11/19/09 Due to the numerous complaints and comments about this review we think it is appropriate to address fans of Defiance Pointe and readers of Emurg. We made a mistake on this review of getting the lead singer’s name wrong, for which we apologize. We received a review request from Defiance Pointe before they switched singers, and we failed to double check the band lineup before posting this review. We will keep all the critical comments of us published, as we think they are appropriate and founded. From now on we will be sure to check band lineups before publishing if there has been a significant amount of time between receiving an album and reviewing it. We apologize for the mistake, and we hope you can continue to enjoy Emurg reviews, including Defiance Pointe.
The members of Defiance Pointe pride themselves on creating great music and staying true to their roots. Guitarist Jake Woodworth states, “We want to stay close to our roots no matter where the road may lead us. We will always be like the people of Defiance going against the grain”. Hailing from a little town in New Melle, Missouri, the band started under the name of “Defiance” (named after a sister town near New Melle), but soon had to change it due to another band having the same name. Under the new name, “Defiance Pointe”, the band set out to share their style of rock with the rest of the world and released the album, “Until The Dawn”, on March 7th, 2009.
“Until The Dawn”, is an album that carries an emotional and lyrical craftsmanship that is sorely missed in the world of rock. Derek Schenk ‘s vocals are truly powerful throughout the entire album and each song seems to tell a story. While the lyrics and vocal work are truly impressive, there are times that the songs tend to blend together with similar structured writing patterns; but Derek somehow delivers a stellar performance on each song. The album begins with a beautiful instrumental piece that progresses into the hard-hitting song, “My Way Out”. This song single-handedly catches the listener off guard and beats them down with an array of heavy guitars, upbeat tempos, and vocals that will make the listener’s head explode. Another explosive song, “Fade Away”, captures the band’s more party anthem side with Derek proudly proclaiming, “Another taste of whiskey on my breath. Let’s me know that I’m not quite there yet. One more shot for me and my friends cause don’t know you know we’ll be back again”, is surely to get any rocker on their feet with a drink in one hand and the other fist high in the air.
As the album progresses, there are a few songs on the album that truly make it compelling and beautiful. “Tainted Blue” and “Searching” are perfect examples of how this band has come full circle as musicians. Derek’s combination of heart-felt lyrics and Cody Gillispie and Jake Woodworth’s guitar work truly make both of these songs works of art. None of these songs compare to the masterpiece, “Until The Dawn”, where Derek and company truly shine as musicians. The listener cannot but feel the emotion that Derek puts into this song with lyrics like, “I see angels in my everything. Don’t you know I cannot be your savior”. This song is one of the best tracks on this album and the listener is surely to get double the pleasure with a piano recorded version of the song!
Over the past four years Defiance Pointe has done exactly what they set out to do and are adding new members to the family along the way. Defiance Pointe is now something bigger than anyone could have expected. All this fusion gives Defiance Pointe their substance and ability to create a great sound to the rock world and those who are willing to listen!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kyle I'm a self taught musician of nearly 20 years and I'm proud to say that music encompasses my life. I'm just a simple guy that loves music and who is constantly searching for new music to feed his musical vices!
hi, man, do u know something about derek, if he is a new band? he is a great talent.
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Don’t forget to wear your Official Team Derek T-shirts! http://bit.ly/4CQcp8
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Hey everybody!! Baines here.
Joe and Kyle, thanks for the review! Glad you like the music. And thanks for changing the names on the review-- I never meant to take credit for someone’s hard work… that’s a dick move.
Anyway, I wanted to let everyone know that we’re heading to the studio next week with four BRAND NEW songs that we will debut to the world right after New Year’s. We want to show you all that it’s a new band and a new direction, no doubt…and trust me -- that’s a good thing! We’re all really excited about where we’re headed, and we think you will be too!
Now, I know that the handful of Team Derek folks who posted above are probably not coming down to St. Louis or Nashville to see us anytime soon… that’s okay. We’ll just have to bring the show to you. We’ll be back at Planet Rock this Spring. Any takers?
In the meantime, I’m not taking these negative comments personally. You can replace our names with “Jim Beam” and “Jack Daniels” in these comments and it will read the same. “I like Jack so I automatically hate Jim”, but you won’t know for sure unless you take a shot. If you try it and you still think Kentucky Bourbon tastes like crap, well… at least it’s an informed opinion.
So for those brave and curious souls that want to see what the new Defiance Pointe is all about, we’ll be keeping a Youtube studio diary that you can link to through our Myspace.
Thanks for listening and for the great review!
Team Derek, we’ll see you guys at Planet Rock! Don’t forget to wear your
-Baines Johnson
Defiance Pointe (Version 2.0)
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just heard of the new change ups to this band. it’ll be interesting to see how it compares to the previous line up.
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Great work guys! Thanks for correcting the mistake and giving Derek and Cody the credit they truly deserve for the amazing music they all made together!
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Much agreed Tom!
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Thank you! It’s nice to read a website where they actually listen to their readers and respond to mistakes!! What your guys are doing for indie rock is awsome!!! Keep up the good work.
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Thanks for pointing out our mistake. I added a paragraph preceding the review to address the issue. It’s awesome to have great fans and readers out there that are willing to get our attention when we mess up!
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Derek Schenk’s voice is amazing on this album. He is the one who should be getting credit for this since he is the one who is singing on the album. Also Cody Gillispie is awesome on Lead Guitar. Please give credit where the credit is due!
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Im not sure whats going on or who this Baines guy is but the DP i know has Derek Schenck on vocals and Cody on lead guitar..
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Derek Schenck and Cody Gillispie (Lead Guitar) are the correct names associated with this album. Derek should be getting the credit for singing these songs. Let’s get the facts right! Too bad he’s not in the band anymore, they could have done great things!
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Let’s give credit where it’s really due. Derek Schenck has the chops here. He is the one your hearing! If your going to put things in print, that should be factual.
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I have become a HUGE fan of Defiance Pointe over the last year. Derek Schenck’s vocals on the album are amazing and he IS what makes that band. I listen to the album whenever I am upset because Derek’s voice soothes me! Kyle, u should check ur research before u do reviews, because this Baines Johnson character is not the one who does the vocals on the album, it is Derek Shenck and I refuse to be a Defiance Pointe supporter without him singing anymore.
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First of all, this is one of my all time favorite cd’s. I’ve even got my 2 young kids (8 and 3) rocking out to Defiance Pointe. I give the band so much credit for their musical abilities and many great performances. The only problem is DEREK SCHENCK was the lead singer and the entire band. I can almost gurantee you that with him gone the band will go nowhere but down. I think you need to give credit where credit is due. Seems to me like this Baines guy just got sloppy seconds and can never fill Schencks shoes.
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Hey author
Your review would have been good if you were talking about the correct members of the band. Derek Schenk is the correct lead singer of Defiance Point. Baines is some guy that was picked up on a street corner. Next time you should really do your research before you write a review, especially if you are planning a career in the music industry there bucko!
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Just so you know I love this album, its one of my favorites. It didnt come out of my car for like 3 weeks after I got it. But that isnt who sings on this album. The guy in the photo and who sings on the album, His name is Derek. Who is this Baines guy? And I talked to a couple of the members from before and I dont believe Sean Jones was on that album. It was a guy named Cody. But he quit the band shortly after the album was made. Great review though, just might want to do a little research before you publish something.
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Hey there slick. Derek Schenk is the singer on the album. Bains Johnson is garbage. Defiance Pointe without schneck is garbage, he is their whole band, not to mention are all of his lyrics. step your game up and do your research before praising someone else’s work.
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Kyle you need to do your research a little better before you review a band next time. Derek Schenk sang the vocals on that entire album not “Bains Johnson”. Schenck and Defiance Pointe have recently wen’t their seperate ways and Bains in their new fill in singer. It just seems like you gave a lot of creidt to Baines when it was actually Derek Schenck that you were listening to.
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