Orenda

New Release: With Our Arms To The Sun- Orenda

So far 2017 has been a pretty decent year for new albums. Mastodon unleashed their epic new one Emperor Of Sand, which will be competing for album of the year, and now With Our Arms To The Sun’s long awaited new album Orenda has arrived. In a previous post I did a full review of the album, so I won’t go all in depth in this post. Instead I will just ask you to take the time and let With Our Arms To The Sun bring you a masterful piece of art and music. The ten songs that make up the album take you on a journey of self exploration and transcend the norms of rock music. Combining the elements and inspiration of philosophy, prog rock, metal and hope, With Our Arms To The Sun have produced (with the help of Buzz Osborne from The Melvins) an epic album for the times.

I urge you to take some time today or this weekend and take this album in. When a band like With Our Arms To The Sun comes along, it’s best to pay attention, because if you blink, you just might miss something spectacular.

 

With Our Arms To The Sun- Orenda:

 

 

Album Review: With Our Arms To The Sun- Orenda

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With the world fast approaching the end, at least there is good music coming out. One of the most anticipated albums of 2017 is finally here, With Our Arms To The Sun‘s new album Orenda. This band has personally given me more hope for the future of music than any other new band I’ve heard in a long time. The four members of With Our Arms To The Sun have the passion and desire to succeed and their devotion to their art is astonishing.

Orenda, which is defined as by the Iroquois is a supernatural force that is believed to be present in varying degrees, in all objects or persons, and that spiritual force is the link toward which human accomplishment is attained or accounted for. So, with that in mind, know that the album that we are talking about is one for the ages. The ten songs that make up the album take you on a journey of self exploration and transcend the norms of rock music. Combining the elements and inspiration of philosophy, prog rock, metal and hope, With Our Arms To The Sun have produced (with the help of Buzz Osborne from The Melvins) an epic album for the times.

From the first song “Disdain- Why I Am” all the way to the final song “Homebound- March of the Trees,”  there is a genuine flow between all songs. The songs range from dark and intense, to ambient and seductive. In particular “Memory- The Drift” “Macrocosm- Prometheus,” “Apex- 100 Year Dream.” “The War- Light The Shadows.” and “Regret- Sailing Stones” encompass all those emotions. Singer/guitarist Josh Breckinridge is a revelation behind the microphone. His ability to lash out into a bellowing scream and then articulate his words with his soothing melodic voice is something that really stands out. Guitarist Joseph Leary adds another layer of heaviness with his back up vocals and his style of guitar playing. Holding down the rhythm ever so pummeling and tight is bassist Joseph Breckinridge and drummer John McLucas, both of whom emit energy and tone that only add to the magnitude of the songs.

I’ve been very impressed with the band not just as musicians but as people too. They are four of the most genuine and humble people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. Their dedication to their art and music is inspiring. They lay it all on the line every time they take the stage. I’ve mentioned this in other posts about their live shows and I’ll say it again, if your band plays after With Our Arms To The Sun, you best bring your “A” game, because you won’t be able to compete with them. Orenda is an album that emits love, devotion and hope in a time that they are needed more than ever. Do yourselves a favor and buy this album. If you pre-order the album, you get a download of it right away. Do it, it will be one of the smartest things you do all year.

Overall Rating: A+

 

Macrocosm-Prometheus:

 

 

Anticipated Albums: With Our Arms To The Sun- Orenda

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The time has almost arrived for one of my favorite bands to release their new album. With Our Arms To The Sun, have one hell of an album for you all. Their latest (upcoming) release, Orenda, is a journey that takes you beyond the normal realms of concept albums. Produced by Buzz Osborne of The Melvins, the 10 songs that make up Orenda, are unrelenting and full of unrivaled passion. The first single “Macrocosm-Prometheus” is a great way to show what With Our Arms To The Sun is all about. Musically, the band is tight and precise. The vocals and especially the lyrics, make them stand out among their peers.

I highly recommend this band to everyone. They are the type of band that restores hope in the future of music.

You can pre-order the album now through PledgeMusic below:

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/withourarmstothesun

 

Check out Macrocosm-Prometheus:

 

Live Review: Socionic & With Our Arms To The Sun at The Whisky

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Do you remember the feeling of going to a show and seeing a band and being absolutely blown away? Well I sure do, and it has happened again. There are two bands out right now that have really grabbed my attention, With Our Arms to the Sun and Socionic. These two bands are FUCKING GREAT!!! Their performances each and every time are quite a spectacle of intensity and drenched in their extreme passion for what they do. To With Our Arms To The Sun and Socionic, music is art and life. And on Saturday night at the Whisky of all places, These two knocked my damn socks off.

With Our Arms to the Sun are the type of band that brings it each and every time they are on stage. In fact they are quite a hard act to follow. Their set consisted of all new songs from their upcoming album Orenda. I have to tell you that these new songs will blow you away. There is a real depth to them that takes you on quite a journey. And when you hear it live, it really sucks you in. With Our Arms are also a band that understands leaving it all on stage. Their performance this evening was passionate, heavy and absolutely inspiring. Singer/guitarist Josh Breckinridge has a real knack for being in the moment and letting the music take him places. Guitarist Joe Leary, bassist Joseph Breckinridge and drummer John McLucas all contribute to the beautiful chaos that unfolds on stage.

Socionic give it their all as well. Their show is more of a “show” with lights and drama. It’s done in a way that helps to make you feel like you are a part of their show. Their set featured songs off their newest album Dividing Horizon. Like With Our Arms to the Sun, Socionic take you on a journey with their music and live show. Singer Michael Meinhart has a commanding and at times intimidating presence on stage, along with a powerful voice that soars. Guitarist Billy Graczyk, bassist Matthew Denis, and drummer Lior Dar, play with a sense of urgency as well as passion, that radiates from themselves to their instruments.

These two bands are something special. When I first started Audioeclectica, the main goal was to show people that there still is good music out there, and With Our Arms to the Sun and Socionic prove my point and then some. The things I’ve talked about before in regards to passion, intensity, danger, and belief in what they do rings true for these two bands. With Our Arms to the Sun and Socionic both deserve your attention. Go see them live, I personally guarantee you won’t be disappointed

 

https://www.facebook.com/WithOurArmsToTheSun

https://www.facebook.com/socionic/

Live Review: With Our Arms To The Sun, Socionic, MAL, Kolm @ The Viper Room

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One of my favorite things about going to shows is when the lineup fits. Each band that plays the evening fits the bill, and nothing is out of place. Especially when you have a night full of artistic and progressive bands. Last night at the Viper Room, was just that. With Our Arms To The Sun, Socionic, Mal, and Kolm all delivered. The theme of the night for me was passion, and each band had it.

First up for the evening was Kolm. Their blend of prog rock, and metal really set the tone for the night. As a three piece, playing that style is no easy task but they pull it off with passion and great musicianship.

Next up was Mal. Their sound is a mesh of prog rock and 90’s rock. The three guys playing have the ability to mix genres and make something genuinely creative and passionate, and extremely tight. Amongst the songs are heavy grooves and sensible melodies led by singer/guitarist Kris Jung and bassist PJ. Their latest album Aqua Macabre is one album you should definitely check out!

With Our Arms To The Sun was the third band of the night and they absolutely killed it. Playing a set of all new material from their upcoming album Orenda, they didn’t miss a beat and left it all on stage. Each member of this band understands the statement of “playing with passion,” and it shows in each song they play. With Our Arms To The Sun is epic by nature, thus allowing the songs to feel like a journey of emotions as you listen. Singer/guitarist Josh Breckinridge, along with guitarist Joe Leary, bassist Joe Breckinridge and drummer John McLucas, have a unity on stage that is unrivaled by many bands of today. The band live is a different animal. It’s something you should see and won’t regret. I’d even say that if you are a band that has to play after With Our Arms To The Sun, you best bring it all, because they are the real deal.

Closing out the night was Socionic. Their artsy and theatrical set was played with a great deal of passion (there’s that word again). Musically the band is tight and really work to deliver a show. The majority of their set was comprised of songs off their newest album Dividing Horizon. Socionic is one of those bands that seeing them live is the best way. Their album is great to listen to, but just like With Our Arms To The Sun, the best way to experience it is in a live setting.

All in all this was a great night for music and for Los Angeles based bands. The Viper Room is fast becoming a favorite of mine again to see shows. It’s intimacy really gives off a vibe of community, something that has been missing in Los Angeles, especially in that area, for a long amount of time. Every band was meant to be on stage this evening and did it justice. With Our Arms To The Sun and Socionic are gearing up to go on tour together for a few weeks. So when they come through your area, I strongly suggest you make it out to see them. As well as if Mal, and Kolm are playing in Los Angeles. Nights like this and bands like those that played, really give me hope for the music.

With Our Arms To The Sun and Socionic Tour Dates:

*9/07 @ Lowbrow Palace       El Paso, TX
*9/08 @ The Mix                      San Antonio, TX
*9/09 @ Scout Bar                   Houston, TX
*9/10 @ The Door                     Dallas, TX
*9/11 @ Stickyz                          Little Rock, AR
*9/13 @ Foobar                          Nashville, TN
*9/14 @ Melody Inn                 Indianapolis, IN
*9/15 @ PJ’s Lager House       Detroit, MI
*9/16 @ Ottawa Tavern           Toledo, OH
9/18 @ Riot Fest                      Chicago, IL (With Our Arms To The Sun only)
*9/20 @ Lee’s Liquor Store   Minneapolis, MN
*9/22 @ Lost Lake                    Denver, CO
*9/25 @ The Shredder             Boise, ID
9/27 @ High Dive                    Seattle, WA (With Our Arms To The Sun only)
9/29 @ Black Forest               Eugene, OR (With Our Arms To The Sun only)

 

Audioeclectica Podcast: Josh Of With Our Arms To The Sun

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I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Josh Breckinridge the vocalist/guitarist of With Our Arms To The Sun. We discuss their upcoming new album ORENDA and upcoming tour dates, music tastes, and have an all around fun conversation.

Enjoy!

-Brian

 

Podcast: Conversation With- Josh of With Our Arms To The Sun:

 

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