THE LISTENING: The Listening LP

The Listening

The Listening LP

© 2005 L-Town Music Group (695677017521)

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One of the most exciting new bands to come from the Northwest in the last 10 years. Lush keyboards, chiming vintage toned guitars, stripped down drums color the record as hushed, throaty vocals deliver line after line...

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notes

"With hints of Sigur Ros, Death Cab For Cutie, Radiohead as well as classic rock like Pink Floyd and The Beatles, The Listening has nonetheless forged the band's own unique sonic identity. In the process, they have revealed one of the truly great albums of the past few years - melancholy, lush, captivating and passionate. There is a sense, with The Listening, of trespassing on sacred ground and being caught by the maker, and like the music, the only response is hushed awe."--Ryan Ro, Phantom Tollbooth


"I am confident that this record is unparalleled: there is nothing else on the shelves that stands alongside the great experimental rock albums like "OK Computer", "The Wall", or even " The Last Broadcast" and "X&Y". This album takes its place there with no hesitation. In the right hands, this album could be absolutely massive here in the UK. Wherever this collection of songs leads the band, it's a CD you will want in your collection as soon as it's released, so that you can say a few years down the line "I bought The Listening when it came out- I was one of the first".--Daniel Haimes, Leicester U.K.

"From the swirling synths that open the album to the fading strings that bring it to a close I was completely mesmerised. Mysterious and passionate, The Listening marries the lush atmospheres of Radiohead and Doves to the spiritually charged lyricism of U2 or even Nick Cave. At times drenched in sadness, at times trembling in awe, this collection of emotionally honest songs somehow avoids becoming lost in meaningless melancholia. Definitely one of my all time favourite records!"--Gareth Sobey, Adelaide, Australia



"Stepping into The Listening"
Biography by John J. Thompson

Is it all too obvious? A band whose very name serves as a kind of unfolding instruction dares to tell its audience exactly what to do? By no means. For in the case of this new-veteran assembly of ambient, loud, mystical troubadours, their name is a reflection of themselves, as any moniker should rightly be. And in this case, these young men are The Listening.

By boldly and unapologetically blending seemingly incongruous elements into their brew, The Listening is simply furthering a long term fascination with a sort of eclectic, musical and meditational Dadaism. The supposedly “secular” realm of Rock and Roll, from early psychedelia to 90’s era alternative, becomes an altar in the wilderness of the modern world; an outpost in a strange land. Deeply spiritual, painfully reflective and personally honest confessions splash across this canvas like unlicensed doses of shocking red. Faint echoes of Brother Lawrence, Thomas Milton, St. Francis of Assisi, John Lennon and Jesus Christ amble through hallways of the soul like ghosts checking doorknobs to unlocked and uncleaned bedchambers. The speakers overhead crackle with electro-magnetic noise, bringing announcements from the next world. A monk waits quietly at the front gate, tuning a vintage Stratocaster with a tear in one eye and a glimmer of hope in the other. The noise of the street, the caterwauling vendors, the pontificating pundits and the rest of the lost mouths bathe the outside world in a cacophony of useless noise. But inside The Listening, a wash of vintage analog synthesizers, ancient drums, a reliquary of well worn guitars and the plaintive, soulful sound of the human voice creates a sort of Franciscan spiritual drone that keeps the wolves of the world at bay. In the swirling sounds comes a strange silence of the soul. In its greatest moments, a still small voice can be heard.

Mixed-metaphors and pretentious ruminations aside, for all practical purposes The Listening is a rock band; A rock band with strains of Pink Floyd, U2, Sigur Ros’, Love and Rockets and The Beatles wafting through their transom, and well worn Bibles within inches of their gear. Though they are a new entity, several of the cast of cast members have the momentum of years’ worth of touring, recording, dreaming and chasing God together behind them. Previous incarnations presented a sort of modern-day, amped up tent revival, with strains of rapturous praise and rock and roll revelry seamlessly intertwined. But The Listening is what happens when the earth shakes and a gale force wind takes down the tent, tears it from top to bottom and makes its very presence within the assembly. The tools of the trade are still scattered about, but they are used very differently. The voices are still singing, but not quite as much as the ears, and hearts, are listening to the calm, straining for the voice behind the silence. This is definitely a new moment.

Vocalist and guitarist Gabriel Wilson tries his best to describe the thing as he explains, “It’s not a ‘Rock Show' per se, but an 'experience' that includes Rock and Roll music. It’s enveloping, tragic, ambiguous, and healing.” Keyboardist Josiah Sherman revels in the flow. “It’s an experience from beginning to end,” he says. “One song flows into another and hopefully the listener feels something bigger than himself. It’s not just a musical experience but rather a spiritual one.” Wilson sees the same phenomenon and feels it is an answer to an inner need in both the audience and the band. “I believe that people come to experience something outside of them when they come to The Listening. They're brought to a place of introspection, getting in touch with their souls, and the struggle within.” Wilson goes on, with a dreamy look in his eye, and a strange, peaceful smile, as he describes the sense of quiet that permeates the venue as the volume of the music ascends. “Something from outside moves all of us, the band and the audience, inward. Often people don't clap, or jump up and down... or really even move at all. Its uncanny; such a contrast from modern rock regalia. Yet, that's the beauty of it. We are attracting people that, whether they know it or not, want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
Wilson knows The Listening is striking a much needed nerve as the feedback pours in like secrets in a confessional. “I've been told that it has been the single most spiritual experience that some people have ever had. This testimony has come from both religious people and those not associated with any faith at all. One person said ‘When you played, it felt like I had a huge hole in my chest that had finally been filled by something.’ Others have said ‘God is in the room.’” These are the words that fuel The Listening’s passion for their new era, and the words that echoed in the hearts and minds of the band as they sought to capture this experience on tape.

For their self-titled debut, the band set up in a well-worn studio, with their arsenal of vintage tube and analog gear surrounding them. “We're purists in that respect,” Wilson admits with glee. “We have five Moog synthesizers in the family and five Vox AC30 guitar amps. The drums are all old 1960's Ludwigs and even our cymbals are old... the hi-hats are from the 1940's!” Holding up the bottom end of the sonic spectrum, both in the studio and on stage, is a significant departure from the standard bass guitar. “One of the more unique aspects of our band is our low end,” Wilson continues. “We don't use bass guitar. Instead, we use old Moog synths to create a low end presence that is much bigger than that of a bass guitar. The notes pulse sometimes, but other times are long and sustained sub-octaves. In other words, tones that are eight notes lower than a bass guitar can even hit. Some have said that the low end ‘carries’ the audience live. It’s huge.” The sounds, of course, are captured on analog two-inch tape instead of anything digital. “Tape is becoming a forgotten format with the advent of digital technology,” Wilson says. “But again, we're purists. Analog always wins.” Once the songs were recorded and mixed, the band went to the legendary Chris Blair of Abbey Road Studios for mastering. “Chris is a guru of old EMI gear,” Wilson adds. “He's done a lot of older records for Abbey Road's most famous clients, including the Beatles.” With a more recent resume that includes several significant influences of The Listening, including RADIOHEAD (Ok Computer, Hail to the Thief,) and TRAVIS, Blair proved to be the perfect choice for The Listening’s self-titled, and self-produced debut.

So now The Listening hits the road, offering their experience to any and all who would have it. The venues are diverse, the audiences eclectic, and the band, ecstatic. In the case of this rain-and-spirit-soaked flock from the Pacific Northwest, “listening” is not a particularly somber or even quiet affair. In the world they find themselves traversing, there is a level of persistent noise that must be wrestled with, and beaten down. Thus their ambient, cascading and even pulsating sound is a visceral and auditory rebuke of the chaos that reigns in the hearts and minds of too many human beings, including first and foremost, themselves. As the Fenders rage against the dying of the night, the calm comes, amidst the storm. It is in this vortex that you will find The Listening, and the experience is delivered with loving passion and unrelenting commitment to tone and truth on their debut release.

If your spirit is willing, you too are invited to step into The Listening.

reviews

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  • The Listening
    author: M. Wayne Hunt

    Once in a while you here certain songs on the radio and you can not wait to hear them again! This is how I feel about this Album, I had to call the radio station to get their name and how to grab that album. I play it like there is no tomorrow! Thank You may God richly Bless your talents with more and more music!

  • Just amazing
    author: Pieter van Dam

    This is the best CD I heard in many years. I can listen for hours and still you want to hear it again and again. It's just amazing God can give these guys so much talent and musicality! Can't wait for the new CD that is coming this year!

  • More than 5 stars a for sure 7 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: larry mitchell

    I see people comparing this CD and group to other groups and CD's. To me no comparing these guys got it simply because this CD is about the creator of life and music. Truly music is a gift from God.

  • Loved it!
    author: SandyB

    I loved this CD. My daughter's boyfriend is in a local Christian band and I will be sure he hears it.

  • great cd great band.....
    author: mathew c

    they bring out great cd's and this is the best yet. strong sounds , strong music with a deep faith. the listening are a band to look out for !!!!!!.

  • Amazing cd, couldn't of been happier with my transaction ive made.
    author: Matthew

    Im happy for making this transaction with you guys/girls. The cd is great, i got just what i wanted and i couldnt of asked for more. Especially having this cd now, whenever im in the mood for something good to listen too, i just pop it in and there ya go. Thanks once again!!!!!

  • A Spiritual High...
    author: Becky McGowan

    I was moved by the soul-felt lyrics and unending layers of unique sound. While listening to the album, it seemed as though I was removed from time and space. Some of the tracks took me to places of full-on worship and peace while others found me examining my own heart. I was a fan of Worship Circus and am so grateful for this fresh direction and sound.

  • The instrumentals were tight!
    author: Travis

    I loved the instrumentals and the ending of Lovely Red Lights, that was one of the bombest endings of a song I've heard. Stay true, peace.

  • this CD blew me away I love rockandroll worship circus when they changed their
    author: ingram sinanan

    this cd blew me away I love it!!!

  • author: David Fordham

    Ever since I first heard these guys i've bought all their cd's and this site has got it spot on. The album is by far their most experimental in terms of sounds, and is both mellow and passionate. Absolutely vital to have in your CD collection!

  • author: Rick

    This CD is Awesome. It reminds me of Pink Floyd, the only differance is it glorifies the name of Jesus. Very cool!!!

  • This is the best CD I've heard this year, and as professional music critic I've
    author: David McCreary

    As a professional music critic, I have the opportunity to hear plenty of CDs, but this one outshines everything I've heard this year. The Listening has assembled a cohesive and exceedingly enjoyable disc. I can't get enough of it!

  • Great album
    author: Joseph

    Thought-provoking and spiritually intense blend of hard, groovy art-rock. These guys are as professional as they come and they rock. They are definitely worth a listening.....

  • My favorite CD of the last decade.
    author: Mike

    I have followed Gabe and the band from their first album as the Worship Circus forward and I have to say that this album blew me away when I heard it and I haven't stopped listening to it since. The lyrics are like a peek inside someone's heart and they take you on this journey that continues to reveal new things with each listen. The music is amazing. Atmospheric, powerful yet it paints a vivid picture of the song. Live, The Listening are amazing. The Holy Spirit fills the venue and at times it seems as if the love of God can't get any more powerful but it does.

  • You know it's good when.......
    author: Vanessa A.

    You know a cd is good when you feel the music through your whole body, when you can listen to it over and over and over and are still not sick of it, when it brings you not only into the sound but the lyrics speek to you. It rocks!!! The best I have heard in along time.

  • wowee amazing
    author: unwanted eeyore

    Incredible CD , great music you can feel passion pounding through the notes, I met these guys in the hexagon reading who'd have thought guys with such odd hair could make such wonderfull sounds. Buy this CD you will not be dissapointed

  • very good CD! Special atmosphere and good sound!
    author: julien knaub

    Original pictures for the jacket and original sound..

  • WOW!
    author: jwaltb

    After hearing this about four times now, I'd have to say the metamorphosis was one huge SUCCESS! With hints of great synth-enhanced groups like Pink Floyd, ELP, and even a bit of one of my old favorite Christian bands, Vector, The Listening has created a unique sound that rocks the body, captures the imagination, and uplifts the spirit. Keep it up guys!

  • A rare treat... a perfect CD.
    author: Karsten in Canada

    After hearing tracks online, I had to order this CD. Since then it hasn't left my CD player. I hope it reaches national & international distribution; it will be rated as one of the years best and possibly the best Christian album ever. This is a beautiful meld of the best of Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Muse, a touch of Pink Floyd with great lyrics. "Be in Your Eyes" is one of the most intensly personal songs I have heard in years and each song stands on its own merits. Hope they make it up to Canada soon.

  • you need this cd.
    author: jess

    its amazing. period.

  • The Listening is captivating, and arrestingly beautiful.
    author: Mary-Kathryn

    This music is the best I've found in a long time. It reached out, grabbed me and took me on an amazing journey. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

  • Amazing Album!
    author: Lizzy

    The CD is great and flows from track to track so well. Definitely one to keep forever!

  • What a find. Gives me hope for music.
    author: Bryan

    I'm so glad someone suggested this CD to me. I've been so bored with the music scene in general but this album (and it truly is an "album" in the traditional overall concept) has rekindled hope for what music can be when people push themselves to create something beautiful. Amazing sonics, deep lyrics that reveal more with each listen...a work of art for rock music. Don't hesitate to get this CD.

  • phenomenal
    author: matt

    this cd is fantastic. Period. get it.

  • Amazingly Breath Taking Cd
    author: Alison

    This CD was absolutly amazing! And they have the potential of being even better, if that is what they choose.

  • Certainly Worth The Listening!
    author: Malc, England

    Forget comparisons this is a musical treat. First the EP and now the LP - the more you play them the more you realise you are being taken along a musical experience and listening journey that touches the spiritual. Well done The Listening and do not leave it to long before you visit Liverpool or area again - I cannot wait to hear this one live!

  • Great new direction.
    author: Andy

    I saw The Listening once, then The Rock and Roll Worship Circus. They headlined this cool Youth rally event called Forklift and I really loved the way they did their worship and some of their new songs (one of which was actually untitled). However I wasn't a big fan of pretty much everything else. It seemed like they were in a transitional stage. Then I heard their new songs on Myspace and loved it. They remind me so much of so many of my favorite artists. If you can sound anything like Radiohead then you're amazing in my book. Keep up the good work Listening because you're on the right path. I want to see more from you.

  • The listening is a breathe of fresh air
    author: Drew Powell

    Imagine the good moments of the 80's mixed with the right historical influences and then add a unique twist on modern rock worship and you have arrived at the listening. This stellar disc offers thought provoking lyrics with a wonderful blend creative sound. It is always a blessing to see that there are musicians that use their talents to bless God, bless listeners and not worry about the corperate nod of radio play. Well done, call me the and know that I am listening and waiting for more. Look forward to the live show!

  • Lots of layers of music woven together
    author: Keith

    The boys in the band have done a very good thing. This album is totally stuck in our CD player and Media player. The album has a number of layers to it, each layer, be it singing, guitars, bass, percussion, sometimes go off in different directions but stay together. Such as "Isaiah", bonus tracks, that song seems to be a good example of what I mean. While the percussion takes off and is steady throughout the song, as each layer comes in together, they seem to come and go during the song. Very solid, definately not "radio" music, not everyone will catch all of Gabe and the boys are saying. A little on the heavy side but maybe we have been listening to to much light stuff (i.e. radio).

  • awesome and amazing
    author: victoria lepinay

    these guys are so amazing .like they tell it how it is .they are raw with their words.they bring life to a dead soul. i lvoe then love them love them.alot and gabe is the greatttttest guy i have met by a long shot.

  • AMAZING cd... Good sounds
    author: Jonathan

    This cd is really good.. I love it... Its hard to find good bands that have a fresh sound ... Death cab electronic feel with a Sigur Ros ambient and melodic sound... i LOVE it...

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