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CrossRhythms Reviews LET IT GO EP 8 out of 10
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The title track of this EP from the Maryland-based five-piece is currently on the Cross Rhythms play...The title track of this EP from the Maryland-based five-piece is currently on the Cross Rhythms playlist. With a strong female vocal and multiple guitar and synth lines they are definitely on the heavier side of rock but still very listenable. "In Her Head" jumps in at the deep end with a throbbingly heavy bass and guitar line enhanced with some raw synth and almost screamed vocals. "Let It Go" is a little more sedate but has a great guitar lick that will stick with you for years. "Last Hour" drops the pace into power rock ballad territory and is probably the stand out track, both lyrically and performance wise. The final track is a Tony Correlli remix of "Let It Go" with much less made of the guitars and drums and more of the synth and electronic drum line. An accomplished rock EP and bodes well for a full album release in the future. Reviewed by Tim Holden
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Review of LET IT GO EP 80%
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Let It Go is the third EP to be released from Silver Springs, Maryland’s HarvestBloom in as many yea...Let It Go is the third EP to be released from Silver Springs, Maryland’s HarvestBloom in as many years. The group put out its first EP in 2009, self-titled and featuring six songs, and second a year later, entitled Devil’s Poison and also made up of six songs. Let It Go, released in the summer of 2011, includes just 4 songs.
The biggest change to report in regards to the HarvestBloom sound is its all around heaviness- at least in comparison to its previous material. The overall feel to Let It Go is along the lines of guitar driven pieces from Devil’s Poison such as “Natural Compulsion” and “My Sweet Jesus” but even heavier.
Guitarist Patrick Cornette literally buries the albums first two songs, “In Her Head” and “Let It Go”, in layer after layer of rhythm guitar. While the metal edged riffs opening “In Her Head” provide a good indication of what is to follow, the group does not forsake hooks in that quite the solid melody can be found as well. A killer guitar solo rounds things out.
The albums title track brings just as much muscle but in a shorter and more explosive package: Chorus is curtly done and too the point while Anji Cornette showcases her trademark gutsy and powerful vocal style (this reviewer ranks her among the better female vocalists in the current Christian hard music scene). Craig Sibal underpins things with a grooving bass line.
“Last Hour” finds HarvestBloom tempering things slightly, in a manner similar to Devil’s Poison tracks “Unmistakable Grace” and “Blood (The Creed)”. This one finds Molly McGettrick shining with her ever present keyboards and piano, accenting what can best be described a moving and emotionally charged environs. Patrick Cornette adds another stretch of adept lead guitar.
Closing things is a remix of “Let It Go”. In addition to being roughly a minute longer, the remix places keyboards in the more forward position with some “dance” or “electronica” elements coming through in the process. A few drum loops have been added as well.
It also must be noted the fantastic production courtesy of producer Tony Correlli. As a matter of fact, everything about the project speaks of quality and attention to detail. Even the group’s promo material is professionally done (some of the finest I have seen in the five years I have run the site).
The lone complaint is that Let It Go is somewhat short in featuring only 4 songs; I wish HarvestBloom had come up with at least two more tracks to match the output of their first two EP’s. The optimal scenario, of course, would be for the group to wait a couple of years and put together enough material for a full length album instead.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
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Review of Let It Go by HarvestBloom
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I have grown to love HarvestBloom. Their first few recordings were kind of ho-hum female driven AOR...I have grown to love HarvestBloom. Their first few recordings were kind of ho-hum female driven AOR, but they have matured very well. This latest EP is a high quality four-song memorable release for fans of Heart or Leaves Eyes. The vocals remind me a lot of Jenny Gullen of Hoi Pollio during her darker years. The mix here is sweet with lots of interesting stuff going on, leaning quite heavy on guitars. Their lyrics are very obviously gospel-centered. "Let It Go" gives us three songs with the title track remixed as an industrial/dance cut. Do check them out. This is intense. [Independent] Michael Larson Heaven's Metal Fanzine May/June 2012 Issue #90
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Music Review for HarvestBloom’s ‘Let it Go’ EP
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HarvestBloom
‘Let it Go’ EP
http://www.harvestbloommusic.com
Christian Rock
By C.W. Ross
Harv...HarvestBloom
‘Let it Go’ EP
http://www.harvestbloommusic.com
Christian Rock
By C.W. Ross
HarvestBloom is a Chrisitan rock band from Silver Spring, Maryland that got their start in the fall of 2007 with the mission, as they put it, “of helping to spread the Message of Grace with the tools of God inspired songs.”
The band has made a home releasing EPs (Devil’s Poison- May 2010, HarvestBloom -2009) instead of LPs. Their latest is the 4-tracks (3 plus a remix) EP is, ‘Let it Go.’
‘Let it Go,’ starts off with the hard rocking track, “In Her Head (Sarai’s Song),” that features great guitars and drum interplay along with soaring vocals.
Next up is the first radio single from the EP, the title track, “Let it Go.” The song offers up a nice mix of guitar and keyboard parts as it deals with learning patience and not being too quick to judge others around us.
Track-3, “Last Hour,” offers up an interesting mix of power ballad meets prog. rock vibe that’s found on it.
The last track is a remix of track-2's “Let it Go (TC Remix),” from the band’s producer Tony Correlli. The song offers up a dance/techno style on it that’s interesting enough to keep your attention.
HarvestBloom’s latest effort, ‘Let it Go,’ does what any good EP should, entertain and make you think while leaving you wanting more.
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HarvestBloom - Devil's Poison Review
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The concept of female fronted Christian hard rock is not a new one. Dating back to the late seventi...The concept of female fronted Christian hard rock is not a new one. Dating back to the late seventies and early eighties, foundational groups Resurrection Band, Barnabas and Servant showcased the vocal abilities of Wendi Kaiser, Nancy Jo Mann and Sandie Brock respectively. As the popularity of the scene grew following the commercial success of Stryper, the likes of Ransom (Lisa Faxon), Arsenal (Christine Steel), Scarlet Red (Danis) and Rosanna’s Raiders (Rosanna Palmer) became well regarded players in the burgeoning “white metal movement” of the time. Fast forward to recent years and a revival of sorts is taking place in regards to female fronted Christian hard music in that Testify (Lynn Louise Lowrey), HB (Johanna Aaltonen), Venia (Veronica Fagerlund) and Static Fuse (Sonia Sauruk) have all released albums to critical acclaim.
The latest act to report on is HarvestBloom. Hailing from Silver Springs, Maryland and featuring the vocal talents of Anji Cornette, HarvestBloom is relatively new to the scene, having formed in 2007 and debuting with a six song self-titled EP two years later. The group returns with its second EP in 2010, entitled Devil’s Poison and also encompassing six songs.
What we have in HarvestBloom is eighties influenced hard rock with a blues based edge. If you are a fan of many of the previously referenced bands, Testify, Static Fuse and Ransom in particular, then I can see HarvestBloom appealing to you. I find the group to be at its best when flexing its muscles, such as on up-tempo hard rockers “Natural Compulsion” (non-stop riff on this one) and “My Sweet Jesus” (as gutsy a piece as you will find). “Devil’s Poison” and “Angels Crying” might take a more melodic heading (almost radio friendly if you will) but still reflect the HarvestBloom penchant for the guitar driven. “Unmistakable Grace” and “Blood (The Creed)”, two tracks heading in ballad based territory but with some traditional blues and Gospel influences, reflect a more tempered side to the group’s songwriting abilities.
Anji Cornette, to put it bluntly, is a first rate talent with a serious set of pipes. I might describe her style as mixing the grit and soul of Lisa Faxon and Sonia Sauruk with some of the emotion and passion of Nancy Jo Mann and Christine Steel thrown in. It all adds up to a versatile talent that translates well with both the up-tempo pieces and those heading in a calmer direction.
The remaining HarvestBloom members are accomplished musicians. There is enough polish and skill here, in terms of both songwriting and musical aptitude, I can tell that each of the group’s members brings literally years of prior musician experience. In other words, the overall feeling put forth is of a veteran unit that has grown its licks and chops from its past musical experiences.
Standing out is keyboardist Molly McGettrick, whose accenting touch - whether it be in the form of a well timed solo or traces of organ - blends well with the musical happenings at hand. Guitarist Patrick Cornette delivers the goods as well with his weighty guitar flavorings on the albums heavier pieces but proves adept in lending an acoustic edge when called upon. The only complaint is that he does not cut loose lead guitar wise as much as he could, which is disappointing because when he does contribute a guitar solo (such as on “Angel’s Crying”) he exhibits a bluesy style reminiscent to that of Troy Thompson (Bride) or Stu Heiss (Resurrection Band).
Production values are top notch for an independent release, as is packaging. The album artwork reminds me somewhat of the Japan version of Rob Rock’s Garden Of Chaos (at least based around the same theme).
Track By Track
The album opens to one of its more melodic pieces, “Devil’s Poison”. With a big dose of the commercial leading the way, the song evenly maneuvers its low-key verses along the way to a hook laden chorus heading in the more stalwart direction. An anthem-like feel is put forth in the process. Of note, a pristine keyboard solo closes out the final minute (kind of sounds like something John Lawry would come up with).
Lyric snippet:
Help me Lord
To Project my existence
Wondering around
With no home or protection
I did what I did
And now I have to live with it
But save me now, save me now
“Natural Compulsion” is the group’s most easily identifiable track, in that they both released it as a single and recorded a music video. Musically, it is a staunch hard rocker characterized by its punchy bass lines and slicing Rez Band style guitar riffs. Smoothing things out are some well timed vocal melodies. Anji Cornette, in particular, sings her guts out and proves in no uncertain terms that a hard rocking environs is her natural element.
Lyric snippet:
Won’t you save me from myself
I’m headed for destruction
Running far away
Natural compulsion
Then I hear Your voice
It shakes me to the core
Freedom found
I’m on higher ground
More melody is delivered on “Angels Crying”. By far the albums most accessible, the song showcases another infectious chorus - there is almost a pop feel here (something I say in a positive sense) – with a ton of emotional energy coming through as a result. Patrick Cornette serves up the albums best stretch of lead guitar- if this is any indicator of his abilities then he should be cutting loose more often.
Lyric snippet:
Walking home, with his books
A boy is taken
All he wanted was a good education
Violent gang took his life
Now mama’s broken
Shot in the head
Stop killing the children…
“My Sweet Jesus”, rating with HarvestBloom’s heaviest, delivers an in your face guitar mix (snarling, aggressive and driving- the way it should be) while adding corresponding touches of blues and groove. If Glenn Kaiser (Resurrection Band) and Dale Thompson (Bride) joined forces to write and record and album this is what it might sound like. A literal ton of heart and bottom heavy momentum anchors this reviewer’s choice track.
Lyric snippet:
I need Your wisdom
Oh King Jesus
It keeps me focused
On love and mercy
You are my maker
Divine creator
I need forgiving
My sweet Jesus
The ballad “Unmistakable Grace” falls a bit flat. No, far from bad but does not quite bring the same energy and inspiration of the albums better material. It does not help that it is the shortest track here at just over three minutes. Nice use of acoustic elements and occasional hints of organ in the back drop. Anji sings with her trademark grit and soul as well.
Lyric snippet:
And we see Your face
Through the thunder and the rain
Unmistakable grace
And we boldly sing Your name
HarvestBloom gets it right on the albums second ballad based piece, “Blood (Creed).” This one succeeds with its emphasis on guts and emotion while reflecting some traditional Gospel blues flavorings. Complementing things are fitting touches of acoustic guitar and underpinning edges of rhythm guitar. As the song moves over its final minute, it breaks out with some big Gospel choir backing vocals.
Lyric snippet:
Truly truly I say to you
He offers life as a gift to you
And you can have it
All you need is to believe
He gave His life on a crass at Calvary
The best way to sum up would be to state that I want to hear more- and with good reason in that a great deal of musical aptitude is exhibited by this five piece unit. In terms of specifics, I would like to encourage HarvestBloom to give us a full length effort next time around while exploring its instrumental sound a bit more (at least in terms of guitar soloing). Let’s hope they get signed to a quality label such as Retroactive, Soundmass or Roxx Produtions.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Devil’s Poison” (4:36), “Natural Compulsion” (3:20), “Angels Crying” (3:27), “My Sweet Jesus” (3:24), “Unmistakable Grace” (3:04), “Blood (The Creed)” (4:42)
Musicians
Anji Cornette - Lead Vocals
Patrick Cornette - Guitars
Molly McGettrick - Keyboards & Piano
Craig Sibal - Bass
Greg Burkhammer - Drums
Additional Musicians
Tony Correlli - Keyboards
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Review of Devil's Poison EP
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The Phantom Tollbooth
http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/hbloom.html
Devil's Poison (EP)
...The Phantom Tollbooth
http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/hbloom.html
Devil's Poison (EP)
Artist: HarvestBloom
The second EP from female-fronted rockers HarvestBloom, Devil's Poison, sees the five-piece band building on the success of its self-titled debut with six punchy, hard-hitting slabs of alternative rock. Centered around '"the struggle within and the choices we make," according to the band's bio, the EP is expertly produced by Tony Cornelli, who particularly does a marvelous job of adding bite to the guitar tones of Greg and Patrick. The lead single, "Natural Compulsion," for which the band has completed its first music video, is a searing anthem, perfect for rock and alternative radio formats.
"Angels Crying" continues the full-on sound, with Anji's vocals sometimes a little bit lost under the wall of sound. On this track, the wordy nature of the lyrics (a feature throughout the EP) means that the vocal melodies, key aspects for any song, are slightly more complex than would be ideal. HarvestBloom seems like a band with a lot to say and plenty of passion to go with it (a very good thing indeed!). If they can marry that passion with a more focused melodic approach to songwriting, then they could be on to something very special.
"My Sweet Jesus" comes next, answering all of my minor quibbles, with a shuddering riff, a shout-along chorus, and brilliant use of loops and synths to add depth and texture to the sound. By far the best song on the EP, and with a clear, worshipful bent, this is great stuff indeed.
"Unmistakeable Grace" follows the opening title track in building to a funk-filled groove with plenty of guitar goodness, all over the bedrock of another rock solid rhythm foundation and a very sweet chord progression. Closer, "Blood" ("The Creed"), something of a statement of faith, and featuring guest vocals from Nikki Lerner, is another bluesy track, and a nicely epic way to finish this EP.
What should be clear from this review is that HarvestBloom has talent--loads of it. They also know how to rock. Hard. They do, however, seem to be a band with something of a lack of identity, half a funky blues band, and half a straight up hard rock act. If they can define themselves more clearly for their next release, the potential for their passion for Jesus and His Gospel to overflow in to the ears and hearts of many people is huge. A band to check out, pray for, and watch closely in the future.
Haydon Spenceley
4 out of 5
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Sttutterzine from the Netherlands Reviews Devil's Poison 8.3 out of 10
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HARVESTBLOOM ‘DEVIL’S POISON’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT)
The band HARVESTBLOOM is a female fronted ...HARVESTBLOOM ‘DEVIL’S POISON’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT)
The band HARVESTBLOOM is a female fronted Christian Rock/Hardrockband from the US state of Maryland. Musically they are clearly playing high class catchy Melodic Rock with sometimes memories of LANA LANE. 6 songs are included on their new CD ‘Devil’s poison’, which has it’s highlights in the first 3 uptempo melodic rockers “Devil’s poison”, “Natural compulsion” and “Angel’s crying”. The other 3 songs are less appealing and not that strong, but all together this band really surprised me with their strong CD. The band’s female singer ANJI KALITA CORNETTE has a very strong voice and the melodies of most of the songs of HARVESTBLOOM are quite memorable. Definitely a band to check out if you’re a fan of female fronted melodic rock. More info at: http://www.myspace.com/harvestbloom
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
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CW Ross TheCDReviewer.com - ChristianRockersOnline Reviews New EP
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HarvestBloom
‘Devil’s Poison’ EP
Christian Rock
http://harvestbloommusic.com
By C.W. Ross
T...
HarvestBloom
‘Devil’s Poison’ EP
Christian Rock
http://harvestbloommusic.com
By C.W. Ross
The band HarvestBloom hails from Silver Spring, Maryland forming in early 2007 but it wasn’t until early 2009 when they contacted me about reviewing their first self-titled EP that I learned about them. I liked that EP a lot giving it a very high rating- so I was happy when the band contacted me recently about their new EP, ‘Devil’s Poison’.
As soon as the first guitar noted and drum beats roared to life and the soaring rock vocals of female lead singer Anji found on ‘Devil’s Poison’ started pumping from my speakers I knew that I was going to be a happy person. The band’s sound has matured and gotten a little harder edged from their last EP, with every one of the six songs that make up this EP hitting on all rock cylinders!
The first track is also the title track, “Devil’s Poison”, a rocking song that sets the stage for what lays ahead. Lyrically the song deals with story of Cain and Abel from Cain’s perspective.
Next up is, “Natural Compulsion”, another rocking track that’s filled with big guitar and drum parts. This track is both the first radio cut from the EP along with being used to make the band’s first official music video. You can view the video at: http://www.youtube.com/harvestbloom
“Angel’s Crying”, follows next and deals with both the needless killing and lost innocence of children around the world today through, abuse, slavery and prostitution.
“My Sweet Jesus”, offers up the hardest edged rock beats that are found on this EP including a rocking guitar solo along with lyrics about having the desire to both follow and serve Jesus in your life.
“Unmistakable Grace”, deals with taking a firm stand in Jesus’ name and not being afraid to boldly share His love and message with others.
The last track, “Blood (The Creed)”, is a mix between an anthem and power ballad complete with a backing choir that adds a real richness to its end sound.
‘Devil’s Poison’ was produced by Tony Correlli (Ashes Remain and Orphan Project) of Deep End Recording Studio in Baltimore, Maryland. The band also isn’t just preaching with their words they put it into action supporting several mission efforts including donating a percentage of their record sales to several charitable organizations.
Anytime that you can rock out to some good music is nice and when that music includes powerful faith related message that makes it even better and HarvestBloom accomplishes both on their, ‘Devil’s Poison’ EP.
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CrossRhythms UK gives Devil's Poison EP by HarvestBloom a 9 out of 10
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HarvestBloom - Devil's Poison
STYLE: Rock
RATING 9 out of 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 94476-16656
LABEL...HarvestBloom - Devil's Poison
STYLE: Rock
RATING 9 out of 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 94476-16656
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD EP
DISCS: 1
Reviewed by Steve Husband
HarvestBloom are a female-fronted five-piece from Silver Spring, Maryland who were formed in 2007 and whose debut six track self-titled EP, released in 2009, was not without merit. But this EP is a mega, massive sound improvement. Whilst the album's title track is not the strongest, it is a good track with strong front vocals and traditional overdriven guitar backing. "Natural Compulsion" takes the same basis but enhances it big time with killer licks and sublime backing vocals making you want to hit the replay button over and over again but hold that impulse as the drum intro of "Angels Crying" follows in such a way as you think it's the same song. That is however where the similarity ends and the track stands for itself led by lyrics recounting the hurt and suffering children endure every day the whole world over, whilst a blistering guitar burns in just the right places. Every, prevention of cruelty to children organisation should use this as their theme tune to get the message home. "My Sweet Jesus" slides the rock lever into the metal mode but adding a sweet mid eight running into a driving solo, whilst "Unmistakable" switches to a Texan rock feel enhanced with vintage keys and smooth guitar. The closing track "Blood" is a fresh take on The Creed using it as an answer to the timeless question of what happens at the end. Great lyrics, powerful musicianship, massive choral backing vocals and simply sublime guitar work complete a first class release.
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The Free Christian Music Blog - free EP from HarvestBloom
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Free music today from a new band called HarvestBloom. They’re a female-fronted Christian rock band ...Free music today from a new band called HarvestBloom. They’re a female-fronted Christian rock band from Maryland who just released a self-titled EP free, through their website, HarvestBloom.net.
The EP, HarvestBloom, is 6 songs long, is about half guitar driven rock and half slower worship songs. The best track, hands down, is “Self Pity”. It kicks off with some latin-sounding mandolin, then the vocals come, then the electric guitars, bass, and drums kick in. It’s definitely the most intense song, and reminds me a lot of Petra’s old school rock songs like “Right Place”. Towards the end of the song, the mandolin comes in again, and pulls the song together nicely.
Anyway, like I said, you can download the EP for free from the band’s website, where you can also stream the songs.
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HarvestBloom EP Rating 9.4 out of 10
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By C.W. Ross
July 4, 2009
This female fronted Maryland band got their start in 2007. The band’s ...By C.W. Ross
July 4, 2009
This female fronted Maryland band got their start in 2007. The band’s music is rock-based songs that are often filled with lyrics of praise to the Lord.
This 6-song EP really hits the mark starting out with an interesting track called, “Burning Bush (Exodus3),” that features hard driving rock beats, with vocals that are both lyrical and involve rapping, as they read the Bible verses out.
Track-2,”Holy is His Name,” is an up tempo song that has a dance rock vibe found on it. The lyrics on it offer up a call to worship.
Track-3, “Sweet Sensation,” opens up with some nice guitar work and settles into a pop praise style song that deals with the comfort that comes from knowing, that thanks to the Lord your free and that if you grow weary the Lord is there to hold you.
Track-4, “Free,” is a rhythmic song that includes a nice guitar solo in it. The song deals with God’s love and grace. You’ll also find an extended cut version of this song that makes up track-6.
Track-5, “Self-Pity,” is the most hard-edged rock song found on the EP featuring driving guitar parts and rapid drum beats, along with gritty vocals that have a rock growl found on them. The song starts out a bit unusual with a Latin sounding mandolin part before the rock n’ roll fury starts up. The song takes on the tough subject of self-loathing.
I really liked all of the songs found on this EP, both the music and song lyrics really worked well. The band is hard at work on a full-length release that should be coming out sometime later this year.
Last but not least you can download this EP for free from the band’s website. Do yourself a big favor and get it!
http://christianrockersonline.wordpress.com/2009/07/04/harvestbloom-harvestbloom-ep/
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Reviews - HarvestBloom
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STYLE: Rock
RATING 8 out of 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 77529-15190
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
FORMAT: C...STYLE: Rock
RATING 8 out of 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 77529-15190
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
FORMAT: CD EP
DISCS: 1
This product is currently not available from Cross Rhythms Direct
http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/HarvestBloom/HarvestBloom/77529/
Reviewed by John Fisher
Hailing from Silverspring, Maryland, this four piece consisting of two male and two female members state that their mission is to "reach those who need God and the life-giving wisdom he provides through the grace of his Son." Harvestbloom describe themselves as "Christian rock with an edge." Opening up the set on this their debut is "Burning Bush (Exodus 3)" which tells story of Moses and the burning bush, with a sound that one could describe as the Rez Band meets Evanescence. Following this is the Phatfish-sounding "Holy Is His Name" with more of a pop rock feel about it. There are two versions of "Free", one a radio cut and the other the extended version but the pop rock sound is carried on through both albeit more in a Texas style. "Self Pity" opens with lilting Spanish guitar before the bruising power chords crunch in. It is not easy to pigeonhole these rockers with a definite sound or style but with spot-on production this is an impressive first release.
supersonic
