Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Switchfoot, Eastern Hymns For Western Shores EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Switchfoot
Eastern Hymns For Western Shores EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 6 tracks: 19 minutes, 22 seconds
Street Date: December, 2010


Nothing can be more of a blessing and yet such a curse as the notorious B-Side. These songs are the forgotten, set-aside tracks that were considered but never accepted. And while some artists/bands could easily release an album of songs that they never thought were good enough, others might recognize their hidden quality yet know they were made for something… or somewhere else. With the latest Switchfoot release, we are given just that in Eastern Hymns For Western Shores. But let it be known that four out of six of these songs have already been heard; whether they were found on previous/random releases, fan sites, or somehow snagged off of infamous music pirating outles. However, this compilation is a pure representation of the darker and more mysterious side of Switchfoot. For any friend of the Foot, these "hymns" aren't complete unless they come together.

The album begins with the solid "We Are Bound." While it bears the classic Switchfoot sound, it has a very haunting chorus as Foreman sings, "We are bound, we are falling through…" Though the song has a recognizable climax, it never feels like it really takes off. On the other hand, it feels as if the song is restrained on purpose making the theme of being "bound" more prevalent, thus serving as an effective track and strong opener. This is followed by "Stitches" which was a bonus for downloading Hello Hurricane on iTunes. This is definitely one of the darkest songs Switchfoot has put out to date. With a very breathy melody and leery guitar, the song carries a very "eastern hemisphere" feel. While it might not fill the listener with positive thoughts and a happy-go-lucky attitude, it's that middle of the night sad song that is a rare jewel.

Bringing the joy back into the mix is the previously released but still excellent, "Daylight to Break." While not overtly quoting the scripture, the song echoes a passage from Psalms, "Weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning." The lyrics are very real with a transparency about recognizing the evil in our own humanity but knowing we are meant to live in the light. "Overthrow" returns to that melodic minor key that has been standing out so heavily in this EP. This might be a controversial song to the American Christian. Foreman sings, "All our little words, love and peace and love, spoken with a sword. We say overthrow the government, put a new one up instead." And while at first listen it sounds very political, it really sounds like it's posing a question: Is the Church full of Christ followers or Americans? What stands higher in our life, the Son of God or our nation's flag? It's all about living for the Kingdom of God.

This controversy is followed by the classic "Dirty Second Hands." While most people may feel disappointed at this returning song (I'll admit I was at first), it has been tweaked just enough for the listener to notice the difference. Thankfully, the album concludes with an unreleased goodie, "Connect with the Spine." This is probably one of the strangest songs Switchfoot has ever released; with stacked vocals, insane instrumentation, and even a wildcat roar! For any LCD Soundsystem or Ratatat fans - this is a must have track.

This EP is not for the faint of heart. It might have songs that you absolutely dislike or undoubtedly love. But there is no question that this is a must have for fans - if not simply for the packaging! To accompany every song is a postcard with the CD coming in a sleeve thst resembles another postcard, with everything sealed up in a gift shop-styled paper bag. It's almost as if Switchfoot hand-packaged each of these bundles of joy. What this EP proves is that Switchfoot loves their fans… to them there are no B-sides.

- Review date: 1/7/11, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

 

. Record Label: None
. Album length: 6 tracks: 19 minutes, 22 seconds
. Street Date: December, 2010
. Buy It: Switchfoot.com

  1. We Are Bound (3:29)
  2. Stitches (3:08)
  3. Daylight To Break (3:35)
  4. Overthrow (3:36)
  5. Dirty Second Hands (Original Recording - Eastern Hymns Sessions) (2:50)
  6. Connect With The Spine (2:44)

 

 

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images