the seventy ones

"God's Punk Ass Kids" - The Houston Press Loves RRR vol 1

2010-10-18T15:05:00.001-07:00

The 71'S: God's Punk-Ass Kids
By Jef With One F

Friday, Oct 15, 2010 - published by The Houston Press

The 71's are a band that by all rights Rocks Off should be throwing rocks at instead of embracing warmly in our ear canals. Their rock is poppy, sincere, and inspired by faith in a God we want nothing to do with. So why do we love their new EP Rock and Roll Reaction Part 1 so damned much?
Part of the reason is that buried under the cynicism and unholier-than-thou attitude that makes up the war gear of a Houston goth is a kid in ripped jeans who though Smash by The Offspring was the greatest album ever written. We find ourselves hungry for an unpretentious and sincere jamboree of power chords and youth energy. The 71's have always delivered those things in spades.

RRR Part 1 is the first in a three part series of EPs, and also an experiment in bringing fans closer to the band.

"Our first album, We Are Locomotive, was a very polished record," said vocalist Keeton Coffman in a phone interview as the band sped towards Waco for a concert. "This album was done in-house, and is much rawer. We wanted to trim the fat, and give our fans more of a direct glimpse into what we're doing as we're doing it."
Admittedly, RRR Part 1 lacks the polishing of Locomotive. But the songs themselves shine through even brighter than their previous albums. What comes through most, and most ironically, is a purely rock and roll devil-may-care attitude. We always say The 71's are a Christian Rock band rather than a Christian rock band, and nowhere is that more apparent than in this Foo Fighters-esque, ball-throbbing, hip-hip hooray of a release.

This image of The 71's as God's punk-ass kids is one of the things that sets them apart from the hiveminded mainstream in both rock and Christian music. The band made some interesting headlines earlier this year by invading a local Walmart to shoot a music video, making it all the way through their song "Start Again" before being ejected from the premises. The notoriety of the music video got them a gig playing at a Houston Texans game and on television.
This approach to music is not without its drawbacks, however. Though DJs are frequent attendees at the band's concerts, Coffman says they won't touch their albums with a ten-foot pole because of the band's openness about the role faith plays in their songs. Likewise, Christian music venues shy away from the band because of their openly rock attitude and dislike for the Christian music industry

"When you see the upper-class Christian artists, you can tell by their songs that they have turned their faith into an agenda," said Coffman. "We want nothing to do with that. We think that your faith should be apparent in your songs because that's who you are. What we are is a rock band, and what we want is for people to come together and enjoy themselves. We don't really care about spreading the word of God through music.

"We don't care if you 'get the message' or convert to Christianity by listening to us. What we care about is having a good time with everyone. Partying and loving everyone. What's more Christian than that?"

As the staff Satanist, we see Coffman's point, and we also see why they have fallen through the cracks in the music industry in a sense. Rock doesn't like them because Jesus can't play guitar - the nail holes, y'know? Didn't you see Desperado?

The Christian music people don't like them cause they aren't selling anything. In a way, what The 71's is doing is quite groundbreaking. What exactly is the difference between them drawing musical inspiration from their faith and Rob Zombie drawing inspiration from the Manson murders?

The album is rock of a poppy sort, though there is darkness there. Coffman's favorite track is "All Tied Up," which he wrote as a way of dealing with sever anxiety attacks.

"I just had this image of being chased by a ghost train, of being dragged to Hell," said Coffman. "I wanted to sing about what got me through that. Rock and God, in that order."

The 71s release their album tonight at 2016 Mainstage.

Scene Magazine's Review of "Rock and Roll Reaction Vol. 1"

2010-09-30T22:54:00.001-07:00

The 71’s Inspiring A Rock and Roll Reaction - Rhonda Meredith (Scene Magazine)

The first time I had heard of The 71’s was because of the now infamous Wal-Mart video... If you haven’t seen it yet, go to The 71’s website (www.the71s.com) right now and watch it. You will smile all three minutes. It’s classic.

Now, the first time I saw The 71’s perform live was during the summer at Island Star Live/Moody Gardens when they opened for American Idol Kris Allen. The show was exactly how I thought it would be – energetic with some seriously solid and upbeat rock songs. This has been the breakout year really for The 71’s. They have performed on Great Day Houston, the video for their song “All Tied Up” was shown on Channel 11 during the Houston Texans home opener pre-game show. The band has been on a statewide summer tour and the best is yet to come.

Since the release of The 71’s first full length CD called “We Are Locomotive”, they have been writing and developing the (awesome) idea of releasing three EP’s over a twelve month period. The first EP with six songs and aptly titled “Rock And Roll Reaction 1” will be released on October 15th. “Rock and Roll Reaction 2” will be out in January when The 71's play the House of Blues (Houston). Tickets are on sale at www.the71s.com.

The Scene Magazine had the pleasure of reviewing “Rock And Roll Reaction 1” prior to its release. This is not a hard review really. The 71’s have a reputation for quality. They simply will not rush and put music out to their fans and have to say “oops, sorry, my bad” later. The band is first class all of the way. Here is a quick rundown of what you are in for:

“All Tied Up” is extremely catchy and lets the guitar shine. “Fire Tonight” is a beautiful slow song, but has heavy melodic sound (think manly ballad). “Heart Attack” has a sexy southern rock feel to it and doesn’t let up. Grab a fan when it’s over. “Ready For War”, despite the title, is a funky song with a big ending. “Love Slave” has cool drum intro and heavy bass. “Ready For My Love” has a 70s feel to me with emotional vocals and may just be my favorite song in the EP.

Besides being a group of talented guys, they love their fans and want them to have the music in hand BEFORE the EP comes out. There are two ways. One, go to www.the71s.com and purchase your tickets for the CD release show at Mainstage on Main (Oct.15). Or two, help The 71's spread their music as far as you can by joining the street team. Join at www.the71s.com and click FREE MUSIC.

Members of the Houston based rock band are Keeton Coffman (vocals, guitar), Ryan Cecil (guitar, vocals), Jacob Lisenbe (bass, vocals), and Tank Lisenbe (drums, vocals).

Rhonda Meredith

www.texasyellowrosephotography.com

Music Reviewer | Concert Photographer | Examiner.com | www.thehoustonmusicreview.com

Columnist | Photographer | www.thescenemagazine.com

Writer | Photographer | www.livenloudmagazine.com

rhonda.meredith@att.net

Summer Wrap Up - The Best Is Yet To Come

2010-09-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

We wanted to send out special not to all our fans saying Thank You so much for such a wonderful past few months. Looking back over the summer, I can barely even begin to count the blessings. The new friends we have met on the road and online have encouraged us and inspired us to write music that encourages and inspires you! It has been an amazing summer - a full Texas Tour, a music video appearance on the Cowboys v. Texans Game (special thanks to Chris Multop)

opening for American Idol Winner Kris Allen

And now, it's time for the next chapter.

The fellas and I did some thinking - what if we literally allowed our fans and friends to place their fingers on the pulse of The 71's and invited you all to take a year long look into what it means to be a rock and roll band, what it means to be a part of who we are and what we do... and what we dream of doing. What would that look like?

Rock and Roll, for the four of us, has always been our reaction to the world around us. Carl Andre once said "Culture is something that is done to us. Art is something we do to culture." So this next year is our Rock and Roll Reaction - and we want you to come along for the ride.

The 71's have decided to put out three records (Count 'em... THREE - with 6 songs on each) over the next 12 months - one record every 3-4 months. We want the music we write today, to be in your hands tomorrow. No lag time - no songs we've nursed and perfected over months and years of playing them live - just music that is real, current, authentic to who we are, and (hopefully) relavant to who you are today. We hope to release two more installments of Rock And Roll Reaction - each one a little different than the next.

But for now, with an excited heart, I want to announce that RRR1 (Rock and Roll Reaction 1) comes out everywhere on October 15th. And how are we celebrating? - with 3 of the best rock shows Texas has ever seen. Here are the details.

October 15th - Houston TX - CD Release Party - Purchase Tickets Online

October 16th - Denton TX - With Electric Six - Purchase Tickets Online

October 22nd - College Station TX - Rock The Republic Music Festival - Purchase Tickets Online

WHERE CAN I GET MY COPY?

Soon, RRR1 will be available for order or download on iTunes, Amazon.com, and on the71s.com. We will let you know the day it's available. Until then Listen To It Online in it's entirety on Facebook. Please leave a note and let us know what you think!

I LOVE THE MUSIC - HOW CAN I HELP?

We are so thankful to have fans who love us the way you guys do. Over the past few months the support has been overwhelming. If you would like to join us in the music we are making here are ways you can help.

MAKE A DONATION

Your contributions help us put gas in the van, and will help us fund Rock And Roll Reaction 2 which is already in the pre production.

SPREAD THE WORD

Join The 71's Street Team - help us tell the world about the music of The 71's - you will receive a FREE copy of the mp3s from Rock And Roll Reaction 1 (expires October 1st).

BUY SOME MERCH - SHOW YOUR PRIDE

Not only will it look cool - but the money you spend goes directly toward the costs of running our band.

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

You guys are the reason we do this - getting to hear about your lives means the world to us. Please drop by www.facebook.com/the71s and leave us a note - your encouragement and notes are always the best part of our day.

That's all for now guys - We hope to see you at the shows.

Sincerely,

Keeton Coffman

The 71's

Follow The 71's on Facebook - Follow The 71's on Twitter - Join The Street Team - www.the71s.com

Watch The 71's music video shot for the Cowboys vs. Texans Pre-Game Show

2010-08-29T14:26:00.001-07:00

The 71's "All Tied Up" featured on the Cowboys vs Texans Pre Game Show!

Texans shootout pregame open from Chris Multop on Vimeo.

Keeton Plays "Freebird" On The Banjo

2010-06-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

New Music Update! Songs announced for the new EP

2010-05-30T10:05:00.001-07:00

Well I'm heading back from an AWESOME week in Italy and Cecil's been hard at work at home preparing our new EP "Rock and Roll Reaction Vol. 1" - you guys are gonna love it!

Thought you might want a peek at the songs that will be on the EP.

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads - Long Live Rock and Roll

Things God is teaching me... About YOU

2010-05-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Things God is teaching me... About You

That you must believe that He believes in you. This is crucial - it is the basis for faith.

That you err in both directions - your arrogance AND being too hard on yourself... Everybody does both, so lighten up a bit.

That He loves you a lot more than you think.

That you can do something that will change EVERYTHING for SOME people. And that is better than changing SOME things for A LOT of people.

That your dreams are too small. Now, either God and His promises have to shrink - or your dreams have to grow - but as it is right now, God and your dreams don't match.

That you are going to make it. Trust Him and smile more.

That the voices in your head don't have a clue. They are full of noise... Just stop listening.

If you are reading this, I am praying and writing songs for you this very moment. Don't give up. You're not alone.

Keeton
The 71's

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads
- Long Live Rock and Roll -

On my way to Italy, had to make a Rock N Roll Stop #fb

2010-05-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads - Long Live Rock and Roll

The Houston Press Loves the "Start Again" Video!

2010-05-22T13:08:00.001-07:00

Thank you Houston Press (specifically your talented writer/blogger Jef With One F) for the kind words.

"Blow Up Your Video: Wal-Mart Ejects Christian Band From Store"

By Jef With One F, Thursday, May. 20 2010

The 71s are a Christian rock band, but don't let that distract you from the fact that they are completely awesome. Trust me, when a former Satanist is a Christian band's biggest cheerleader, then that band is a band to be reckoned with. And a stunt like the story behind the group's "Start Again" video is exactly the kind of thing that shows why The 71s is an act that is definitely going somewhere.
Guitarist and vocalist Keeton Coffman is best friends with Justin Kling, a cameraman and director who has worked with our own Slim Thug and Val Kilmer, among others in his diverse resume. Kling had just wrapped up working on a commercial for a national car company when he called Coffman to let him know that he had $50,000 worth of camera equipment in the trunk of his car, and would Coffman like to shoot a video while he had it?
Coffman jumped at the chance, but there was one problem; the rest of the 71s were out of town. So Coffman loaded up a Stratocaster and a pair of sunglasses and went out to fulfill his dream of being thrown out of a Wal-Mart.
11:45 p.m.: Kling taped an iPod with speakers to the camera, Coffman donned shades and strapped on his guitar, they cued up the track "Start Again" from their album We Are Locomotive, and they headed in.
"Hi," said the greeter, eyeing the equipment, "Can I help you?"
"We're here to return these," said Kling.
"OK, go on in."
With the security breached, the music began and Coffman rocked through the aisles, drawing both stares and adulation form the late-night patrons until, as hoped, a manager swooped in near the end of the song to escort the duo on their way. The result is one long take of guerilla filmmaking and rock-and-roll ballsackedness. Enjoy.
The 71s will be releasing a trio of EPs, Rock and Roll Reaction Parts 1-3, beginning this July.
In the meantime, make sure you download "Start Again" free at the band's Web site.
----------------

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads - Long Live Rock and Roll

The 71's Top 6 Fav Records This Week

2010-05-18T12:42:00.001-07:00

Keeton (singer) - Backspacer by Pearl Jam

Ryan (guitars) - Consolers of The Lonely by The Raconteurs

Jacob (bass) - "Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings" by The Counting Crows

TANK (drums) - "Curse Your Branches" by David Bazan

Angelique (Street Team Prez) - "My Sunshine" by Copeland

Justin Kling (Video) - "The Weight" by The Band

Okay, that's what The 71' are jamming to this week...

Tell us what your listening to!

Email: booking@the71s.com
Twitter.com/the71s (@the71s)

Cya!

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads - Long Live Rock and Roll

Location:Butterfly Branch Pl,Spring,United States

Meet Boz - 6 year old 71's fan plays "Count" on the drums

2010-05-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

Debra Duncan is a rockstar, see I have proof

2010-05-14T22:15:00.001-07:00

Had a blast rocking with Debra Duncan on KHOU's Great Day Houston today.

Morning Talk Show Host, sure - but really... She's a Rockstar at heart

Thanks Debra, and rock on.

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads - Long Live Rock and Roll

New Lyrics - Ready For My Love

2010-05-12T14:49:00.001-07:00

Hey guys -

I had an idea to post some of our lyrics to songs from our new EP, Rock and Roll Reaction Vol. 1, before it came out... Hope you enjoy em. ~ Keeton

---------------
Ready or my love

Everybody's looking to shine
Everybody's looking for love it's true
But honey don't waste your time
You don't need to go looking for love cause my love comes looking for you

So let it go, we'll take it slow
Here we go again

Hold out your hand
I've got dreams for you you can't understand
And I know, i know, I know just what your dreaming of
Are you ready for my, ready for my love

You're crazy love is taunting me
Your crazy eyes are haunting me honey
I think it's safe to say
Even If I don't give you my heart, you're gonna steal it from me anyway

So let it roll
Here we go
Let's take it slow tonight

Chorus

There's no reason to hide your smile
I know I'm the one you're thinking
Are you ready for me and all my love
Get ready for my... Love

So let it roll
Let's take it slow tonight
Here we go again

Chorus

Gotta show you now honey whatcha mean you me to me
You gotta chained up heart, gotta set it free
I've just got to know - what you're dreaming of
Get ready, get ready for my love!

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads - Long Live Rock and Roll

KHOU - here we come

2010-05-12T11:44:00.001-07:00

The fellas and I are so excited about playing Start Again this Friday on TELEVISION!! Not sure if you can crowd surf on a studio audience, but we're gonna try!

Here's the info 71's fans! Be sure to tune in!

KHOU (CBS) Channel 11
Friday May 14th - 9am

HELP US OUT: We'd love for you guys to let the good people at KHOU know how much you loved the performance and that they should have us back soon (wink, wink)!

So, send an email to greatdayhouston@khou.com after the show on friday and let them know how much you loved seeing The 71's!

Thanks guys! Fridays gonna be great!

- Keeton

Visit www.the71s.com For Free Downloads - Long Live Rock and Roll

Location:Memorial Chase Dr,Spring,United States