Abandon Releases Control

San Antonio-based Abandon releases its acclaimed sophomore album, Control, next week (April 19) from Forefront Records. In the two years since Abandon’s Searchlights debut, the band has gathered a Dove nomination, widespread critical acclaim and tours alongside Fireflight, Building 429, Remedy Drive, Teen Mania’s Acquire the Fire, plus many major faith-based festivals. Amongst all the activity, the modern rockers crafted Control, which finds the band taking the next natural evolutionary musical step, while also turning inward for their greatest lyrical depth.

Despite all the interactions with success and fame since first starting as an independent band in 2005, members have encountered through their vast travels (see current tour itinerary below) an even greater realization of their constant dependence on the Lord, who is ultimately in control.

“Seeing something like the Northern Lights in person makes us marvel at the natural, God-orchestrated phenomenon happening in such a beautiful state outside of human control,” lead vocalist Josh Engler muses. “Growing up, we were sheltered a bit and it’s interesting how your perspective of life changes. As we have toured, our core beliefs have remained intact, but it’s interesting how our ‘Northern Lights’ moments have changed our perspective.”

As Control builds upon Abandon’s Coldplay meets The Killers pedigree adding each of the individual band members’ personalities in the studio, Control’s musical muscle is thanks in part to split production duties between Paul Moak (Third Day, Mat Kearney, The Blind Boys of Alabama), Chris Stevens (who also helmed the band’s Searchlights), and Josh Silverberg, a relatively new knob twirler and member of Edison Glass. The resulting combination has sparked songs that are already gathering acclaim with music critics and radio alike.

Hitting the Top 10 at CHR Radio, “Feel It In Your Heart” continues to ascend the chart and becomes the first video from Control, debuting today at www.myspace.com/abandon. The song finds the band casting aside life’s numerous distractions in favor of plugging into God’s plan, stirring up passion to go forth with an eternal mindset.

“They seek God and write music about it,” commends Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost) about Abandon. “I was super privileged to have the opportunity to write two songs with them on this new album. These guys are killer. Get their records, and hear their hearts. Genuine.”

Gillespie co-wrote “Push It Away” and “SOS” on Control, with the latter song becoming a Top 20 Rock radio hit, as the lead single from the album, “Hero,” a new recording of the song featured on Searchlights, became the surprise hit of the new album, landing at No. 1 on both the Way-FM and Air1 radio networks’ charts.

Rapidly gaining new fans as radio continues to spin the hits, music fans can also hear the whole album for a limited time at as it streams from HearItFirst.com, Air1.Com and Radiou.Com. Music critics who have already previewed the album, are also chiming in with their acclaim:

“Abandon’s last long player, which isn’t just its most spiritually engaging to date, but also its most musically explosive…Aside from the infectious nature of the material, one can’t help coming away from the listening experience with a reignited faith and desire to maximize their potential.” – CCM Magazine

“Perhaps the best way to describe Control is to label it a collection of songs that could easily become anthems for the next age of Christian music fans, which is something the Christian music industry has been in need of for quite some time now. This excellent ‘sophomore’ release is definitely preorder worthy.” – JesusFreakHideout.com

“Multiple radio formats have already embraced “Hero”…But there’s more fun to be had before that last track on Control…a big, slick guitar sound and peppy 4/4 beats have the power to continue their upward career momentum.” – CBA Retailers + Resources

“If you’re looking for Christian rock with a little more guts, a little more dance, and a message about our dependence on God, give Abandon’s latest a spin or two…These songs are fun and full of energy.” – Indie Vision Music

“They have a steady rush of uncommon creativity that has both modern flash and worshipful depth… don’t miss out on the best Christian alternative rock album of the year.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com / ChristianMusicReview.org

“From start to finish the band proves that they can write good songs, both musically and lyrically…this album is very good… When the album comes out in April, this will be worth picking up.” – The Christian Manifesto

For more information on Abandon and Control, go to www.abandonrock.com.

Abandon tour dates follow:

Apr 27 Goshen, IN – Crossroads Community Church, 7:00 PM

Apr 28 Greenwood, IN – Greenwood Christian Church, 7:00 PM

Apr 29 Bloomington, IN -The Warehouse, 7:00 PM

Apr 30 Greenville, IL – Bond County Fairground – AgapeFest, 4:30 PM

May 6 Carthage, MO – Carthage Memorial Hall, 7:00 PM

May 20 Flatwoods, KY – Advance Memorial United Methodist Church, 6:00 PM

May 21 Hanover, IN – Hanover College – Local College Festival, 8:00 PM

May 27 Green Bay, WI – Cup O’ Joy, 7:30 PM

May 29 Bartlesville, OK – Sooner Bandshell – Bartlesville’s Rockfest, 7:00 PM

Jun 18 Wilmore, KY – Ichthus Farm, 3:30 PM