Christian experimental music?

[stonetoflesh]

I think the Christian "anti-folk" artists (Danielson Famile, Sufjan Stevens, Anathallo, et al) are about the closest I've come so far in my search for Christian "experimental music". Unusual instrumentation, creative arrangements, intelligent lyrics (if any)... Am I the only person around here who craves more experimentally-minded music made by Christians?

 

[white_frog914]

I remember being completely blown away the first time I heard Anathallo, so I'll agree with you.

Have you ever heard of Galactic Cowboys? They're long broken up, but they're semi-experimental, they don't have the same sound as the bands you listed do though.

 

[Citanul]

I'm not sure if it fits you definition of "experimental", but if you're interest in Christian prog rock, check out this site: www.spiritualprog.com

 

[The Theory]

Daniel Amos' early work was superb. Especially the Alarma! Chronicles.
Their cd "Fearful Symmetry" has one of the craziest songs I've ever heard from a Christian market band.

Daniel Amos' lead singer/songwriter/genious is Terry Scott Taylor. Go to www.danielamos.com and get his solo 2 disc set, "Imaginarium." It'll cost you $20, but it's well worth it. Especially if you're into Daneilson Famile stuff. But yeah, Terry Scott Taylor is freakin' insane. Such vision.

I assume you're familiar with Half Handed Cloud?

Beyond that... there really isn't much. Christians have never been too into "experimentalism"... and labels are very unwilling to release it because there is zero market for it.

I'm glad I saw this thread-- experimental music is definitely my quest in life. If I think of anything else I'll post it.

 

[The Theory]

see, I thought of another just now.

Tantrum of the Muse. They're harder than anything you listed, but their two cds are totally whacked out. Very Mike Patton influenced, but with a Roadside Monument twist. Both of their cds (The Heart Is A Two Headed Sperm and Moderm Mu$ic 2000) are mega out of print and can be tough to find, but they do pop up on ebay several times a year. Their first cd, THIATHS is definitely harder, but very eerie. Their second one is a lot more toned down stylistically, but I think it's brilliant.

 

[The Theory]

And another one.

Suffering & The Hideous Theives. Jeff Suffering had been in the very good Tooth & Nail spazz-punk band Ninety Pound Wuss. Then they broke up and he became himself. The vocals are very Mike Patton influenced, with the music leaning more towards a waltzy folk... only with no holds barred. The good news is that his stuff is still in print and can be found at www.lujorecords.com at reasonable prices. I recommend their album "Ashamed."

 

[thenewageriseth]

[quote=gnombient]I think the Christian "anti-folk" artists (Danielson Famile, Sufjan Stevens, Anathallo, et al) are about the closest I've come so far in my search for Christian "experimental music". Unusual instrumentation, creative arrangements, intelligent lyrics (if any)... Am I the only person around here who craves more experimentally-minded music made by Christians?[/quote]

You mean like ambience music? or New Age type music mixed with electronica and Christian music? kinda like that?

 

[white_frog914]

Oh Jacob, one day I hope that you will discover the "edit" button.

Until then, I promise to check out the bands you mentioned once I get home.

 

[holyrokker]

Ester Drang http://www.esterdrang.com

You really need to go to Cornerstone Festival to find what you're looking for.

There are always a handful of bands that defy musical description.

 

[thenewageriseth]

What is Christian experimental music? Can someone tell me?

 

[swingnscream]

First thing that comes to mind would be the Listening
Mute Math
ActionReaction [not sure about the Christian title, but they come from the Christian scene]
Something else that maybe a little "anti folk" would also be Riley Armstrong

maybe some of those would be to your taste? I think of some other, but they maybe too mainstream even though they're still rather experimental in what they do or attempt. Anyways, Enjoy.

 

[The Theory]

ActionReaction is awesome... though I definitely wouldn't consider them experimental.

MuteMath, maybe. Probably moreso live than on record.

 

[thenewageriseth]

Wait, what is Christian experimental music? How does it sound? Can someone tell me?

 

[The Theory]

experimental is a concept more than a specific sound. Essentially, it stretches the boundaries of what we consider "pop" or "rock" or "jazz" or whatever music. It rarely has mass appeal, and usually it's main purpose in being created is... well, creativity. Usually mixed with sounds that may seem random or out of place, but fit in with the underlying theme.

For example, I would consider Bjork to be experimental (though, not Christian) because she doesn't limit herself to "pop music" and what other people say should sound good. Another example would be Merzbow. Another non-Christian artist, his music is essentially noise and finding the patterns that emerge from it. Neither Bjork or Merzbow sound anything alike, but they are experimental.

 

[thenewageriseth]

So it's like industrial music, only different?

 

[The Theory]

well. not really... i mean. Industrial music CAN be experimental-- but as a rule I wouldn't say industrial is experimental music. Like I said-- it's more or a mindset then a genre.

Go to amazon.com and check out some of the sound clips they have of the Danielson Famile and Half-Handed Cloud. And then Sufjan Stevens.

 

[stonetoflesh]

You mean like ambience music? or New Age type music mixed with electronica and Christian music? kinda like that?

Not necessarily. Some ambient music might fall into the experimental camp, some might not; like The Theory said in a recent post, "experimental" isn't really a genre label, it's really more descriptive ofa state of mind or how one approaches the process of making music than anything else. An experimental musician 's work might draw from one or more genres (rock, jazz, folk, classical, industrial, ambient, etc.); at some point though, familiar genre conventions are cast off in favor of experimenting with other elements-- "non-traditional" instrumentation, unusual rhythmic/harmonic/melodic elements, incorporating electronic noise or field recordings, or anything else which the musician can think of. So while a genre tag might be helpful to the uninitiated listener as an initial point of departure, they can definitely be misleading... Christian experimental music = experimental music made by Christians.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone; time to do some research!

 

[The Theory]

Now that I think about it, I'll mention 16 Horsepower, also. Along with Woven Hand. If you're familiar with some of Sounds Familyre's (the record label) albums, you might be aware of Woven Hand. It is David Eugene Edward's solo project which tends to be fairly... I don't want to say mellow... but almost has that feel toit, despite it's occational fierce disposition. David Eugene Edwards also worked with 16 Horsepower which had put on one of the best live shows I've seen. They were similar to Woven Hand, only more intense. I used to describe them as "gothic americana with a punk rock heart." But even that doesn't really do it justice.

 

[ParaCristo]

What is Christian experimental music? Can someone tell me?

Relient K....cuz you must be Experimenting with something to listen to them

 

[holyrokker]

Carman