Abandon Kansas has really gone through some tough times in what can be an uncaring, money-hungry music industry. As outsiders, we don't really know a whole lot about the situation, but the band has made it known that their label experience was not a good one. So it seems like they made a wise decision in returning to their independent roots; their pairing up with BadChristian to release alligator seemed like an even wiser move, as the personas of those involved seem to line up quite well. Releasing music with BC Music allows the band to be more honest and aggressive. Jeremy Spring is more open here than ever, especially in the raw and emotional "What You Meant," which is dedicated to his father. In just over three minutes, Spring chronicles the strength of his father through life's ups and downs, including trudging through your faith when it seems like the world is collapsing on you. The end of "Mirror" seems a little grim, as Spring closes the song by saying "God can sweep the rug out from under you whenever He wants." Is it true? Yes, albeit a slightly depressing take on God's character. On a different note entirely, I love the guest appearance by Shane Ochsner (Hands/Everything In Slow Motion). His screams are perfect for the angst-ridden, post rock sound of the song. Alternatively, Brianna Gaither comes around a few songs later and adds a delicate touch to "Anniversary." Overall, in the eyes of this reviewer, this is a big step up for Abandon Kansas. Ad Astra Per Aspera didn't really hit me as much as it did others, but the sound and feel of alligator really feels like the band is finally coming into their own. Fans of the band should give this a shot, but don't expect the polished sound of Ad Astra Per Aspera. - 5/7/15, Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com


After four years of EPs, Abandon Kansas returns to the scene with their third full-length album, alligator. This project has an incredibly raw feeling to it, dealing frankly with the struggles we face as humans. Sin and hurt are consistent themes, as well as the ongoing working-out of faith. The atmosphere of alligator is somewhat disjointed, but it works in an odd way. The album's opener, "Mirrors," reflects a more artistic side of the band and is one of the better tracks on the album. "Anniversary" is another beautiful piece, as is "What You Meant." Listeners should note that some minor vulgarities/profanities ('pissed' and d**nit') are present, in addition to some relatively mature thematic elements (like drug addiction). Overall, alligator is a solid alternative album that's not afraid to take a risk and is more than worth a listen. - 5/11/15, David Craft of Jesusfreakhideout.com


Back with their first full-length effort since 2011's Ad Astra per Aspera, the new record from Abandon Kansas finds lead singer Jeremy Spring in a particularly revelatory mood, laying out an unapologetically forthright, unvarnished look at his tortured soul. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the absolutely bracing opening song, "Mirror," whose gentle, ethereal vibe soon gives way to throat-shredding, near-crazed cries of "I'm so sick of trying / I can't fake it anymore/ I'm not getting better" that will leave all but the most dispassionate of listeners at least a little uncomfortable. From there, Spring dives headlong into treatises on broken relationships ("Anniversary"), sobriety ("Get Clean"), rejection ("Baby Please") and death ("What You Meant") with a sincerity and verve that equal, or in some cases surpass, that of the first song. Of course, all the honesty and vigor in the world doesn't mean much without an engaging musical underpinning to carry them along. To that end, Spring & Co. succeed magnificently. Those who fell in love with the buoyant, danceable groove of the Gotee-based singles like "Heaven Come my Way" and "Turn it to Gold" will find that aesthetic in less plentiful supply this time out. In its place are gritty garage rock offerings ("Shadows"), haunting ethereal pop numbers ("Anniversary") and stark acoustic odes to deceased loved ones ("What You Meant"), the latter of which finds Spring breaking into tears by the song's end. The unrelenting poignancy may be a bit too much for some listeners, and the comparatively varied sonic pallete is a bit less immediately accessible than that of much of the band's earlier work. Listeners willing to invest the time and emotional energy to listen to Alligator with open minds and ears, however, will find that the AK collective's latest outing is not only their most eclectic, but also most compelling undertaking to date. - 6/30/15, Bert Gangl of Jesusfreakhideout.com