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| From needtobreathe.com |
Rivers in the Wasteland had been an album in the works for a couple years prior to the release. Not because it took that long for the music to flow, but because of some sibling bickering that many of us are all too familiar with. After some threats of breaking up, Bo and Bear Rinehart finally got over it, and the band got together and worked their magic.
This new album is not much different than any other creation that Needtobreathe signs its name to. Not in the way that a band might just release albums that all sound the same. No. It's the kind of stuff that you want in every album. For Needtobreathe, it's in the fact that they are always full of catchy, smart, soulful, foot-stomping, body-swaying sound and raw, wise, soul-bearing lyrics that reach your core. The kind of music where you find yourself with your eyes closed, head moving to the beat, and your heart saying "Mmmm..."
Listen to "The Heart":
Listen to "Difference Maker":
Rivers in the Wasteland World Tour - Los Angeles, May 6, 2014
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| From needtobreathe.com |
After singing every new song and many of their classic hits (plus a small tribute cover of "Float On" by Modest Mouse), the audience did not second guess their need for an encore. Some of the foolish left... But as expected, the whole band came back out after a few minutes and closed with a couple of their singles that they hadn't yet played. Then alas, it was over. Our voices were gone, we were hungry, but we we weren't done with them! Neither was anyone else. Another deserved eternity of applause and cheering continued. Some more people left (bad choice). But I had to stick to my rule: NEVER LEAVE BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO ON. Now here's a first for me: A SECOND ENCORE. The boys came out and created a more intimate performance (even with a packed theatre) of "More Heart, Less Attack."
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One more thing that I love about Needtobreathe is that whenever people ask me what genre they are, I have a hard time putting them into one. I'm always giving answers like southern-, folk-, bluegrass-, gospel-inspired rock. They continually make me realize that you shouldn't have to put a band in a box. Lots of artists have ideas and music that is far too big to contain. Let it go. Let it be free, flowing through your ears. Your body will thank you.
So go on, fulfill that curiosity... (Because it really only made the cat smarter. And cooler.) Listen to some more!
Want to get your groove on?
Want to be inspired?
*I think it's best listened to and watched live. I highly recommend it. This is one of the best videos I've found of what you get when you see them live.
To listen to more of NEEDTOBREATHE, visit their YouTube Channel.
Dig what you hear? Download the songs and/or album from iTunes here.
