Music
Press
Arizona based Out of Ruin feature the 2 brothers Gram Messer (vocals) and Ben Messer (guitar,piano) and they have recorded a truly nice modern rock/pop record that feels like a warm summer breeze to my soul. They released the 6 track EP "Black to white" in 2003 and then followed up with this strong full length album produced by Ken Mary (Trik Turner, Pivitplex). The music leans towards Jars of Clay, Matchbox 20, Detour 180 and even Robbie Williams on a few songs - especially the magnificent "What I can't see" that Robbie would certainly score a big hit with if he recorded and released it. They are touring as an acoustic duo but this album is a full band recording where half of the album's tracks are slow songs but they are performed with such class that it never feels like too many ballads. Great ballads so to speak! "Man to be" sound a lot like "Step on faith" which is a shame since they are next to eachother but that's just about the only negative thing I have to say about this album. The instrumental and supergroovy "Alimente el Corazon" would easily fit in on any setlist with Dave Matthews Band, amazing musicianship! Melodic with the big letter M!
- Melodic.net
Reviewed by Chris Sharp
This Arizona-based band consist of brothers Ben and Gram Messer released their first EP 'Black To White' back in 2003. Gigging extensively throughout the American southwest enabled them to build a significant fan base and brought them to the attention of producer Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, LaRue) resulting in this magnificent melodic pop/rock album. And it's definitely been worth the three year wait! As per their inaugural release much is reminiscent of Jars Of Clay, but now more rock-tinged, the likes of Switchfoot also come to mind, and that's definitely not a bad thing. Just when you're thinking you may have listened to one ballad too many the funky Latin-influenced instrumental track "Alimente El Corazon (Feed The Heart") kicks in. It feels a little out of place at first, however it is only a temporary interlude before what for me is the stand out track, the anthemic "Stand For Something" ("...or die for nothing"). If, like me, you're a fan of the genre then this is definitely an album to put on your shopping list.
- Chris Sharp
Recommendation
It is with great pleasure that I desire to introduce you to the ministry of Out of Ruin. The Messer brothers have a fire for God and have been blessed with great gifts to build up the body of Christ. If you are in need of guest worship or a concert, I feel you would be hard pressed to find any band that would serve your body with a more humble heart that edifies the congregation. The biggest proof of my earnest recommendation is the fact that we have had them minister to our congregation on several occasions. If you have any questions feel free to call me at our church office. 928-680-4681 - Ray Carter
Recommendation
Out of Ruin:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift of music with us at Life Center North. I was amazed by your level of excellence as musicians and your passionate love for God. The concert was loved by all who attended. The crowd did not know what to expect before the concert began, but the applause after the first song showed you had quickly gained their approval. Your short time here at LCN was a huge blessing to the concert goers and to me as the Worship Pastor. I wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my prayers.
Also I would love to host another concert next time you come through Spokane. Your reputation as a quality Christian rock band will only grow and I look forward to seeing your popularity increase in the city of Spokane and surrounding areas. We would love to be a part of what God has in store of Out of Ruin.
Dan Bursch
Worship Pastor
dan@lifecenternorth.org. - Dan Bursch
Recommendation
The group Out of Ruin came to play at our store on March 2oth 2004. This talented worship group did a very professional and high quality job, and I would recommend them to anyone. The quality of their music is outstanding, as is their website, and their attitude. It is very obvious that they are dedicated to the Lord, and enjoy serving Him in their ministry. I would welcome them to play at my store at any time.
Should anyone have any further questions about the group, Out of Ruin, they may feel free to contact me.
Because He lives,
James McGarvey
Store Manager
Family Christian Stores
4060 East Highland Ave.
Highland, CA 92346
909-863-2905 - James McGarvey
Reference
To Whom It May Concern:
We have been blessed with having the group Out of Ruin at our church several times in the last two years. Each one of the evenings have been filled with wonderful Christian music that came from the heart of both Ben and Gram Messer. The incredible guitar skills of Ben and the strong and powerful vocals of Gram make this group one that can stir the heart of a wide range of audiences. Their strong relationship with the Lord came through in their deep and moving lyrics. I have become good friends with them over the past two years and consider them a part of our church even though they live in Arizona and our church is in California.
What a true blessing they are to our church. I would recommend them to anyone that is looking to book a highly talented and spirit filled group.
Sincerely,
Todd Rettberg
Senior Pastor
Sierra Vista Community Church
- todd Rettburg
Discography
Black To White EP 2003
Dreams EP 2004
Mosaic Soul 2006
Photos
Bio
Vertical Shift Records artists Gram and Ben Messer, the heart of the musical group "Out of Ruin", have been recording and performing together for 13 years, giving these two brothers a special bond and chemistry. Starting a band in their teenage years, they knew performing and writing music would be a lifelong passion for the both of them.
Lead vocalist Gram Messer started out, ironically, as the drummer of the group and in 1999 they officially formed "Out of Ruin" and began performing with the addition of a bass player and singer. "We just loved playing", says Gram, "and we played anywhere we were asked."
"A few years back, Gram and I shared the stage with P.O.D., and the very same day, sat down at a coffee house with Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and chatted", says Ben. "He was so down to Earth, and that made a huge impression on both of us."
After four tough years of writing, recording, and performing as a four piece rock band, the group splintered and left Ben and Gram unsure of what to do next. "We had a tough time finding other musicians that really loved music, instead of really loving being in a band", says guitarist Ben Messer, "We auditioned hundreds of people, and we just couldn't find a singer with the heart and emotion we were looking for. We knew exactly what we wanted to express with our music, and just could not find it."
Feeling as though they needed a fresh start, Ben and Gram began writing songs on acoustic guitar and piano. Gram also set the drumsticks aside, and picked up a microphone to front the duo for the first time.
"Something almost magical happened," comments Ben. "When Gram started singing, he really feels the music deeply, and you can hear that in his voice. We knew we found what we were looking for!"
In 2003, the guys took their first 6 songs into a Nashville studio, and cut their first E.P. entitled Black to White. Traveling the southwest, they began to build a fan base with their new sound.
It was this new sound that caught the ear of award winning producer Ken Mary of SonicPhish Productions (Trik Turner, LaRue, Ricardo). In November of 2005, work began on 12 unique songs that combined powerful rock, heart swelling ballads, and breath taking musicality. From producer to artists, it was everyone’s goal to make an album that would stand the test of time, and be a true work of art. The album "Mosaic Soul" was born out of this desire.
Producer Ken Mary says, "Out of Ruin are true artists. They are great musicians and writers, and their unique music is definitely inspired. When we picked the music for this record, we weren't concerned with trends or making all the songs sound the same. We just wanted to create music that moved us emotionally, and then hopefully that would touch thousands and then millions of other people."
"Out of Ruin" are already on their way. On the MySpace network, "Out of Ruin" has garnered over 120,000 plays in just 6 short months.
Touring as an acoustic duo and also as a full band depending on the venue, lead singer Gram states "Just like when we first started, we still love playing live. There is nothing like writing songs, making a great recording that you are proud of, and then performing those songs in front of a live audience. We just feel blessed to have the opportunity to share what is in our hearts."
www.verticalshiftrecords.com
Links
