ROCK
subseven
Flicker Records
CBN.com
– The concept of prosperity runs l ike a supercharged current
through Flicker Records' newest alternative rock band, subseven.
Though the term is often associated with financial gain and wellbeing, these
five guys from southern Oklahoma aren't driven by materialism, nor
are they particularly infatuated with the treasures the music world can produce.
Instead, the quintet is rooted in the idea of prospering to one's full
potential in faith -- a concept often overlooked by what drummer and
spokesman Clint McManaman refers to as the "save them and send them
on their way" mentality.
"It seems like a lot of Christian bands have this goal
of sharing the Gospel with a bunch of people, which is certainly
a lofty goal, but then they just move on to the next group right
away," the arresting drummer asserts. "I don't
want to knock other groups, but I think it's pretty common
for Christian bands to try to get kids to accept Christ, and
then that's it. They move on and there isn't any
follow-up."
From the band's humble indie beginnings in 1999 through
hooking up with the EMI-distributed Flicker for 2004's subseven:
the EP, the guys of subseven have
been insistent upon building personal relationships with their
fan base, chronicling their spiritual walks through constant
communication and encouragement in person and online. Such a
connection has not only given subseven an incredibly rabid following,
but it's also helped them promote the concept of prospering
spiritually, beyond an "instant" altar call.
"A lot of people freak out when we call it a 'prosperity
message' because they think we're talking about
money," Clint defends. "Our whole basis is that
we want people to know how they can prosper in every area of
their lives, beginning spiritually and carrying over into mentally
and physically. So many young people go through some seriously
dark issues, and we want them to get everything they can out
of their faith and out of the Bible, because that will ultimately
help get them through those situations."
Such a stance is unique on the whole, especially considering
the intensified style of music subseven plays.
Amid the aforementioned messages spread throughout subseven:
the EP, the band briskly unfurls a precise web
of bellowing vocals, guitar-based bedlam and ferocious rhythmic
fills. Influence-wise, the group pays nods to mainstream heavyweights
l ike Sparta and The Mars Volta (both At the Drive In spin-off
bands) along with mewithoutYou, Norma Jean and Beloved.
"There's a heavy nature to our music, but it's
a mix of several different elements depending on the song," explains
Clint. "Our style combines a lot of melodic rock, a bit
of hardcore, and some emo/screamo with some punk rock influence.
There's a lot going on in there, but we're tighter
than ever now that we have a label deal."
Much of that sonic sharpening stems from the supporting talent
pool surrounding subseven: the EP,
a true all-star cast under the executive production direction
of Audio Adrenaline's Will McGinniss, Bob Herdman and
Mark Stuart. Primary producer Bob Burch is already known for
work with East West and Number One Gun, while engineer Andy
Haller is lauded for countless credits (as diverse as Ozzy Osbourne
and Will Smith) and manager Jason Fowler is plugged in with
the l ike s of Pillar and Grits. Add in a preliminary tour with
East West and Sky Harbor, along with a fall outing featuring
Pillar and Project 86, and subseven is destined
to develop further with dexterity.
"Each of the opportunities we've had working with
such an amazing group of people have all stretched us and refined
us beyond belief," says Clint. "God's really
blessed us in a lot of areas, and it's almost overwhelming.
We've stuck with this and waited it out so long that it's
really great and rewarding to see all the pieces come together."
Several pieces of subseven: the EP's puzzle
are worth noting, starting with the lead single and music video, "Emotion," a
gut-wrenching analysis of one's relationship with God.
That radio staple is augmented with the inflammatory cut about
spiritual maturity "Game of Love," the melodic anthem
of renewal "Beginning Once Again," and the orchestral
momentum of the prodigal son-styled tale "Mayday."
"We seek to be real and touch on stuff we've gone
through ourselves, or things that people around us have experienced," Clint
shares. "There's no need to sugarcoat something
or cover up a feeling in order to sound more generic. We just
lay it all out there and let the kids see where we're
at."
Aside from riding out the record and promoting this latest
batch of tunes on the road, subseven is also
writing ne w m aterial to be included on an early 2005 full-length
release. Though their immediate goals include getting a new
tour van (and eventually a bus), followed by watching "Emotion" infiltrate
radio and music video channels, the band's overall grounding
is in the eternal.
"More than any achievement musically, we want people
to be able to relate to us," Clint concludes. "We're
about more than just playing in the church and about more than
just playing in clubs. We've tried to do something everybody
can relate to. And no matter where we may be playing, we're
gonna stay bold and encourage people in every part of their
lives!"
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