Aaron Gillespie has done it again. It has been said over and over again that he is a man of obsession, or something of that sort. If you have been living under a rock the past few years, Aaron Gillespie is usually spotted behind his orange Truth drum set beating away for some band named Underoath you’ve probably never heard of before. Now, for all of us who haven’t been living under a rock, you know that Gillespie has been broadening his musical talent into the band called the Almost since 2006 when he announced that he would be partaking in a side project, separate from Underoath. Many gossipers and “know-it-alls” believe that the reason the Almost was formed because of conflict earlier that year on Warped Tour, but what they don’t know is that Gillespie had his own MySpace music account back in October 2005 with no tracks available.


We first heard about the Almost a whole year later on the Tooth & Nail podcast with a song entitled “Johnny Cash”. The song title was then switched to “Say This Sooner”, which put the Almost on listener’s radar. Gillespie wrote all of the songs on the album “Southern Weather” as he was recording “Define the Great Line” with Underoath. The debut album of the Almost was mostly recorded by Gillespie himself with help of some friends including Kenny Vasoli of the Starting Line. So, what about this new EP “No Gift to Bring”?


Gillespie had some help from his friends again, mainly from Tim McTague, who also produced the Ep. He is one of the guitarists of Underoath mostly known for his high energy and, well, beard. Also, shortly after the EP was released, Absolutepunk.com stated that Kenny Bozich, their drummer, decided to quit. Dusty Redmon (the band's guitarist) said that he is getting married and just made the choice on his own.


This new EP is much more of an acoustic sound anyway. It is entitled “No Gift to Bring” referring to the story about the little drummer boy who had no gift to bring the new baby Jesus. All he had to give was his song on his drum. In respect to the artist involved, there really wasn’t anything “Christmasy” about the EP besides for a new arrangement of the song “Little Drummer Boy”.


The first song, “Awful Direction”, sounds like an Aaron Gillespie song. Gillespie displays honest lyrics paired with a simple guitar and light drums. He sings, “I can't stop my brain from moving/in an awful direction Lord.” This is quite personal to Gillespie, since he publicly states during every show that he is a Christian and wants to follow Christ, who has changed him. I find this song an honest attempt. It’s catchy, but really, the only original song on this EP. It makes me wonder if this EP is worth the money to buy.


The second song is the cover of “Little Drummer Boy”. It pounds in with drums, and that’s all I really remember about the song. The lyrics are nice and remembering, but when he sings “puh-rump-a-pu-pum”, it seems a bit too corny. The song reminds me of children singing carols outside your house. It’s nice to hear, but if you heard that every day for the rest of your life, you’d probably want to tackle those kids and pray no one noticed. (I am only joking, so no one go and do this to poor carolers outside your house.) All in all, my mood after this song was significantly more upbeat, but still wondering… was this worth it?


The third song is called “Amazing Because It Is”. The “real” acoustic style version can be found on the “Southern Weather” album. In comparison, I like the one on the “Southern Weather” album. The song just lost its touch when they redid it. It seems too rushed. The choir (which was one of my FAVORITE parts of the original) is much fainter. Gillespie’s vocals don’t have that “improvisation” towards the end of the song. The song has lost its personal feeling. It doesn’t have that raw edginess Gillespie is known for, so, what’s the point of it? Everyone loves “Amazing Grace”. It is a catchy tune. You can easily find yourself humming it later. But, still, is this album worth getting?


The fourth song is possibly the best song on this EP. It is a worship song many church goers would know. It is very personal and forward, but may not make sense to those who do not believe in God. “Your Love is Extravagant” is originally by Darrell Evans, a known artist who specifically writes Christian music. Again, Gillespie brings his Christianity to the musical front. This is a huge leap not only for him, but for the Almost. Yes, they are a Christian, but they aren’t considered a predominantly Christian lyrical band. Some songs have been, it’s true, but none of which are specifically like this song. “Spread wide in the arms of Christ,/Is a love that covers sin./No Great love have I ever known./You considered me Your friend./Capture my heart again..” I find Gillespie to be one of most honest and open guy in this scene of music. He is willing to say, “Look, I don’t have this life together, but here is someone who makes sense in my life.” It’s a very humbling thing to do in a media that sucks people (and their morals) up. Again, this is by far my favorite song on the album because of the personality and intimacy it has. It sounds like Gillespie is talking to God personally as if they really do have a relationship.


The last song on the album is a version of “Dirty and Left Out”. This is the Tim McTague techno remix version. I personally love it. It’s easy to listen to and enjoyable. Lyrically, this song is personal to Gillespie. When I met Gillespie, back in 2007, I told him that song was my favorite on the “Southern Weather” album. His face seemed to light up as if I had given HIM the greatest gift. The way Gillespie explained the song and how it was formed left me speechless and wanting more. This satisfied my wanting for more. The chorus goes, “I’ve been dirtier than you’ll ever know. I left earlier than you’ll ever know.” The lyrics are a bit different than “Southern Weather” as they left out the part of “Master, Savoir, Jesus” (a part of the bridge) and then going into the chorus again. All in all, it was a great remix to one of the most genuine songs written by Gillespie.


To sum up this EP, I’m not sure where to begin. I started off thinking, “Why would anyone buy this EP? Is it worth the money?” (and for $8 at hottopic and other retailed stores) Would I tell you the truth so you don’t have to worry about spending your (or your parents) hard earned money? The answer is yes. I mean, 2.5 good songs out of 5. Half of the album is great, outstanding if you please. The other half of the album is a bit awkward and unsettling. I love the Almost. I love Underoath. I love this band. I love Aaron Gillespie. This album, however, I do not love. It’s a passionate like because I love the Almost, Underoath, the band, and Gillespie, but it’s an EP that’s simply that…. An EP. There seems to be no real point. Sure, there are some great songs. There are great moments. There is an artist trying something new (or renew). But, unless you’re a diehard Aaron Gillespie fan (or obsessed), this EP may not be for you. Good attempt, Mr. Gillespie, but I expect so much more out of you.