, centered around the omnipresence of God and the comfort that comes from His unfailing love, resonate deeply, particularly in a world where many seek reassurance and connection.

Musically, “I’m Coming” is driven by a gentle yet insistent rhythm, with Mann’s vocals conveying both urgency and tenderness. The song’s structure mirrors the message of holding on tightly to faith in the face of uncertainty, building to a chorus that feels like a declaration of steadfastness and divine assurance.

A Reflective Journey

Tracks like “The Humble Cottage by the Sea” and “Fly Fly Away” showcase Mann’s storytelling ability, painting vivid images of faith in everyday life. “The Humble Cottage by the Sea” reflects on the presence of Jesus in even the most humble of settings, reminding listeners that divine intervention often comes in the most unexpected places. The simplicity of the setting—a fisherman’s hut—contrasts beautifully with the profound miracle that takes place, highlighting Mann’s gift for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

“Fly Fly Away” offers a more personal reflection, its lyrics invoking the idea of spiritual freedom and the peace that comes from surrendering to God’s will. The song’s melody is as light and airy as its theme, creating a sense of serenity that invites listeners to let go of their earthly concerns and embrace a higher calling.

Themes of Grace and Relentless Love

Mann’s exploration of grace is particularly poignant in “A Manifesto of Grace” and “Relentless Love.” Both tracks delve into the unearned favor that believers receive, emphasizing the idea that salvation and love are gifts that require nothing but acceptance. “A Manifesto of Grace” is almost hymn-like in its simplicity, a quiet moment of worship within the album that encourages gratitude and humility.

In contrast, “Relentless Love” is more dynamic, with a driving rhythm that mirrors the unstoppable force of divine love. The song’s repetition of the phrase “You gave and now we give” serves as both a reminder and a call to action, urging listeners to reflect the love they’ve received in their interactions with others.

A Cohesive Soundscape

Musically, Turn Up the Divine stays true to Mann’s folk roots, but there’s a richness in the arrangements that adds depth to each track. Acoustic guitars are prominent, but they’re often complemented by subtle layers of strings or keyboards that enhance the emotional impact without overpowering the message. This careful balance ensures that the lyrics—Mann’s true strength—remain at the forefront, allowing the listener to fully engage with the spiritual themes being explored.

Conclusion

Eddy Mann’s Turn Up the Divine is more than just an album; it’s a spiritual experience. Each song is crafted with the intention of drawing listeners closer to the divine, whether through introspective lyrics, uplifting melodies, or a combination of both. For those seeking music that not only entertains but also enriches the soul, Turn Up the Divine is a must-listen. It’s a testament to Mann’s enduring ability to blend faith with artistry, creating a body of work that resonates on both a personal and a spiritual level.

–Pete Burns

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CircleKSK ignites an anime-metal collision on “UnBreakable Turn” ft. Anya J

On their exhilarating high-octane track “UnBreakable Turn,” CircleKSK and guest vocalist Anya J aim to combine the technical prowess of Nordic metal with the urgent melodies and dramatic flair of an anime opening sequence. Creating a cinematic and adrenaline-fueled tune with a melodic edge, CircleKSK has risen to prominence as an innovative act.

The deliberate fusion contributes to the single’s captivating nature. J-Pop and anime-song sensibilities contribute emotional hooks and sweeping, catchy lines; precision, dense riffs, and a sense of weight are brought by Nordic metal. Echoing the song’s vivid melodic contours, Anya J’s heroic and personal vocals and demeanor heighten the dramatic impact of the performance. The structure is based on the standard narrative progression: lively, evocative parts leading the way to more somber ones that ground the emotion.

The production relies on contrast so that lighter parts sparkle and heavier parts thud with satisfying force. As if CircleKSK were creating music for the eyes as well as the ears, this piece could serve as the score for a dramatic scene or the music for a violent montage. Not everything is surface-level, though; the emotional core remains. Anthemic and deeply personal, “UnBreakable Turn” combines the vigor of youth with the gravity of experience.

An assuredly inventive single that fearlessly asserts new territory, “UnBreakable Turn” by CircleKSK is sure to please fans of big, dramatic music that isn’t hesitant to mix sweetness and steel, as well as those who enjoy cross-cultural mashups. The single, which has been lauded by curators and tastemakers worldwide, is a strong statement about artists who fearlessly combine cultural genres, showing that passionate J-Pop melodies and intense Scandinavian metal can coexist in one unforgettable track.

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Artist Spotlight

Garth Adam keeps the flame of Journeysong burning with the new single “Three Fires”

Garth Adam‘s latest single, “Three Fires,” evokes a warm dialogue in a subdued studio that is intimate, contemplative, and subtly victorious. Adam candidly discusses the exhilaration of uncovering self-assurance in both himself and his songwriting, and this revelation serves as the driving force of the track. At its essence, “Three Fires” is a straightforward commemoration: the delight in transforming a modest idea into something extraordinary through patience.

Adam’s vocal style resides comfortably within a folk-influenced pop genre, which he characterizes as a blend of Neil Finn and The Lumineers, interspersed with elements reminiscent of Coldplay and James Blunt. The reference point is beneficial yet not confining; “Three Fires” represents Adam’s unique creation, an accessible, melodic composition that prioritizes artistry over novelty. The single, recorded in joyful sessions in Perth with long-time collaborator and producer Melvin Tree, exudes the warmth of musicians collaborating in a circle, with the vintage Studer analog desk imparting an analog glow to the final recording. Melvin, Dave Kelly, and a select group of skilled music students contribute backing vocals that enhance the track with harmony and impart a subtly communal, authentic quality.

The lyrics of the song emphasize Adam’s preferred motifs: travel, journeys, and the subtle transformations that occur during the voyage. However, it is not overly forceful; the songwriting is elegant, transitioning from observation to insight with effortless fluidity. Adam’s delivery conveys satisfaction; he is a songwriter who has witnessed minor concepts evolve into completed songs and has learned to trust that process.

“Three Fires” serves as a testament to the notion that skill and perseverance can transform a mere spark into something luminous. For aficionados of melodic songwriting with an analog essence, Garth Adam’s latest work is a comforting, exquisitely crafted ember to accompany one on their journey. It is a song that encourages repeated, soothing auditory experiences.