Music Minute

So, usually it's ec's trusty graphic design guru and lover of all things musical, Jen, who drops by twice a month to write the Music Minute. . . but right this minute, she's working furiously on ec's redesign, set to find its way into your hands in October. That girl has been working around the clock, and we can't wait to see what you think about ec's new look, focus, and feel!

So in the meantime, let's take a look the new releases this week in the realm of Christian music! Ready, set, go!

What's brand new:
(and we're really excited about—well, at least I am)
• Jon Foreman's release of Fall and Winter, the first of his seasonally themed solo series of EPs. The Spring and Summer 2-disc set will release on June 24. Foreman, the frontman of Switchfoot, knows these songs are a departure from the band's style, but says they're also another side of him. The music is stripped down, mostly acoustic, deeply personal and introspective. The whole series moves listners from themes of depression, death, and darkness to reflections on growth and rebirth. These are personal songs for Foreman, highly autobiographical and, therefore, too personal for a band to release. The solo albums won't distract from Switchfoot, even though Foreman is currently working on another side venture called the Real SeanJon with Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek. Why we like it? It's beautiful in its simplicity, full of poetic lyrics, and in the end, brings us to a place of worship. Give a listen to "My Love Goes Free."


• Need something a little harder? Try Inhale/Exhale's release I Swear. The group is often described as Christian metalcore, and the album testifies to that with big guitar riffs and screaming vocals. Need a release for stress or anger? Listen to a few of these tracks and dance it out! Check out "No One Is Invincible."


• Anthony Evans also brings something new to the table this week with his gospel album, The Bridge. It's a worship-based project, full of songs you probably know in Anthony's unique style. Play it while you're cleaning up your room. You'll make your mom happy and worship God at the same time!


What we're looking forward to:
Kutless and Superchick both release new albums on June 24. We can't wait to see what these two Christian superbands have to say this time!

What we don't like: close talkers, Debbie Downers, and humidity