UP2U
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UP2U

Flossmoor, Illinois, United States | INDIE

Flossmoor, Illinois, United States | INDIE
Band Christian Pop

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Christian rock band substitutes F-word and finds salvation in U2"

Along with the Beatles, U2 are probably the most admired rock band of all time. Their massive influence can be heard everywhere the past two decades, from the most obscure New Wave (Zerra One) to grunge (Collective Soul) to Britpop (Coldplay) to, well, the praise and worship collective that includes the indie act UP2U.
UP2U aren’t the first Christian rock group to show an obvious U2 crush. However, the group completely understands the dynamics which gives a band like U2 such power. For example, on “The Road Less Taken,” the band charges forth with a wall of guitars but only after opening the track with angelic a cappella vocals. It’s a nice touch, one that shows the group is really thinking about their moves and isn’t simply marching to a paint-by-numbers direction. “Inside” is reminiscent of another U2 offspring, Coldplay. The crooning, yearning vocal work here is haunted by Chris Martin’s romantic glow.
But despite the similarities with U2 and Coldplay, UP2U aren’t singing about politics or girls. They are focused mainly on spreading the Word of God. “My faith is strong in you” is basically the message of “Strong In You” and pretty much the whole CD. You can almost imagine Bono singing “To Live Again”; however, U2 were never this obvious about their spiritual leanings. Nevertheless, the emotional effect is still the same. UP2U will make you feel high — the other “high.”
http://cdreviews.com/2007/10/10/up2u-the-other-f-word/#more-1831
- CDreviews.com- Michael Sutton


"Is it too early to deem an album the Best Contemporary Christian Album of the Year?"

Is it too early to deem an album the Best Contemporary Christian Album of the Year? Probably not. And it'd be hard for any act to top "The Other F-Word" by UP2U (http://www.up2utheband.com). A provocative title, is it not? Some say bold because you might have to do a double-take and realize that UP2U is not saying anything offensive. The "F-Word" part simply jumps at you, and you have to applaud UP2U already for being so brave.

But the courageousness of UP2U doesn't end there. If Radiohead had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour, then UP2U is what they probably would've sounded like. If you don't believe me, listen to "Only Say the Word" and "More Like Him" and tell me that doesn't remind you of Thom Yorke singing to the Kingdom of Heaven. The rainy-day acoustics on "More Like Him" could've fit easily on "The Bends" minus the spiritual thrust of the lyrics.
I knew UP2U were a special band from the very beginning. "Inside" is as dreamy and pretty as Oasis' "Wonderwall." However, UP2U aren't dealing love songs; this is a group that is trying to reach a higher plane. Regardless of your religious beliefs, UP2U will knock you out with their melodic and transcendent pop/rock.

I was surprised by the funky riffing on "Strong In You"; you don't often hear such rhythmic versatility in Christian rock bands. In fact, many of them are too vanilla, too clean and timid sonically. But UP2U show actually chops, giving this group a believable chance of crossing over into the mainstream.
http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews/review.asp?id=5044 - Whisperinandhollerin.com -Adam Harrington


"The Other F-Word is definitely marketing genius at work."

A Christian band with a slightly irreverent sense of humor? Well, why not? Calling a spiritual rock record The Other F-Word is definitely marketing genius at work. One can imagine a curious teen quickly picking up this CD thinking it was jam-packed with obscenities, only to discover that this is exactly the kind of album his parents would want him to purchase. For UP2U, the F-word is “faith,” and while the group’s name and CD title may lead a few to believe that this is a R-rated rap disc, it’s actually a record that can be compared to U2 and Coldplay.Of course, Coldplay are secular, not Christian. Nevertheless, the English band’s influence leaves fingerprints on a couple of tracks here, especially “To Live Again” with its breathless vocals and the acoustic “More Like Him.” What distiguishes UP2U from many of their peers these days is that they put as much effort into making the arrangements and hooks as vibrant and rejuvenating as their words. Too many Christian acts neglect the music part of their craft, relying too much on generic acoustic strumming or conventional rock rhythms. But not UP2U. “The Road Less Taken” opens up with some gorgeously stirring a cappella before it erupts into Big ’80s Guitars, the kind that U2 have trademarked. “Prodigal Son” has some crisp drums and bass in its intro, paving the way for the moody atmospherics to follow. - Shotgunreviews.com - Kyrby Raine


"Approved by EndorsedMinistry.com"

Clearly your ministry represents Christ well and serves to further His kingdom. It is an honor for us to serve you in that endeavor.

The staff at Endorsed Ministry.com - EndorsedMinistry.com


Discography

CD -"The Other F-Word"

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THE MUSIC REVIEWS ARE IN! "Calling a spiritual rock record The Other F-Word is definitely marketing genius at work" (SHOTGUNREVIEWS.COM) UP2U will make you feel high- the "other" high. (CDREVIEWS.COM ) Best Contemporary Christian Album of the Year? It'd be hard for any act to top "The Other F-Word" by UP2U. "If Radiohead had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, then UP2U is what they probably would've sounded like." (WHISPERINANDHOLLERIN.COM in the UK:) Cerebral Songs with an active approach to Christian Worship that touch humanity with more of a call to action using God to help you make real changes in your life. WE ARE NOW ON I-TUNES!... search for UP2U, or "The Other F-Word" OUR CD's RECEIVED GREAT REVIEWS! read the entire reviews by using these links below: http://cdreviews.com/2007/10/10/up2u-the-other-f-word/more-1831 http://www.shotgunreviews.com/2007/10/08/up2u-the-other-f-word http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews/review.asp?id=5044