“When we get done playing a show, we’ve given all we have to the point that we’re barely able to catch our breath,” explains Mitch, describing a potential catalyst for the group’s groundswell. “After two years of touring, we’re mobbed by people telling us they loved the show or that we’re their favorite band, which is very encouraging. But no matter how big or small the audience, we’ve always given everything we have and it feels great to see it grow to the point where fans sing the words louder than we do these days.”
Anyone who has caught After Edmund in concert can attest to the band’s visual and sonic precision - one that’s matched with unparalleled infectiousness and brilliant songcraft that comes from members’ musical education. In fact, band members are known to switch instruments throughout each set, proving to be equally proficient at anything attempted.
And for the first time in After Edmund’s celebrated career thus far, faithful can score an up close and remarkably intimate view of the foursome in action thanks to the DVD/EP set Spaceships and Submarines: The Lively Sessions. No matter the visual or audio format, the live studio performance is loaded with five brand new and engagingly explosive new cuts, along with electrifying re-arrangements of past favorites.
“Being on the road is a totally different creative atmosphere than being on studio and most bands don’t have the same kind of energy in the studio,” Ben observes. “After putting the tunes to the test live, you can watch people’s reaction, which is why our material is always evolving. That’s basically what inspired the DVD. We wanted to give fans something different than just a straight up concert recording. It still shows us performing live, but we thought it would give fans a more personal look to see us in the studio, especially because many of them have already seen our show.”
Besides the nine songs performed, Spaceships and Submarines: The Lively Sessions also includes mounds of behind the scenes footage, interviews with band members and even an audio commentary from the band. As for the new tunes packed therein, longtime listeners will notice the band incorporating a dance-inspired alternative pop sound into the project, perhaps akin to Mute Math, Shiny Toy Guns or Carpark North. In that regard, Spaceships and Submarines: The Lively Sessions could be considered an accurate bridge builder between Hello and the group’s forthcoming sophomore CD (hitting streets sometime in 2010).
“Subtitles are revealing, and the word ‘Lively’ has to do with the band’s stage presence, but it’s also meant to imply a live studio recording,” Yates says of the title’s impetus, before commenting on the band’s current direction. “'In the last year we’ve downsized to a four piece, moving Matt from bass to drums and Mitch from guitar to bass, which really changed the way we write since we now have only Ben on guitar player. It has pushed us musically and creatively while moving us in a new direction. And as for the feel good nature of the new tunes, well, life’s just too short to be Emo”
As is After Edmund’s tradition, the ongoing road trip will continue mixing up tunes from Hello, Spaceships and Submarines: The Lively Sessions and the upcoming album, all primed with plenty of towering guitar riffs, synthesized dance grooves, relentless percussion and monstrous melodies. And if the group’s history thus far is any indication, the gang’s stage antics, production and overall excitement is sure to mount with each future mile logged in its tour bus.
“We’re going for world domination,” Matt asserts with a laugh (though it’s quite possible given the band’s brilliant build-up thus far). “We’re looking to really pick up the momentum on all accounts. We’re actually starting to like pop music more than ever before, and while Hello is a record we’re all really proud of, it took listeners a little while to get to know. Our next chapter is going to be filled with more instantaneous familiarity, and while there will still be many of the musical elements we’re known for, our goal is to hook you in from the very first second you press ‘play.’”
Stealing Away
After Edmund Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And why is it so hard for me to dispose
Of all the sin I try to hide
And I run I don't know why
What's there left for me to do
You're stealing away every part of my heart
Come and replace all my selfish ways
Alter my world
Steal me away
Tell me who's to blame for the sin on my lips
I can't repair the stains that I tried so hard to fix
But You wipe away the stains
And in love You called my name
Now I'm running back to You
And I know that I can't last
And I know that I can't last without You
The lyrics of After Edmund's song Stealing Away highlight an internal struggle that is common to most people - the battle between good and evil, right and wrong. The opening lines of the song "Why is it so hard for me to let go, and why is it so hard for me to dispose of all the sin I try to hide" capture the essence of the song. The singer struggles with his own vices and the sins he has committed, and he is unable to let go or dispose of them. He finds himself running, but he doesn't know why, perhaps it is because he is trying to escape from himself and his past mistakes.
The chorus of the song brings a ray of hope, as the singer acknowledges that God is the one who can help him overcome his shortcomings. He pleads with God to steal away every part of his heart, to come and replace all his selfish ways, and to alter his world. The singer recognizes that he cannot change himself, and he needs God to take control, to change him from within. The song speaks of forgiveness and redemption, and the belief that it is never too late to turn to God, no matter how far we have strayed.
Line by Line Meaning
Why is it so hard for me to let go
I find it difficult to release my grip and move on from past troubles.
And why is it so hard for me to dispose
It's a challenge for me to get rid of negative aspects in my life.
Of all the sin I try to hide
I attempt to conceal my immoral behavior.
And I run I don't know why
I flee from my problems without understanding why.
What's there left for me to do
I'm uncertain about what actions I should take.
You're stealing away every part of my heart
You are taking control of every aspect of my being.
Come and replace all my selfish ways
Please take away my self-centered tendencies and replace them with just ones.
Alter my world
Transform my environment into a better place.
Every part of my heart
My entire being belongs to You.
Steal me away
Take me away from my current situation and guide me towards Your will.
Tell me who's to blame for the sin on my lips
Please enlighten me if any external factors cause me to speak sinfully.
I can't repair the stains that I tried so hard to fix
I attempted to rectify my wrongs, but I am unable to erase the evidence of them.
But You wipe away the stains
You remove the marks that represent my sins.
And in love You called my name
You expressed Your love towards me by calling out to me.
Now I'm running back to You
I am returning to You, seeking forgiveness and redemption.
And I know that I can't last
I am aware that my existence is insignificant without You.
And I know that I can't last without You
I am not equipped to survive without Your guidance.
Contributed by Alaina A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.