"Then Went The Demons" is the sophomore effort from Minneapolis-based Tom Hipps. His latest offering is a bit edgier than his debut record "Everybody & Their Brother" but, like its predecessor, remains true to Tom's folk rock essence and is steeped in melody, well-placed harmonies and deep lyrical passion. The album title, inspired by a stained glass window in a small-town Minnesota church, alludes to the pervasive theme of the album - fighting and conquering our demons through the blood of Christ. With jangly guitars and a counter melody weaving through the wistful chorus, the first track "Take You Down" takes you back to a time when R.E.M. and Matthew Sweet were dominating the musical landscape of the times. Tom uses modern-day language and pop culture imagery to translate the messages of God's word to a culture full of distraction and passivity. In "Back To You", Tom symbolically uses physical fitness to illustrate the need to stay "spiritually fit" by emphasizing the Apostle Paul's comparison of life to an athletic event. Tom uses his gifts to explore the condition of human life through the eyes of someone who's "been there and done that". By using the wisdom gained through difficult and trying times, he is able to demonstrate that the trials we experience in life ultimately produce a stronger, more beautiful version of what we once were. As Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, experience is the vehicle by which it travels. Join Tom as he sings songs of and to the Savior and discover that, as Jesus died and was raised from the dead, "Then Went The Demons". -Dave Coleman, Chrematizo Label Group * * * * Singer/songwriter Tom Hipps has an extensive background in the music industry as a performer, writer, and session vocalist. He has toured the U.S. and Canada with his duo Costello & Hipps, with the bands RITZ and UNSUNG HEROES, and as a solo artist. His songs were featured in the film Staring at Headlights and he has written music for Chicago’s Second City Theater. Tom was a lead vocalist on the 2002 Target Corporation CD Praise & Worship Christmas and is the recipient of a Billboard Musical Achievement Award. His songs are full-flavored, melodic and harmonic. He released his first solo album, Everybody & Their Brother, in 2002; his sophomore set, Then Went the Demons, was released in early 2006. He is a music worship leader at his home church, The Rock, located in Minneapolis, and continues to perform live shows in the Minneapolis area and beyond. Check www.tomhipps.com for concert dates and more information. What people in the business are saying: “Tom Hipps has released a great album… a real gem.” -Peter Waggoner, Patriot II Radio “I really enjoyed Everybody & Their Brother. A unique sound… it made me keep listening! The songs are solid.” -Jamie Statema, Go Fish “Tom Hipps has been blessed with both songwriting skills and a voice of undeniable compassion and substance.” -Loni Overing, ClearChannel Communications “His message shines through not only in his smile and personality, but through his music. We always look forward to his next performance.” -Tara Roeckers, Northwestern Bookstores