Sparrow Records’ Much Buzzed-About Band Samestate Debut
The Alignment To Lively Critical Acclaim
Powerful New Single “Shadows” Impacting CHR Radio Later This Month
Foursome Hits the Road This Spring with Family Force 5 and Building 429
Just days after Sparrow Records’ standout newcomers Samestate released their debut LP, they are receiving praise from critics and fans for their musical efforts on The Alignment, available now.
The four who make up Samestate (lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Dalton Diehl, guitarist Darren Harms, bassist Ryan Lytle and guitarist/keyboardist Raymond Wyatt) merge their individual identities and musical influences into a cohesive musical unit with their debut, and with the help of veteran producer Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Third Day, Seabird), the end result is infectious and approachable, as demonstrated by what the press is saying:
“There are the alternately atmospheric and strummy verses leading up to bombastic, fist-pumping choruses; the God-centered lyrics that ooze passion and seek to inspire (as on “Wake Me Up” and “Hearts Like Fire”); the slick, radio-ready production… Samestate has enough hooks and ardor to make a name for itself.” – Christianity Today
“It’s clear these guys have a knack for catchy choruses and mighty melodies, along with a lyrical bent of leading listeners to embrace God’s plan for their lives. Add in cutting edge production from Paul Moak (Third Day, Mat Kearny) and Samestate is certainly poised for prominence.” – CCM
“Their alternative rock sound certainly brings flair and a creativity to the table…to say I was captivated during the 40-minute musical and lyrical journey is an understatement by far.” – ChristianMusicZine.com
“…they seem to do the stadium-style rock thing better than most. The musicianship here is excellent and the production is of a high standard. Singer Dalton Diehl has a distinctive quality to his voice, intriguingly reminiscent of Marcus Mumford, which lends credence to the well put-together lyrics. Clearly Samestate are a band who merit further attention…” –Cross Rhythms
In addition to the praise for the album, Samestate’s second single from The Alignment, “Shadows” goes for adds at CHR radio on March 30. “Shadows,” co-written by Diehl and Needtobreathe’s Bear Rinehart, is the follow up to Samestate’s breakout single, “Hurricane,” which rocketed into the CHR Top 5, peaking at No. 3.
“We, as humans, are always being pulled by something,” says lead singer Diehl. “’Shadows’ is a song that addresses a situation most all of us have been in: The aftermath of a good decision. What comes after making a move to follow the Lord closer? Why is it so hard? Because of the fall of man and the battle between good and evil, it is inevitable that we will feel a tug away from the light. Don’t become slave to the darkness. Take your light and shine it to the shadows.”
To watch the “Stairway Sessions” version of “Shadows,” please visit: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=F2CE0JNU. Samestate showcase their musicianship and Diehl’s voice in a series of organically shot videos the band filmed in locations just off the beaten path, these “Stairway Sessions” feature acoustic renditions of songs from The Alignment.
Samestate will spend the spring as the opening act for Family Force 5 on the “Rise Up Tour” during March and April, visiting markets including Minneapolis, Kansas City and Dallas. After wrapping that stint, the band will join Building 429’s 15-city Radio Listener Appreciation Tour through April and May.
For more information on Samestate and their project, The Alignment, as well as a full list of tour dates, please visit www.samestatemusic.com.
###
About Samestate:
The heart behind the Kansas natives of Samestate, is to become better men through everything that happens while following the plans God has for their lives. Since their inception in 2009, the band has stayed true to their vision as they quickly entered the music world touring the mid-west and working with producers such as Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Jennifer Knapp, Third Day) and Brandon Paddock (Leeland, Abandon Kansas, Queens Club) to develop their alternative rock sound, while continuing to dig deeper in their relationship with Christ. Now, after signing with major label EMICMG, the four-piece band prepares to take the next step in their musical journey with the release of their debut full-length album titled The Alignment, which bowed on Feb. 28, 2012.
About the Author
