Forefront Record’s latest act, This Beautiful Republic, shows honesty and praise in this Alternative / Indie / Rock debut, Even Heroes Need a Parachute, an album that is sure to make headlines! The band’s lyrics rely on what God’s done and what He’s continuing to do in their lives, while keeping heavy guitars and powerful choruses throughout the entire album. Even through all of this, the band manages to bring you, the listener, together for a genuine experience.
Creating a boat load of catchy lyrics, the band gets their message through in a powerful way. Ben Olin says this about their songs “Anthem driving melodies that people can sing along to is what we are about. And they are written with the live show in mind. We want the crowd to be able to partake in this and grab hold of it. We intend to make the music about the listener, not just ourselves.” I don’t know about you, but I think that is awesome! When I go to a show I like it when bands connect with the crowd. But the lyrics go further than just the live show; they glorify God or make you think about how God feels about your life. Take a look – “Can you forget all the lies you’re told / Will you let go of all the things you hold / They can cost you more than you could know” – first verse, from “Casting Off” a song from God’s perspective, about letting go of what holds us down. – “I saw you under the stars / And I caught you wanting them all / Desire can change who you are / You’re so much better off “ – Chorus.
Another great one is “Going Under” a song about God delivering from bad situations. And showing He is real, “Doubt has never proven anything / and redemption will never come if the question lives. / Hesitation will keep you away” – first verse – “I am finally free from the burden that was slowly drowning me. / How long until you reach the hand that rescued me? / You're going under” – Chorus. When you listen to this it’s an obvious cry, and this is one of the many ways that This Beautiful Republic can relate to listeners.
“Black Box” is a high energy track is about “how we, as Christians, may act during certain life situations. Do we remain true to our faith and to our God? What would the black box recorder tell people about our true character?” I really like how they took something so simple as an airplane’s black box and relate to the Christian walk. “I know it’s a tragedy / That sometimes people lose their wings / When we’re crashing down, what will they see? / When (now) there’s nothing’s left, who are we?” – Chorus
Last one I’m going to mention is “Jesus to the World,” it’s a song about the body of Christ, how it operates and should encourage as well as support itself. Sometimes we lose sight of what we believe and need someone who believes similarly to remind us of the validity of our belief. As I listened to the album, I can hear where the band’s heart is, these are just a few of the great tracks on Even Heroes Need a Parachute.
For being their debut album, I am very excited to see where This Beautiful Republic goes next. This album is a must have for any fan of Alternative / Indie / Rock! If you like The Classic Crime, Sanctus Real, Nevertheless or Switchfoot this is a must! I can see this band quickly exploding, needing a Parachute themselves to slow them down. So far these guys will have my vote for New Artist of 2007.
Article by Jeremy Koering
