Album Review: We’re All Going Somewhere by Abandon Kansas

What I like about this album is that it’s so different. There are elements of lighter-hearted pop that you can certainly dance to, while also maintaining a general feeling of something a little darker. I’m not going to say it’s heavy because it’s not, but it’s kind of getting there, if you know what I mean. Deep and almost brooding, but not depressing. The singers deeper, steady voice helps contributes to this enormously.

This band has identified as “Christian” and I think they handle this label exceedingly well. Too often, bands are overbearing with their Christian symbolism and lyrics, and it feels redundant. There is a difference between being a worship band, and simply being a band of the Christian faith. As a Christian, I LOVE finding a good Christian rock or even metal band as quality acts in this genre are rare. Abandon Kansas, and We’re All Going Somewhere in particular is a quality act.

The songs are peppered with religious themes, lines, and imagery, but they are NOT stuffed with it. They maintain an optimal balance. You certainly don’t have to be a Christian to enjoy their music.

Their lyrics are clever and slightly cryptic in places, which I whole-hardheartedly appreciate.

“do you love me through your gritted teeth?”   (Make Believe)

“a couple of months have turned into several years”  (Months and Years)

These are just a couple favourites.

I also do appreciate their more direct lines –

“the bigger they are, the harder they fall”  (Harder They Fall)

The beauty here is that while it is cleverly incorporated into the theme of their song, it can be true in just about any context. The higher up someone is (physically, in business, financially, in life, etc) the harder, longer, and/or more painful their fall will be.

This EP is the first music I ever heard by Abandon Kansas and I fell in love instantly, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. My only regret is that I have never been able to see them live. I remember, years ago, I saw a tweet that they were going to be in Ontario that summer. I fangirled really hard and got REALLY excited. I kept my eyes peeled for months, looking for tour dates, announcements, something. I’m not sure why but nothing ever came of it, and they never did come to Ontario – at least not immediately following that particular tweet.

In any case, this is a really solid effort that I have thoroughly enjoyed time and time again for a long time.

You can add this EP to your iTunes library here –> We’re All Going Somewhere – EP – Abandon Kansas

Or you can order a physical copy from Amazon by clicking below