So Much for Substitutes

by Downhere

Overview

In June of 2003, Christian rock band Downhere released their sophomore project So Much for Substitutes. The Canadian threesome, composed of members Marc Martel, Jason Germain, and Glenn Lavender, noted the release as being more guitar-driven and lyrically transparent then their 2001 self-titled album. In an interview with the band's record label Warner Brothers Records -- Christian Division, bassist Lavender stated that So Much for Substitutes "is a much better representation of what we sound like in concert and has much more of a live feel overall." The band points to their inspirations as being Pearl Jam, Coldplay, and Radiohead. However, in terms of follow Christian market artists, the band resembles the vocal style of Petra's John Schlitt and DC Talk's Kevin Max. Musically, the group bears similarities to Switchfoot, and a less produced Delirious. Lyrically, Downhere wanted to challenge Christians to reexamine their priorities. Martel stated that the album's focus is two-fold: first, that life is a journey, and second, as Martel stated, " ... it's time we as believers get back to what's really important when it comes to what we believe and how we share that with others. God doesn't accept us putting half a foot forward, the fake facades we put on, and He certainly won't ever accept any substitutes." Over all, the project is an interesting listen. While it will take several rotations of the disc to gain a good grasp of the individual songs, Downhere offers thought-provoking lyrics. However, with a handful of the songs somewhat depressing in nature, it makes for better listening on a sunny day when spirits tend to be higher and less susceptive to melancholy. ~ Ashleigh Kittle Slater

Product Details

Release Date:	02/05/2021
Label:	Word Distribution
UPC:	0080688625429

Tracks

1. What It's Like
2. Stone
3. Breaking Me Down
4. Iliad
5. Starspin
6. Feels Like Winter
7. Walls
8. How They Love Each Other
9. Headed
10. In America
11. Comatose
12. Last Night's Daydream

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Downhere   Primary Artist
Jimmie Lee Sloas   Vocals,Tambourine
Richie Biggs   Tambourine
David Angell   Violin
Ken Lewis   Percussion
Glenn Lavender   Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Acoustic)
Jason Germain   Piano,Vocals,Keyboards,Organ (Hammond),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Bob Masen   Cello
Marc Martel   Sitar,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Kristin Wilkinson   Viola
David Davidson   Violin

Technical Credits

Jimmie Lee Sloas   Producer
Richie Biggs   Mixing,Engineer
Erick Jaskowiak   Assistant Engineer
Brandon Epps   Assistant
Dave Kay   Wardrobe Design
Michael Modesto   Assistant Engineer
James Bauer   Assistant
Blaine Barcus   A&R
Robin Geary   Groomer
David Johnson   Photography
David Yeager   Assistant Engineer
Shawn McSpadden   Executive Producer
Mike Knowles   Assistant
Glenn Lavender   Composer,String Arrangements
Wayne Brezinka   Design,Art Direction,Layout Design
Jason Germain   Composer,String Arrangements
Jeremy David Cottrell   Assistant
Tammie Harris Cleek   Creative Director
Marc Martel   Composer,String Arrangements
Stephen Marcussen   Mastering
Vance Powell   Assistant
Peter Coleman   Mixing