This is funny. I'm doing a music review. The guy who can barely keep on tune if someone is singing a familiar song right next to me.
For the record, I listen to U2. Marvin Gaye. Imagine Dragons. James Taylor. Gungor. Aretha Franklin. Emmylou Harris. And, yes, Mumford and Sons. No Miley Cyrus or Robin Thicke though. Even I can't stretch that far.
So when I was given a copy of The Mantis and the Moon by Son of Laughter (aka Chris Slaten), I didn't know what I was getting. My fear was contemporary Christian, and heaven knows how much I hate contemporary Christian music. Why, when it is supposed to be about God, does it always sound like it is about us instead? "I could sing of His love forever" might as well be "I'll be singing this song forever".
You'll love this EP. Go out and find it. Son of Laughter is not quite singer/songwriter, not quite country, not quite spiritual, but all of that and a lot of fun besides. Yes, there are Christian themes woven through the songs, but only if you stop and pay attention. He doesn't hit you over the head with them. Instead, you get playful lyrics (see Cricket in a Jar, the first song) and really complicated music that sounds like he just spun it out on a whim; he's so good he makes it sound easy.
I don't know Chris Slaten's background. But I'm going to find out. And I'll be waiting for what comes next. But you had best listen to this EP all at once. It is not likely to mix easily with whatever else you are listening on your shuffle.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this EP free from the musician and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
For the record, I listen to U2. Marvin Gaye. Imagine Dragons. James Taylor. Gungor. Aretha Franklin. Emmylou Harris. And, yes, Mumford and Sons. No Miley Cyrus or Robin Thicke though. Even I can't stretch that far.
So when I was given a copy of The Mantis and the Moon by Son of Laughter (aka Chris Slaten), I didn't know what I was getting. My fear was contemporary Christian, and heaven knows how much I hate contemporary Christian music. Why, when it is supposed to be about God, does it always sound like it is about us instead? "I could sing of His love forever" might as well be "I'll be singing this song forever".
You'll love this EP. Go out and find it. Son of Laughter is not quite singer/songwriter, not quite country, not quite spiritual, but all of that and a lot of fun besides. Yes, there are Christian themes woven through the songs, but only if you stop and pay attention. He doesn't hit you over the head with them. Instead, you get playful lyrics (see Cricket in a Jar, the first song) and really complicated music that sounds like he just spun it out on a whim; he's so good he makes it sound easy.
I don't know Chris Slaten's background. But I'm going to find out. And I'll be waiting for what comes next. But you had best listen to this EP all at once. It is not likely to mix easily with whatever else you are listening on your shuffle.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this EP free from the musician and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
