FLTF release "Daydreamer" video

I met FLTF (formerly From Love To Forfeit) as we were standing in the lineup for lunch at GMA week/Covenant Awards last fall in Calgary. We talked music as we were waiting to be served. The band members filled me in on what they were tyring to achieve as a band. Later they gave me a CD containing some of the songs from their upcoming release AS LIONS. After seeing a homemade CD with song titles handwritten on a piece of paper stuffed into the jewel case, I wasn't expecting much. I was wrong, dead wrong. FLTF is a hard-hitting synth-pop quintet that redefines the standards for Christian rock pop.

A new EP is on the way from FLTF  Daydreamer, is due out later this fall. According to Ash Militsala, lead vocalist, guitar and synth player of FLTF:

"This EP is the release that totally defines our musical writing style, and genre. From R&B styled vocals over slamming beats that force you to dance, to sweetly sung falsetto lines over progressions that'll stick in your head for days, this release is really going to surprise people and capture even more attention. We've taken everything regarding the music, and even image of the band, and have taken it to this futuristic style fused with today's pop culture."

  For a taste of what's to come, the band released their "Daydreamer" video today.

The Antidote - Show 47 - The La De les

This past July I attended the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois where I saw the highlight of the summer. I happened to chance upon a performance by The La De Les. It was simply incredible. This ambient, shoe gaze, experimental band sounds like no other. Teh La De Les offer up a musical style that is uniquely their own.

We spend an hour with The La De Les in both music and conversation as we discover the details of this amazing band.

Listen to or download The Antidote featuring The La De Les

Live stream The Antidote Wednesday's from 9 - 10 EST here.

The Antidote - Show 46 - Year 2 !

The Antidote has had a birthday! Yes, this the second year of The Antidote where we play "Christian music that doesn't suck", dispelling the myth that Christian music is second-rate. The Antidote endeavours to display the artistry of Christian musicians. Followers of this blog are well aware that I spent most of my free time and holidays this summer attending Christian music festivals such as Cornerstone and Soulfest. I was also able to visit a number of clubs where Christian bands performed.

The first show of the fall season is a celebration of the diversity of Christian rock. Once again we cover the breadth of styles that The Antidote is noted for airing. Punk, hardcore, ambient rock, alternative rock, and shoegaze are all included. Listen up and enjoy the mix!


Listen to or download The Antidote featuring yet another eclectic blend of music as we celebrate our first anniversary.

Live stream The Antidote Wednesday's from 9 - 10 EST here.

The Antidote fall season

After a four week hiatus The Antidote returns for the fall season on Trent Radio. I had a great summer touring both Canada and the US, checking out different bands at a wide variety of venues and music festivals. It wasn't just great hearing new music, it was also great to sit down with a number of artists who shared with The Antidote some of the details of their band's experiences.

• What kind of music does the hardcore band, August Burns Red, really enjoy?
• Why is Leanor Ortega Till, sax player of Five Iron Frenzy, better known as "Jeff the Girl"
• Is the band The La De Les really under the influence?
• What does War of Ages do when only 20 people are in attendance at a show?
• Why did Ravenhill choose the name of British evangelist for their band?
• Why does Ilia not like girl bands?

Those and other life change questions will be asked and answered on future dates on The Antidote. Dial in 92.7 FM in the Peterborough, ON area each Wednesday night from 9 - 10. Stream online at http://www.trentradio.ca/stream.htm  Find recordings of past episodes of The Antidote at http://www.christianrockfiles.com/

Metanoia - Retroceder Nunca album review

Followers of this blog and listeners to The Antidote realize that punk music is one of my favourite genres. I recently received a copy of  Retroceder Nunca by the skate punk band Metanoia. The band is comprised of  Benjamin Lopez (bass, lead vocals), Diego Rivera (lead guitar, backing vocals), Claudio Bolivar (rhythm guitar) and Cristobal Lopez (drums).  Metanoia hails from Temuco, Chile and their album Retroceder Nunca  is sung entirely in Spanish.

The band’s name Metanoia means the change in focus, mind and life brought about by Jesus. The title of the album, Retroceder Nunca, translates as "No Retreat". 

This album grabs and holds you in it's grip from beginning to end. I've been playing the album over and over and I can't get enough of it. Solid playing and the great vocals of Benjamin Lopez set this album above the norm. I wish I could provide an opinion on the lyrics, but I am sadly uni-lingual. However I can vouch for the amazing abilities of this band. Metaonia claims Dogwood and Craig's Brother as influences. Personally I find a little MxPx thrown into the mix.

Top tracks include No Me Avergüenzo, where Metonia unexpectedly jumps from the skate punk vibe into jazz during the final minute of the song. The title track "Retroceder Nunca" is the outstanding single with a catchy beat that will be sure to please.

1.  Evidente  (3:55)
2.  Retroceder Nunca  (2:56)
3.  Inútil  (3:38)
4.  Peluquero  (3:40)
5.  Día Nuevo  (4:14)
6.  Te Amo  (3:31)
7.  Este Es Tu Hogar  (3:23)
8.  Otra Dimensión  (4:13)
9.  No Me Avergüenzo  (3:51)
10.  Sin Palabras  (3:17)

Pick up the album digitally at www.thumperpunkrecords.bandcamp.com or the CD at
www.thumperpunkrecords.storenvy.com

This is a safe bet if you're unsure about purchasing. Thumper Punk Records guarantees that you will love Metanoia’s album “Retroceder Nunca” or they will refund your money on digital downloads only, plus it's only $8.

Downhere says "Farewell"

I had some sad news relayed to me today. I just discovered that the Canadian band, downhere was calling it quits. I seem to be a bit behind the times as the band made the following official announcement back in July.

Hello friends,

It is with many memories and deep feelings that we relay to you the decision we have made over the course of the last year. January 1st 2013 will mark the end of our traveling ministry for the foreseeable future.

It has become very clear to us that this chapter of our journey, initiated by God, is drawing to a close. While we mourn the end of this season we also celebrate over a decade of ministry. It has been hard work and our families have paid a big price. The friends, songs, experiences, and lives changed as a result of hearing the truth of God’s love have sustained us through many years and miles.

For those of you who know us well, you know that this is not a band break up. In fact, we are open to playing a select few shows or events in the future. After many years and miles spent together we have become a band of brothers who love each other dearly. There is not one single variable that has initiated this change; rather it would seem the same sovereign hand that has guided us together for this season is now leading us in different directions. We are grateful for the role you have played in our lives. Your encouragement and support over the years has carried us through thick and thin.

We have always wanted to finish well. We believe that means finishing together, as a band… and that is what we are going to do. We are working on setting up a few wrap-up shows this fall – more information will be forthcoming as things get solidified.

Sincerely, 

Jason, Marc, Glenn, & Jeremy

It's unfortunate that downhere never seemed to obtain the accolades that they so richly deserved. I've spoken with many professionals in the music industry regarding this band.  All were of the same opinion, downhere was above and beyond what other Christina bands were producing. Lyrically and musically downhere was a unique and defining talent in the realm of Christian music.