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If asked to describe what Indy United does, a broad range of answers could be given. Some would say they perform rock that divides soul and spirit, while some would say they are like mighty Viking warlords, thundering the heavens from atop majestic iron steeds. The answer that bassist and front man Corey Brecht would give sounds like this: "We like to think we musically deliver a deadly round-house-kick to your face, the kind you never knew you always needed. It would be like if you crossed Billy Graham with a singing/dancing/rocking Chuck Norris." Perhaps this defamation of American icons doesn't make sense to you therefore we will look at it through a different perspective.
Say what you will about Indy United but at least say they have heart. Since their inception in 2002 they have seen nearly a dozen different members come and go, including one front man. "We've always believed in what we really need to do, I think that's what has kept us going," says guitarist Stephen Laing, "even when we had to start the band completely over from scratch." Through all the trials and hardships this Toledo quartet has experienced they have clung to the hope they have in Jesus to see them through. "The whole reason we do this band is to share hope with those who need it, so it only makes sense that we acknowledge our need for hope also," says Corey, "it keeps us humble."
2006 will mark the second year this line up has been performing together and will also see their first release in over a year. The forthcoming ep, Break Ties, has been highly anticipated by Indy United fans near and far as it displays what the band believes to be its best batch yet. A better grasp on song structure and more mature song writing than their 2004 independent release, Better Days Ahead, can be heard in this latest endeavor. According to drummer Matt Clair "We all put a lot more thought and energy into these songs, I think it shows." "So far, the few who have had a preview have received it really well" says guitarist and most recent addition Drew Huntington, "I can't wait to see what everyone else will think of it."
The album kicks off with the power-pop tune You're the One, followed by the intense and powerful Untitled. Sandwiched between an eerie intro and outro, Untitled is a tale familiar to those who have experienced Gods love and forgiveness despite continually walking away and making bad decisions. Momentum is continued with the title track Break Ties, a powerful anthem about saying goodbye to the dredges of deception.
In Legacy, an acoustic ballad, Corey recalls the history of his relationship with God. "It's important for all of us to remember what God has done in our past, especially when we are so uncertain about our future." The sweet and melodic chords convey a sense of recalling fond memories.
Finally, we come to The First Word that Comes to Mind. "This song is about the pain of wanting to see a loved one come to a saving knowledge of Jesus." Bursts of staccato and moments of tension clearly give this song a sensation of longing that support the message.
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