The first thing that jumped out to me upon my initial listen was the focus on truth throughout the EP, as well as dealing with themes of being honest with yourself as well as with God. On the opener, "Warship," the band asks the question "we all walk the same path/ will it matter if we are met with righteousness?" It's a heavy question that leads us to consider the implications of how we live our lives and to consider the weight of our actions across eternity. Another highlight is "Madness," which features Silent Planet's Garrett Russell, which wrestles with the challenges of mental health juxtaposed with that of a loving creator, with Russell screaming "We are defined by Your presence not alone by your guise/ so make me remember how it was again." It's these sections that showcase the band's maturity and the promise of what their future holds going forward.
Lyrics aren't the only defining part of what makes a release solid or mediocre, especially in the indie scene; production and musicianship plays a big role as well. Nations is one of the stronger newer bands in the indie scene, and the production value reminds me a lot of Cliffside's Deeper Wells which was one of the better indie releases from last year. They feature a very solid combination of down-tuned chugging guitars that are as equally comfortable relishing in the technicality of a progressive riff as they are smashing your face in with a hardcore breakdown, accompanied by the steady drumming that keeps the band's wall of sound tight as a unit.
2024 is off to a great start musically as there have been many releases that I have already enjoyed in the past month, while also having many on the horizon that I am excited to dig into. So when I say an album, an EP even, is currently in my top five for my eventual year-end top ten albums list, I hope the reader will take it as high praise for an obscure band and would then give said band a chance.
- Review date: 1/29/24, written by Matt Baldwin of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Record Label: None
Album length: 5 tracks: 19 minutes, 11 seconds
Street Date: January 19, 2024
Buy It: AmazonMP3
 Sons Of Sunday Release Two New SongsFri, 28 Feb 2025 17:00:00 EST |
| Lecrae Releases Remix to "Your Power" feat. Lukas Agustinho Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:50:00 EST |
| Plead the Widow's Cause Announce Sophomore Album, "Silver Glass Stare" Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:40:00 EST |
| Faith Worship Arts Releases New Live Song, "Good 2 Me" Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:20:00 EST |
| Dan Bremnes Seeks God in Darkest Hour on Autobiographical "Call Your Name" Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:10:00 EST |
| Smokey Robinson Announces First Album and Singles via Gaither Music Group Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:35:00 EST |
| Jaelee Roberts Shares Gospel Message Ahead of Easter with "He's Gone" Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:15:00 EST |
Click here All News Headlines | 
RSS
Various Artists House of David: Season One (Music inspired by the Prime Video Original Series) [Capitol CMG]
