Beautiful Tension is made up of brothers Brandon and Bradley Rodermond (that's Row-der-mund), and these two unique men have found a way to blend maturity, style, and music to near perfection. But it isn't a very well kept secret how they managed to do this- it's a God thing. Both of these guys are strong followers of Christ and have a deep relationship with Him. This is evident in their music; it is all God-centered. And sure, there have been plenty of God-centered bands out there. But these guys have devoted all of their lyrics to God, and still play rock music (with elements of pop, metal, and even rap), something unlike any band that comes to mind. Go figure. A rock band that teens will love singing about God; not girlfriends, not rebellion, but God. Kinda makes you think, "well what is there that's better to sing about"? Well there's a simple answer: nothing. These guys have found the perfect blend that goes into a great band- a cool rock style, a mix of many other elements, a strong relationship between the two, and God-centered lyrics.
Brandon and Brad started out playing music at a very young age and developed from there into the great musicians and men of God they are today. Brandon has been playing in the worship band at his church since the age of eleven, and today Brandon and Brad lead the youth worship team at their church in South Carolina. But their interest goes back as far as when Brandon was just six years old, Brad just four. It was something fun, then turned into a serious interest, then became a serious pursuit. They believe God has been with them every step of the way, and that in fact they knew they would be in some form of ministry, but God has given them the talents to play music and called them to minister in that way. And I haven't heard anyone complaining.
To compare them to any other band, as I've said, is difficult- but musicly and vocally I would compare them to the likes of P.O.D., though they may sometimes get as heavy as Underoath and as light as Casting Crowns. To this music they put lyrics that are a blend of tobyMac and MercyMe with their own unique twist. Overall it comes together for a great band, a great album, and a great message.
Today, Beautiful Tension has recently released their first major album- "The Cure For The Common Heart". Personally, it's the first album i've ever heard with none of those infamous "album songs"- songs that have no real meaning or substance that are nice as a part of the CD, but wouldn't last standing alone on the radio. All fourteen songs could be successful on radio, and that is no accident. Both Brandon and Brad have said they purposefully did not include any album songs because they are trying to spread God with substance, and if one of their songs was the only one someone ever heard Beautiful Tension perform, it would have meaning, no matter what song it was. So far, so good on this front for Beautiful Tension. All fourteen tracks have substance and send a message. That isn't to say there isn't a nice mix of different things, though. There are hardcore worship songs ("I Need You", "Addicted To You", "Closer", "Consume Me"), to songs about God's wonder ("The Cure", "Fatal Fascination"), to songs about God's influence and guidance ("On My Own", "Song of My Heart"), and everything in between. These different lyric elements blend for some truly meaningful songs that will touch your heart, make you think, and make you cry out loud in worship. And, for those that this matters, all the lyrics and music are completely original and come straight from God and the hearts of these two young musicians.
The ballad of the album, "Song of My Heart", will tell you everything the band is about. One line in particular that is especially liked by Brandon, the drummer and older of the two brothers, comes from this song. That line reads "Some people know the answer, but still ask the question. I hold the truth inside, and this is my reaction." Powerful stuff, I say. They are reaching out with substance, with "what is true and what is pure". They are reaching out with God. I give my full support and endorsement of these two powerful men of God as musicians, as a band, and as ministers. Watch out, because these guys are something unique, something real, and they hold the truth in their minds, lyrics, and hearts. And God's truth will always triumph.
-Trevor Floyd