Music
The best kept secret in music
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I felt there might be no better way to introduce this band, than by posting a copy of what is found in the bio section of their website. It helps to give a clear perspective of why this band exists and what they’re focus is. This young band, coming from the music hotbed of Nashville, TN is poised and ready to let their voice be heard.
“To label something Christian is to say that there are absolutes. One man may decide something that he has accomplished is both glorifying and constructive to the kingdom of God. Yet another man may decide that it lacks originality and poetic justice. The truth is there are no black and whites. Faith in Jesus is a constant reformation and a constant struggle to seek justice and love in a world cluttered with peoples self love. To label something Christian is more responsibility than any of us can contain.
Let us not make music to sell to certain audiences. Let us make records and play concerts, to give us something to all be a part of. Let us make music because it is beautiful. If every Truth and every Good is a creation from God the father, then what Sophia is to strive for is a product that is good and a message that rambles truth. There will be days of failure, but as grace be our guide, tomorrow the search will continue and we will sing hallelujah.”
Sophia wastes no time unleashing their brand of furious metalcore, jumping right into a chaotic chugging low end/high end approach with “Prison Epistle Abridged”. This pace is continued as it drops into a breakdown with the vocalist chanting “I will walk this road with fear and trembling!” The song is given a moment of quietness with some nice piano work and singing. Don’t worry it’s not super-emo singing like other groups like to do. It’s decent and on tune, but thankfully not cheesy. “Stapley Drive Ballet” is more upbeat and sounds along the lines of Still Remains initially. The band utilizes some gang vocals which lead in to the thunderous breakdown. The breakdown is complemented by atmospheric keyboards, which in this song, definitely add to the overall feel and sound as opposed to just being background noise. The closer, “Feeding Bob Potter”, again helps to set apart the band from others, especially during the keyboard interlude. Another quiet piano part shows up in this song, where “I will follow you” is sang over and over, even growing into harmonized parts. The album comes to a close in epic sounds, with “I will follow you” still being sung, while screams go over top and the music grows louder with the screaming as well.
Overall Rating: I highly recommend picking this disc up! I’m quite sure that this band will be picked up by a label and it’s always nice to have the release that got them there. Hard-edged melodicore, complete with atmospheric keyboards, are impressive for an unsigned group. The vocals are harsh and bold, and the clean singing parts add to the overall catchiness of the album. The writing ability is solid and each song has strong points. I found myself listening to it multiple times in a row and singing along. A very good debut, which hopefully will lead to better things for these guys. (8/10)
Standout Tracks: “Stapley Drive Ballet”, “Feeding Bob Potter”
Individual Ratings:
Marketability: Good vocals, good singing, and solid hard-hitting tracks. The band should be signed, plain and simple. This self-released album is better than a lot of the independent label releases coming out these days. With more money helping on the production end this band could definitely gain a large fan base. (4/5)
Similar To: Vindicated, Still Remains, (old) Hopesfall - Indie Vision Music
Discography
Sophia's independently released debut ep "My hands, my greedy hands" has had great response amongst the independent music scene in the southeast and beyond. The release party for "My hands, my greedy hands" found over eight hundred people at Nashville's premier venue, Rocketown to see Sophia play the long awaited ep. It is currently receiving airplay on many internet radio stations as well as about 10 radio stations from Ohio to Georgia, Texas to California.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Introducing Sophia, a six-piece band rising out of the dust of the country music scene in Nashville, TN. Sophia prides itself on its unique yet not unfamiliar sound. Sophia’s first-ever independent release “My Hands, My Greedy Hands EP” finds itself to be well associated with the hardcore/metal community, yet it’s gentle side can easily relate itself to any young listener. Produced by bassist Dan Martinie and Isaac Ezell (Belmont University), “My Hands” is a personal memoir of this band’s young journey and experience through spirituality and it’s relevance in social issues. “My Hands” was mixed and mastered by Matthew Grabe of Equalvision recording artist Goodbye Tomorrow. For Sophia, this record was assembled with much ambition and a growing anticipation for more to come.
Established in September of 2005, Sophia’s members have assembled themselves from five states (Arizona, Ohio, Florida, Texas, Georgia) across the United States. Because their roots have been grown so far away from one another, the boys of Sophia feel that they can discover their originality in this diverse background. The message of “My hands” is simply an honest insight and a true testament to the complexity and commonality of human struggle.
Sophia strongly believes in the idea that all things are spiritual and Christianity is not to be segregated from culture and society. The spiritual content of Sophia should not be a deterrent to the atheist or agnostic, instead Sophia hopes to inspire those from all backgrounds, with the hope that one may love their neighbor as Jesus’ messages describe. Sophia feels that is idea is universal and shouldn’t be excluded to one market. With an open and honest approach, Sophia hopes the listener will let the melodies, music, and passion of their work intimately speak to the listener’s heart and soul.
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