Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review


Switchfoot, Backstage E.P.
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Switchfoot
Backstage E.P.



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 3 tracks: 13 minutes, 29 seconds
Street Date: December 4, 2012


Most EP's are intended for the masses, while some are simply meant for the diehard fans. This past Christmas season, listeners were given a special treat from the fellas in Switchfoot, their very own Backstage EP. The idea: one microphone, acoustic sounds, and the guys you know and love. But a question wanes for the listener: is it worth picking up?

The album, which was recorded in Salt Lake City on October 16, 2012, opens with an old holiday rarity, "Evergreen." Honestly, this rendition is better than the 1998 original as it feels more raw and approachable. Switchfoot's music is never really unapproachable but this acoustic version gives the song a more transparent feel. Jon's raspy-yet-smooth vocals, complement the beautiful strums of the guitar and leave a positively haunting impression.

Following is a soft interpretation of "Afterlife." While the original track had a very aggressive approach, this version is more contemplative. If the lyrics didn't connect fully with listeners beforehand, they will now. In addition, the harmonies are so rich and delicate that they really make the song powerful.

Concluding the short EP is "Needle and Haystack," and it is truly the highlight of the project. The fellas' vocals are top notch and the plucking of the acoustic is so sweet. Look forward to the climax of vocals near the end; it finishes the EP perfectly.

To say the least, the very short EP is a masterful look into one of the top bands of our day. The only draw back is that it is incredibly short (clocking in at just under 13 and a half minutes). However, those three songs are done with complete excellence. So, is it worth it? Yes; for the die hard fan and the newcomer. Musically, it is raw top quality. Hopefully in the near future we'll see another backstage EP that shows us an even more intimate side to the guys from San Diego. Until then, enjoy listening to the stripped down renditions of these fine selections.

- Review date: 1/31/13, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Try Pop Culture Coffee!

 

. Record Label: Lowercase People
. Album length: 3 tracks: 13 minutes, 29 seconds
. Street Date: December 4, 2012
. Buy It: Switchfoot.com

  1. Evergreen (5:54)
  2. Afterlife (4:01)
  3. Needle And Haystack (3:37)
spacer     Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Try Pop Culture Coffee!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
SINGLES
Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

This Friday, June 6, 2025
ALBUMS
CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
Christy Nockels King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest [The Fuel]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
Bill B. & Cyrus Sonata Kevlar - Single [Syntax]
Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD - Single [Provident]
Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA [Provident]
Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]

VINYL
Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, June 13, 2025
ALBUMS
Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

SINGLES
CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images