Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Revolution

Four years ago a revolutionary began his fight in the streets of Salzburg, Austria. He is not the kind of revolutionary that carries a gun or a sword, but the kind that carries a guitar (and a bottle of Montreal Steak seasoning, just to shake things up a bit).

In Kevin Heider's newest album, The Salzburg Revolution, he spreads truth and love with both humor and solemnity. His lyrics attest to the depth and beauty of the human spirit in a unique and powerful way. The songs on this newest album are the kind that people will find themselves singing along with while also thinking, "He has a point there." The sad truth he tells in "Sha-la-la: The Peace and Harmony Song" is that in the "politically correct" society we live in (a society that fears making others uncomfortable) the only words we can all sing together in "peace and harmony" are "sha la la...."--a whole lot of nothing. This song sets the tone for the rest of the album telling listeners that he is not here to make them happy and comfortable. He is here to speak the truth.

Every song on the album is unique: "Themes of spiritual and social consciousness permeate his passionate melodies and poetic lyrics throughout, as terrorists, peacemakers, sinners, saints, God, mermaids, and musical revolutionaries all get top billing on this eclectic compilation..." Songs range from the upbeat and playful "Annie of the Sea," to the ballad of "The Salzburg Revolution," to the heartfelt prayers of "O Life" and "Eyes Wide Open," to the beautiful love song between St. Francis and St. Claire in "Chiara." "Brothers is a powerful song on what war really is. The songs "Little Child, Don't Cry" and "O Maria" offer encouragement to the despairing and broken-hearted. "God in Austria" is both a masterfully crafted summary of Kevin's adventures while in Europe as well as a reminder that God is in all things. "Carry Me" reminds us that God carries us through the hard times, even when we can't see Him.

It is impossible to pick out a favorite song from the album--they all are! Kevin's clear voice, catchy songs, and masterfully poetic lyrics are a breath of fresh air to the music scene. He is revolutionizing the way truth is conveyed in entertainment. Check out his music and spread the word that this is the beginning of a new revolution (and the heart of rEVOLution is LOVE). The world has fallen into a false peace and harmony full of sha la las. It's time to spice things up a little bit. Kevin uses music (and Montreal Steak seasoning). I use my words. What will you use?

Find Kevin Heider at his website, on iTunes, Bandcamp, Amazon MP3, and Facebook. Listen. Love. Join the revolution!

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