Canadian rock quartet Evans Blue was established in Toronto in 2005. The band started as a quintet with pioneer members; Darryl Brown, Kevin Matisyn, Parker Lauzon, Joe Pitter, and Vlad Tanaskovic.
After witnessing several line-up changes, Evans Blue currently houses; guitarist Parker Lauzon, bassist Joe Pitter, guitarist Vlad Tanaskovic and vocalist Dan Chandler. The band got linked with Pocket Recordings in 2005 where they released their debut album “The Melody and the Energetic Nature of volume.”
For about two decades, Evans Blue has garnered millions of fans worldwide. Their albums have made over one million sales globally. Many who listen to songs by the band have raised questions about the band being a Christian band, owing to the Christian symbolism in some songs by the band. This article will analyze the band’s lyrical composition, concepts, and statements by band members to address the question: is Evans Blue a Christian band?
Is Evans Blue a Religious Band?
Before examining the status of Evans Blue as a religious band, it is important to look at what it means to be a religious band. A religious band is a band whose songs are influenced by the beliefs of a particular religious group. One can identify a religious band from the type of songs the band churns out and the beliefs and lifestyle of band members.
In an interview with vocalist Dan Chandler and Loudwire, when asked about what influenced their song “Halo” he stated:
“That’s kind of where I was sitting at the time when I wrote this. I was thinking, not to be against a God or necessarily for a God, but just to be angry. I think that’s something you’ve got to go through when you’ve lost something and it sticks with you for so long. It’s just one of those things – you want to be angry, it’s part of the process and maybe these songs are part of my getting over its process. The song has a lot to do with just speaking to God and just saying “I’m mad.” It’s just one of those things, and the thing about it is, I can’t even say that I believe in a God, I’m not saying I do or I don’t, so it’s one of those strange things if I didn’t believe in God, why am I writing the song with that kind of a directive, it doesn’t even make sense.”
The band has not been so expressive of their religious beliefs. Members of the group have not publicly stated if they belong to a religious group or not but we’ve noticed several religious and spiritual elements embedded in their songs. Some of such songs are:
“iGod” by Evans Blue
“You won’t be satisfied until you save my life
Questions followed by reasons you’ll pray for me
And how you’ll sacrifice when it’s you who’s lost inside
I’m not your fault
I’m your disease
Here’s to your god
Why? Do you hold back the anger?
Why? Do you hide the insane?
Why? Won’t you channel the rage
And use what your god gave you!”
“End of Me” by Evans Blue
“Growing up to cure diseases only to be buried by one
Then tell them Jesus has his reasons
I know how it must seem to hear these words as a cloud
A depressing and condescending broken record too loud
But they’re my words and thoughts
And I choose to persevere
I refuse to give up
And let the future end here
You took my Halo! Lo! Lo!”
A Cross and a Girl Name Blessed
“There’s a pretty girl somewhere with a pretty name
But I could never let you know how much this means
I swear we’ll end this war because we both know
It wasn’t worth fighting for
I wear God’s name up by my wrist
But she might as well tear my skin off
She’s letting go of convictions to release the ghosts inside
To release all the suffering of a cross and a girl
I sing “I love you” way too much
SoI’lll say “I hate you” for tonight “
The Tease
“Hold your hands into the sky
Pray for my sin, instead of time
Big cities’ action of my big city girl
Think she builds her heaven
‘Cause she finds it’s a lonesome world
Filled with dirty street cars and dirty signs
I hope there comes a time when
I get to see your dirty mind”
What Kind of Music Band is Evans Blue?
Evans Blue is a Canadian rock band. Rock music is one of the most popular music genres that originated first in the United States and then in the early 1950s in the United Kingdom. The rock music genre draws some influences from rhythm and blues, jazz, country music, folk, electric blues, and other music styles.
The instrumentation for rock bands is mostly electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums with three or more vocalists. Lyrics are centered on diverse real-life experiences including love, romance and friendship, political activism, and other social issues. Evans Blue combines elements of alternative rock, hard rock, and post-grunge.
Songs by Evans Blue are characterized by less abrasive and intense tones, thick/distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, repetitive riffs, strong bass drums, and driving rhythms. The themes in the band’s songs range from pains to lies, anxiety, burden, love and romance, courage, encouragement, faith and spirituality, depression, self-recovery, and mastery.
Evans Blue has released five studio albums under record labels like; Hollywood, Pocket, Sounds + Sight, F.O.F, and EMI. Their debut album “The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume” peaked at No. 1 on the US Heat Chart and subsequent albums by the band have also topped various American music charts.
Is Evans Blue a Christian Band?
To answer the question of Evans Blue being a Christian band or not, it is important to get a clear picture of what it means to be a Christian and Christian band. A Christian is someone who believes in the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ, the founder of the religion.
Christians also believe in God the father, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Bible, and other pillars and structures of the Christian religion. One can easily recognize a Christian band from its music style, lyrical composition, attitudes, and lifestyle of band members.
Some Christian bands of today have tilted from the conventional hymns, praise and worship styles to genres and styles like pop, metal, rap, folk, contemporary Christian music, and Christian rock to make songs, but with the same goal of expressing individual and communal beliefs in Christianity and spreading positive Christian messages.
To be addressed or categorized as a Christian band, the band must publicly label itself as Such. The band should have members who are Christians and are expressive of their faith in the religion. Songs from a Christian band usually portray Christian themes, beliefs, and laws and make references to the Bible. These songs should be suitable for use in churches and other Christian gatherings.
Evans Blue has not been categorized as a Christian band and band members have not labeled the band as one. Also, band members have not made public comments about their religious association and because of that, there is no information about it. Some songs by the band contain Christian imagery, and we can only attribute this to any of the following reasons; their personal beliefs and spirituality, relationship with God, past religious background, or affiliations.
The band has not labeled itself “Christian” nor have band members identified as Christians. They might have personal spiritual beliefs or faith but we do not consider the band a Christian band.
Evans Blue Christian Songs
Christian songs are used to spread the gospel or share positive Christian messages. Such songs are used to express beliefs and faith in the Christian religion. Christian songs are usually recognized and listed on Christian music sites, forums, or other platforms and are made available for consumption by the audience.
Though some songs by Evans Blue make use of Christian imagery, we do not categorize them as Christian songs. The band explores varieties of themes in their songs and they do not meet the criteria to be classified as a Christian song.
Is Evans Blue a Satanic Band?
No! Evans Blue is not a Satanic band. A Satanic band can be defined by the type of songs the band churns out and the beliefs of band members. A Satanic band promotes the Devil, Satanic beliefs, and practices. Their music features dark and creepy lyrics, videos, or concepts.
Members of Evans Blue have not shown any form of affiliation with Satanism, their songs do not promote demon worship or other Satanic practices. Though few songs by the band portray dark themes, after a close look at such songs, we do not consider them Satanic and the band is not a Satanic band.
Conclusion
Good music is a creative, artistic, or aesthetic piece used to express the emotions, thoughts, ideas, feelings, and beliefs of the songwriter. Songs by Evans Blue are not classified as Christian songs because they address an array of themes that are relatable to humans. As a result, we do not consider the band a Christian band.
However, Evans Blues has used their personal experiences, and societal and political issues infused with a bit of spirituality to produce great songs that resonate with millions of fans globally.
Think we were wrong? Write your reasoning in the comments and prove us wrong!