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Cold Air – New Acceptance Single

Seattle based band, Acceptance, wrote this tune after reuniting from a 10 year hiatus a few years ago, putting their feelings of individual and collective growth within a song. I am grateful for its release and the inspiration it gives to be better humans, to recognize that we need connection and that we must work together. 

From the first note, ‘Cold Air’ feels like awaking to a hazy state of confusion and clarity. The line “Can you see the end of this, it’s closing in” followed by anthemic shouts of “We don’t belong here…We can’t survive here” hits particularly hard in the current wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, embodying the mixture of hopefulness and fear being felt around the world. The tune also serves as a pleading call to the current division the world is facing due to systemic racism within the lines, ‘Don’t it feel like the frontlines…Wait for a time when I’m listening.’ The world is in chaos. We are all worried. We are all fighting. It is time to worry and fight as one, a united front, ensuring everyone is heard and everyone belongs.

Please give this one a listen folks. Following this single, Acceptance plans to release their new EP, Wild, July 24, 2020. Mark your calendars, I’ve got a good feeling about this one. 

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2017 Year End Review

I have been really excited about music this year. My favorite band, Acceptance, reunited after more than a decade of being disbanded and released a new album, I found several new artists to add to my library, and I started this music blog. Thank you for taking the time to read about the music I love. I have enjoyed sharing these tunes with you. The artist that really stands out to me above all others this year is Irish singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy.  You can read my original blog post about him here.  I have not come across music like this in a while. You know, the kind of music you talk about daily (I think my friends are starting to avoid me). The kind of music you tell everyone about (I would shout it from a mountain top if I could). The kind of music that makes you feel alive in the best possible way (it’s  literally like magic). In all honesty, my standard of quality music has changed since I first heard him a few months ago while washing dishes (yes, hand washing dishes) after a long day. If you do nothing else before the end of 2017, go listen to his music. It will take you on an emotional journey leaving you craving more.

Here are some other artists I have had on repeat during 2017.

Thank you again for taking time out of your day to read these posts. It means a lot to me. I hope 2018 brings you much happiness.

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Acceptance – Colliding By Design

When I was in college my roommate and I bought tickets to see the punk rock band Yellowcard. Little did I know I would walk away that night completely enamored by their opening act Acceptance. I remember the night fairly well. I was at New Brookland Tavern, a local bar and music venue in Columbia, SC, eagerly awaiting Yellowcard. When Acceptance took the stage it was like pure magic. Never in my life have I enjoyed live music that much. Jason Vena, lead singer of Acceptance, is by far my favorite vocalist. He is absolutely incredible. Like the heavens open when he opens his mouth incredible. You might chuckle here or think I am exaggerating. I assure you, I am not.

Shortly after they released their debut album Phantoms in 2005 they disbanded. I was so devastated when I heard the news but always held on to some hope that they would one day reunite. Periodically I searched for anything new, and it always led to disappointment until late last year when I found out the band was back together and would soon release their next album. I am not joking when I say this was one of the best days of my life. I am talking birth of my children best day, wedding day best day and all the other life changing days of ones life. I was on cloud nine.

So what do I think of the new album Colliding By Design, that was released in February 2017 by this amazing Seattle based band? I love it! I really enjoy the 80’s rock vibe throughout each song on this album. I do not even want to pick favorites because I think every song is incredible, but I will say that I have a soft spot for the tune “Goodbye.” Enjoy listening to this album, and if you like it, I hope you are lucky enough to see them live one day.