Tandem on purevolume™

Christian / Indie

The word tandem elicits, for most people, an image of a bicycle built for two. So how could a word describing "a pair of things joined together" be a fitting name for a musical trio? For starters, the trio started out as a duo. Josh Maze and David Leonard's concept for a band materialized in the fall of 2002 in Madison, MS. After the twosome signed up for an all-night-long concert at a local Relay For Life fundraiser, they soon realized that they were in need of a bassist. Fellow musician, and personal friend of both Maze and Leonard, Josh Poore seemed to be the best fit in all respects: musically, personally, and spiritually. Poore easily completed the trinity of Tandem, and the concert was successful enough to establish the name of the band in their community. The band agrees, without hesitation, that this success was borne of two related instances: the band ceasing to be three individuals and meshing as a singular, music-making entity; and, this singular entity's relationship to the Holy Spirit. As the name implies, the group writes, plays, and performs its music in a tandem relationship with God. Leonard, Maze and Poore strive to avoid the clichÃ© sounds and expectations of the label "Christian Rock". Musically, they are akin to bands such as Coldplay or Switchfoot, relying on strong, but not aggressive, guitar and bass lines. Tandem recorded somedayisnow, its independently distributed debut, with Barry Simpson as engineer and co-producer. Tight, beautiful vocal harmonies were provided by guest vocalist Rachel Blackledge. The goal of these recording sessions (and indeed, the band's very existence) is to make music whose sound is pleasing to the ears of the audience, and whose words and intentions are pleasing to Christ. It is evangelical music at its finest, since it appeals to those that might be hesitant to listen to a self-described "Holy-Spirit-inspired worship band". Tandem truly embodies the "in the world, but not of the world" mentality that is vital to spreading the Gospel effectively. "All of life comes down to just one thing, that's to know You, oh Jesus, and to make you known!" - Charlie Hall.