Earthsuit
No longer active
Last release: The Rise of Modern Simulation, 2003
We're examining the defunct, melodic and ethereal alternative Christian band Earthsuit this week because of the bankrupt state of style among today's Christian music groups.
You haven't seen this column for several weeks because there's been nothing to write about. Christian bands are blindly following the crowd (though always a step behind) and hopelessly copycatting anything they see being worn on American Idol.
The photos above show the radical sense of fashion that used to drive Christian music at the turn of the century. The imagination and coolness that directed these clothing choices, where's that gone?
I sense a heavy Devo/Blue Man Group influence here, but this could all have been serendipitous, bestowed on them accidentally, by grace. Perhaps their very innocence led to this breakthrough in stage presence.
Earthsuit took a dirt nap in 2003, and the flowering of fashion ended as abruptly as it began. Some band members reformed as Mute Math. The photo of that band (at right) shows a return to drab and pedestrian concert garb, circa 1954.
Apparently, these days real attention to style can only percolate up, from the fans. So this is a call to action.
I blame it all on downsizing from the album LP cover with liner notes, to the CD insert and now to the tiny screen on your mp3 player. What you can't see can neither inspire nor offend.
Earthsuit is dead. Welcome to an eternal Casual Friday. Christian music has no clothes!
Technorati Tags: Earthsuit,
Christian humor, satire, humor
Friday, June 8, 2007
Uglyband: In memory of Earthsuit
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4 comments:
I find it interesting that you have this particular aspect to the website. I have not listened much to Christian Music since the 1980s because i felt what you have described here. I believe it is a watered down message for the most part. Truth is going to offend people. Jesus offended the proud self subscribing people. However that same truth sets those free that choose to receive it. God gives us the mind of Christ as a Christian, if we have intimacy with him. Word says to be daily renewed in that mind by fellowship with God.
So we should be the trend setters in all things and not the followers of the world. That is my opinion.
The last band who dressed cool was Daniel Amos in the 80's ("It's 80's, so where's my rocket pack?") when they put their hair in pseudo-mohawks ("Our hair points to the sky, the place we want to be")...
...or not...
Eric
Hahaha, yikes. Check out the Swiss band, Blindside. They rock the music and the clothing. Good stuff. Not watered down, very honest, and very relevant (i.e. Aids in Africa, spiritual struggles).
Thrice is another huge example of this. They are an incredible band that is pushing the envelope in the alternative/hardcore realm.
It's tough sometimes, but there is some really good quality stuff out there.
Also check out BRMC...Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Son of Michael Been (The Call) and his friends rock through various genre's. Alt-country, alt-rock, plain old rock and roll, etc.
Howl and Baby 81 are the two latest. I have had those (and Jar's "Good Monsters") running non-stop in my car for nearly 2 months...
Eric
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