I admit to being very late on this one, after all, downhere’s first album came out in 2001 and they have released a total of 11 albums and EP’s. I’ve had my opportunities over the past few years to listen after hearing recommendations and some buzz about them. Unbeknownst to me I’d also heard some of their songs from the album “Ending Is Beginning”, but didn’t put it together. I even had met and visited with one of the band members. Such is Nashville.
Finally, I took it upon myself late last year to listen to the band’s most recent album “On The Alter Of Love” and then immediately proceeded to their 2009 Christmas offering “How Many Kings”. I was blown away. They quickly became my most listened to albums and the latter was by far my favorite Christmas album of the year. I wish I had discovered it two years ago.
I had also heard about one of the two lead singer’s Marc Martel, who sounds just like Queen’s Freddie Mercury, and ended up winning the vocalist spot on the Queen Extravaganza Tour. I followed the competition about the same time I purchased the albums. It was all falling into place for me.
Now here we are well into 2012 and I have not stopped listening to either incredible project. I’ve also purchased “Ending Is Beginning” (also incredible), which they released in 2008 and about to add more of their music to my collection.
There is a LOT I love about downhere, but what gets me the most is their authenticity, strong lyrics, and distinct artistry. In a format where many songs are feel good childlike lullabies, downhere pushes preconceived boundaries yet converges on the essence of the Gospel message.
Downhere has won countless awards in Canada, a couple in the U.S., and deserve a whole lot more. I hope this Ridiculously Talented band will keep making music as I catch up on the depth of their creative work I should have been listening to 10 years ago.
Totally my bad.
As you continue to listen back through their catalog you’ll discover that all their other records are well … incredible. For us fans who’ve been following downhere for YEARS, we still scratch our heads and wonder how these guys haven’t gotten more attention. Almost mind boggling really.
Hopefully you aren’t jumping on the bandwagon too late! It has the potential to be an interesting year …
Hi Mark, thanks for the comment. I have no doubt I will like their earlier music just as much, if not more. It is certainly mind boggling how they are not getting more attention in comparison to how much they deserve it. Sadly, I’ve seen the same thing happen to many other artists. There is no logical reasoning and it always leads me back to believing that the phrase “cream always rises to the top” is a lie.
From what I understand it will indeed be an interesting year, but in the meantime I will do my diligent duty and catch up with my lost years of being a fan.