I’ve been following the San Diego based band, Switchfoot, from the mid 90’s when they formed and I graduated high school. In many ways I feel like I’ve grown up with them. They are diverse and unique, passionate and hopeful. As a typical 90’s grunge kid I appreciate many bands of that era but I feel like Switchfoot has given me the opportunity to truly enjoy this type of alt rock music without the despair found in so many other brilliant artists of a similar sound.
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| Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, Jon Foreman, Drew Shirley and Jerome Fontamillas of Switchfoot |
They have described themselves as “Christian by faith, not by genre” (they are, in fact, hard to contain in any genre). They will not brand themselves as a “Christian” rock band because of their desire to make music to touch all people and, you know what? – that’s okay with me. Their lyrics are intensely full of hope and a deep understanding of faith and it all points to the love of God. They are not ashamed of the Gospel but nor will they shove it down someone’s throat.
Sometimes I admit I’ve been conflicted – I’d love to hear the name “Jesus” in one of their songs – yet I know I’ve had some of my most beautiful worship moments while listening to their musical offerings. I also admire their example of Jesus’ love. One situation in particular comes to my mind - when a group of religious type folks protested outside one of their concerts with signs indicating their music was “evil”. Instead of lashing out like many would (and have) done, Jon Foreman led his team in handing out bottles of water to the protesters and expressing their love for them. That doesn’t happen every day.
This April my wife and I plan to attend their concert in Vancouver – I even went so far as to get a backstage pass so that I can finally meet these creative and kind people. So as they release their 11th album I want to thank them for being that voice of hope in my life, for expressing subtly, yet profoundly, deep truths of my faith and for being a voice to those without hope.
Hope is the anthem…
