Anno Domini

Anno Domini just closed out the school year with their 2008 Spring Concert at Visio Dei Church in downtown Raleigh. The event was packed out to standing room only - people were lining the hallways to hear the group's last concert. Anno Domini did an incredible job of focusing the crowd toward the prize of Scripture and toward the amazing gift we have access to, the salvation of our souls, by the work of Jesus Christ. They ended the night with an incredible challenge, that each person would examine their own life and see what their life is saying about the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel is always a great message. It was good to hear in so many forms throughout the night, through song, the direct reading of the Word of God, and through interesting and entertaining analogies and shared testimonies. I left encouraged and excited to cling more to the great HOPE we have in God's faithfulness to His Word.
Check out their website for performance dates and more information.
www.annodominipraise.com

NCSU Art to Wear website
Art to Wear is a collaborative show between NC State’s College of Textiles and College of Design students. Art to Wear's past Art and Design Faculty Advisor, Vita Plume, along with a couple of Anni Albers Scholars initiated the show in 2001. It was held in 'the pit' at the College of Design with merely a hundred spectators. Art to Wear now resides in the Court of North Carolina playing host to over 1000 attendants annually. This eclectic show has always emphasized a fusion of art and fashion, making it anything but your typical fashion show.

One of my friends from the Anni Albers Scholars program was a part of the first show in 2001. He has since gone to work for major designers in New York. This is usually an amazing show full of color and exploration of fabric and design. It's truly a wonder to watch what some of the designers exhibit on the runway. I highly recommend you take the time to visit this event - it's one of a kind.

Addison Walk - Athens EP NEW RELEASE

Addison Walk's breakout into the Raleigh hardcore scene promises that the future of local metal will be good indeed. The Athens EP is a force to be reckoned with, bringing a fresh sound and thoughtful lyrics of hope to a scene that prides itself in darkness.

Most notably, Addison Walk refuses to go with the grossly overdone Ibanez guitars and Marshal amps metal sound but instead play what they know best, rock and roll. Their sound is best described as a raw metal outfit overlaying the smooth crooning of classic rock riffs. While most metal bands are stuck in the “two step to a breakdown” pattern taking themselves way too seriously, Addison Walk breaks the mold just rocking out to their own beat having fun with the music they are making. This five piece band has no shortage of talent.

Lyrically, these guys pour it all out on stage. They open up their own lives and give the audience a glance at their own struggles in life. The screaming is there for a reason. The mjaority of the songs on this six song EP are a cry for help from the only One who can give it. The last track “Appointment With the Divine” is directed at the audience, humbly pleading with them to examine their lives and call out to Christ for salvation. Addison Walk is not ashamed of their faith nor are they ashamed of how hard it can be for them to cry out to God in times of need. Their message is that living the Gospel isn't always the easiest thing to do, but it's worth it. Honesty like this is desperately needed in our world today.

For someone new to local metal this is a great place to start. For those looking for something fresh, look no further.

~E.J. Ares, Jr.
e.j.ares2 [at] gmail.com

photo: Shawn Rocco

Daniel Renstrom - Adore and Tremble

Adore & Tremble, the freshmen EP from Daniel Renstrom, is a refreshing reminder that good art and worship music don't have to seem like oposites.

Combining solid original compositions and timeless hymns redone with anthemic melodic arrangements, Adore & Tremble proclaims truth with passion and originality. Renstrom's strong vocals and catchy chord progressions lay the foundation for superb electric guitar work, complete with jangly hooks and atmospheric textures. Produced by Nathan Nockels, the six-song collection runs the gamut from energetic singalongs to quiet ethereal ballads, completing a balanced and polished finished product.

Given the pop/rock musical backdrop, it's the lyrics that really resonate with meaning. Renstrom's deep grasp and hopeless love for the Gospel are aparent in lines like "Burdens were lifted away / God caused this heart to awake to his glorious grace". And while deeply personal, his songs translate just as well to a corporate context, as nearly all of these songs were birthed from leading worship in his home church at Providence Baptist in Raleigh, North Carolina.

If this is only the first round of songs from Daniel Renstrom, you can bet that his ear for good music and love for Christ won't have him putting his pen down any time soon.

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// james
www.myspace.com/jameschildsmusic

photo: shelly moore