THE SOIL features four songs that pull from the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, as Jesus describes the different ways in which people respond to the Gospel, likening them to seeds falling on different types of soil. Each song is from the perspective of a person that represents one of those types. It's an interesting idea that really lends itself to the notion of a "concept album," in that it works best as a whole rather than in individual parts. That's not to say that the songs aren't good on their own, but the lyrics of a song like "The Path (Unbelief)" might raise the eyebrows of some unsuspecting listeners who find it on a Christian rock playlist. The song represents the seed that was eaten by birds on the path: "I just don't believe it, and I never will / I don't need forgiveness, and I never have / come with me, we'll do what's right in our own eyes." "Rocky Ground (False Conversion)" follows and explores the seed that sprung up but quickly withered, singing as a person who had a conversion-like experience, but left the faith once it got difficult, while "Thorns (False Professor)" takes on the seed that got choked out as it grew. The lyrics are biting and are almost a mirror of the sad state of modern Christianity: "I can be the church and live without it / I can love the book without reading it / and who do you think you are to judge me / I believe in Him, just believe in me / the one thing I love more than my Lord is my sin." That stings.
Finally we get to "The Good Soil (True Conversion)" to close it out. The song drips with honesty ("Where am I / I've lied, I've stolen everything from You / I've whored it all, I've broken every law"), humility ("Can't lift my head up to see Your holy face / I ran from You, Lord, I've eaten with the swine"), and repentance ("Have mercy on me, a sinner... You gave Your life for me / You bought me with Your blood / with truth You set me free / I am undone"). The lyrics are more than just the adaptation of a character from a parable, but words for every believer to take to heart. It's a terrific closing track that plays a part in the concept, but also shares the Gospel and encourages believers to examine ourselves.
While Sower clearly delivers high quality lyricism, it also serves up excellent music. Much of the EP fits quite nicely into the alt rock genre, naturally appealing to fans of EMI-era Tooth & Nail Records. "The Path" is wonderfully melodic, bearing some resemblance to Number One Gun or Ivoryline and begging to be put on repeat. Some of the more intricate guitar work also brings to mind acts like Twothirtyeight, such as the opening to "Thorns." "The Good Soil" amps it up considerably, however, with a delicious mix of skate punk and hardcore. On paper, that sounds like a drastic change, but the sudden burst of Dogwood-esque energy is much more organic and welcomed. Even the little bit of screaming blends in well with its surroundings.
When this EP came across my desk, I hadn't heard of Sower, so obviously I didn't know what to expect. But THE SOIL was a very pleasant surprise - one I've enjoyed spending a good amount of time with. Fans of early-to-mid-00s alt rock and pop punk will surely find a lot to like as well. Hopefully the second EP comes sooner rather than later.
- Review date: 8/7/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Record Label: None
Album length: 4 tracks: 18 minutes, 57 seconds
Street Date: July 12, 2024
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Eric Tuffendsam: I originally recorded these tracks in 2012, printing only 1,000 CDs as an evangelism and teaching tool. At the time, the project was anonymous, without a band name. While I eventually put the music online, I never promoted it.
The upcoming release, "THE SEED," is the reason for forming Sower as a band and has been my primary focus throughout 2024. Recorded in April, "THE SEED" will be released on November 8th, 2024. As part of the ramp-up, I decided to re-record everything except the original vocals, which captured a passion and nostalgia that would be impossible to recreate 12 years later. My producing skills have also improved significantly, and the old version didn't meet my current standards. I'm much happier with this new release, and likely, only a few hundred people have ever heard the original.
Eric: It came to me as I had been studying and teaching the Bible. The parable of the sower and the soils helped make sense of a lot of what I was seeing in my church, my friend group, and the Christian music world. Lots of people were falling away or bearing no fruit. So I dug into the parable to come to grips with the simple fact that not everyone who claims Christ actually knows Him.
Eric: I wrote all of it. I played most of it. My close friend Jeremiah Medley played bass on the path back in 2012. There are also some guest vocals on "the good soil (true conversion)." My wife, Suzanne sang and screamed a bit (and on the path actually), Jeremiah did the middle screaming part as well as one of the lines in the outro. Two other guys sang in the outro, one who strikes me as a thorns guy and the other guy is an atheist now (rocky ground). I left them on there as a reminder of what's at stake within the narrow path. Another friend who is no longer a Christian played the piano part on "rocky ground (false conversion), which again is sad and ironic.
Eric: The time first wrote it, I was feeling Copeland, Manchester Orchestra, Jimmy Eat World, and Thrice. These are still very impactful artists for me musically.
Eric: The next concept EP is called "THE SEED," which is the gospel message that the Sower plants. Tracks: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
The first single will drop everywhere Sept 6th and the full EP comes out Nov 8th, 2024. I'd love you to share this teaser: https://youtu.be/vwvL9khcX90
Eric: Around 2006, my friend Jamie, who owned Nice Guy Records was approached by an LA music licensing agency about punk rock instrumentals. We started "Kevin and the Ovtaves" primarily to fulfill this licensing endeavor. Our music has been featured in Burn Notice, The Good Wife, 90210, and in trailers for We Own the Night, Knocked Up, Chicken Little and many more.
Eric: "Thorns (false profession)" is my favorite, and I'd say I've gotten the most positive feedback from yours and mine both. Both songs have sparked true conviction in listeners and thankfulness to the Lord for His saving grace and provision, especially in light of our sinfulness.
Eric: Three things:
First - Psalms (word for word from ESV). This is such a good way to memorize and meditate on Scripture!
Second - Singles: Whatever I feel like needs to be said based on my own observations and mediations. An emphasis on the prophetic, meaning "what Christians need to hear in this day and time." Probably some collaborations in this category.
Third - More concept EPs and full-lengths. I have many good concepts brewing. The concept stuff is meant for meditation on biblical truths that can shape our hearts towards Christ.
Eric: Sowerproject.com is the hub for everything Sower has going on. Links to all my socials can be found there and I'm putting out lots of regular content.
Eric: Sower exists to present biblical truth through indie rock music. If anyone wants to support this ministry, join my Patreon. All paid subscribers get early access to unreleased tracks and demos. They will have a real opportunity to help shape the music and be involved in the sowing process.
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Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)
