Album Review: “Still on the Grind” by Mark Anvil
Reviewed by Ryan Righteous –
I recently sat down with Mark Anvil for another installment of my “Independent Artist Spotlight” to get to know the man behind the music. It was such a enlightening conversation to speak with him in such great detail about who he is, what his mission for God is, and the impact he has already had as a true believer in Christ.
From the moment I pressed play on Still on the Grind, I could tell that Mark Anvil wasn’t just here to entertain — he came to testify, to challenge, and to uplift. After sitting down with him for the Independent Artist Spotlight, I got a sense of who he is beyond the bars — a man shaped by life’s struggles, sharpened by faith, and fueled by purpose. That authenticity radiates from every track on this project.
The title track, “Still on the Grind,” kicks things off like a mission statement. Mark doesn’t glorify the grind — he bears witness to it. His delivery is unpolished in the best way: raw, honest, and unfiltered. It reminded me that sometimes the best way to reach people is by simply telling your truth without trying to dress it up.
One of the standout cuts for me was “Pray For Me.” There’s something powerful about vulnerability when it’s paired with hard-hitting production. Mark confesses pain, self-doubt, and the weight of expectations — and I felt that. “Mistaken People” follows suit, calling out fake friends and shallow loyalty with a tone that blends disappointment and resilience.
“Am I Wrong” caught me off guard — in a good way. It’s one of those tracks that forces you to self-reflect. He asks hard questions without pretending to have all the answers. It’s a bold move, and it adds depth to the project.
As the album unfolds, we get more glimpses of Mark’s worldview. “Swerve on Em” and “Y’all Feel Me Right” bring a bounce that lightens the mood while still staying on-message. These aren’t just turn-up songs — they’re anthems for navigating the grind with integrity and faith intact.
The second half of the album packs some surprises. “Don’t Give Up” serves as a spiritual wake-up call — motivational without sounding preachy. “Kevin Heart” (a clever nod, perhaps, to both humor and realness) adds a touch of wit. “Just the Average Person” humbled me — reminding me that ministry can sound like a neighbor telling his story across a chain-link fence.
And just when I thought I had Mark figured out, he hit me with “The Ghost Writer” — a powerful closer that reaffirms who’s really behind his pen. It’s more than a clever concept; it’s a declaration that the Holy Spirit is guiding his lyrics and life.
Production-wise, Still on the Grind balances gritty boom bap with Southern soul and spiritual undertones. It’s not industry-polished — and that’s the point. It feels like something you’d find on a burnt CD in the glovebox of someone who’s been through something. There’s heart in every imperfection.
Final Thoughts
Still on the Grind isn’t trying to compete with mainstream trends. It’s speaking to the broken, the overlooked, and the faithful who are still pushing. Mark Anvil doesn’t need a co-sign — he’s already been commissioned. His voice matters because it’s real, and real always resonates.
After hearing this album and connecting with him personally, I can confidently say that Mark is exactly what the culture needs more of — boldness, humility, and a relentless grind wrapped in spiritual clarity.
You can stream “Still on the Grind” at the Spotify artist profile page below.
