One way I want to share new music on this blog is through artist spotlights, where I take an artist, talk about their music and how it’s impacted me, and possibly throw in some free downloads. It’s only fair to do the first spotlight on the band that got me into Christian music in the first place.
I got my first iPod and iTunes for Christmas in 8th grade and was always excited for the free downloads that iTunes gave. One week, the download happened to be “Casting Off” by This Beautiful Republic. The genre said “Christian & Gospel,” and the description said that they were a Christian rock band out of Toledo, Ohio. I downloaded it and really loved it since it had a great message with great rock music. I got their first album off of iTunes from Confirmation money, and the rest is history.
This Beautiful Republic is straight-up alternative rock with powerful Christian lyrics. They released two albums, “Even Heroes Need A Parachute” and “Perceptions.” Their first album was a great album and was the first Christian rock album I bought. It has some awesome tunes including “Casting Off,” “Going Under,” “Fears And Failures,” and “Cloud Cover.” On this album there are several slower paced songs that have a lot of meaning and are good to listen to. The lyrics are a high point on both albums, such as on “Casting Off.” “I saw you wonder the stars, and I caught you wanting it all. Desire can change you, you are so much better off when nothing weighs you down . . . You’re better off casting off.”
Their second album, “Perceptions,” is, in my mind, their best work. It’s harder rock but still has great themes within the music. Some of the harder songs are “Pain,” “Surrender Saved My Life,” “My God” (featuring Aaron Gillipsie from The Almost), and “Stay With You Tonight.” However, the peak of the album comes with the songs “Change the World” and “A Point Between Extremes.” These two songs are slower (especially with “Change the World” featuring only piano, violins, and vocals), but they are full of emotion and are easily relatable.
Sadly, their lead singer, Ben Olin, left the band last winter, and neither he nor the band have done too much since. I hope they do come back though, since they were a great group.
Now for a free download to prove that my rabble actually means something to you. ;) Here’s a link for a download of “Surrender Saved My Life” from the band’s Purevolume page. Enjoy!
www.purevolume.com/thisbeautifulrepublic
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