Musikzusammenfassungen

Fold Zandura

Label: Self-produced
1995
Official website: A good fansite
Fold Zan will always be one of my all-time favourite bands. This is an older CD of theirs that I never even knew existed! As a matter of fact, I do believe it was their very first release AS FoldZan (as opposed to their older/outlasting band, Mortal). It features songs found on other albums, but I rather enjoyed the mix on this one. For those of you unfamiliar, Fold Zan was a sort of Christian electronic-rock style band with a real knack for making the most GORGEOUS music ever. This CD opens up pretty rockin' at the start, with some more mellow (yet all the more beautiful, for that) tracks towards the end... The lyrics are bittersweet, as is Jyro Xhan's wont, and it's all very wonderfully emotional yet incredibly unique. I REALLY reccomend checking out any of FZ's music! It's great!

Lode

Label: Kinetic Response
2000
Official website: www.rubicon7.com
Okay. One thing I need to note about this band is that their real name is Rubicon 7 (Formerly My Rubicon 7), but this CD was released under the name of "Lode" for reasons best known to the band. That said, this is quite a good CD! Some might find it a little repetetive - most of the songs have similar tunes and beats and kind of blend into one another, but this is not necessarily a bad thing! Frankly, most of the songs on this CD are REALLY catchy, even by electronic pop standards! ;) There are 13 tracks, which makes it WELL worth the $5.00 I paid for this CD. The lyrics are overtly Christian, once again, but the music is good quality, and very danceable and enjoyable to listen to. I reccommend this CD! You can probably still order it from the Flaming Fish store for $5.00, like I did. It's worth it!

Virtual Server

Label: A Different Drum
2003
Official website: www.djram.com
Virtual Server isn't so much a band as a collaborative project between DJ RAM and several vocalists from other bands like Brave New World, Neuropa, Beborn Beton, etc... This CD includes several remixed of a track entitled "Fallen" featuring vocals by Chrissy Franklin of The Echoing Green and System 22. The music on this CD is GREAT. It rocks. Seriously. It's electronic, through and through, but I think a lot of it might be appealing even outside the realm of synth-pop and electronica. The tracks range from groovy ("Feel the Same") to manically danceable ("Why Me?"), and if this CD doesn't make you want to boogie, then probably nothing will. Highly reccommended! You can download some of these songs from Amazon.com!

Syrian

Label: A Different Drum
2004
Official website: www.spacetalk.net
This is an EP or a single or something to that effect, with 7 tracks (plus a video, apparently!), but still good to listen to! Syrian is a really fun band that writes catchy, sci-fi themed songs set to very danceable trancey beats. They always have me grooving in my seat. ;) I reccommend you give any of their stuff a listen! You can find a couple of free Mp3s Here!

Voice Industrie

Label: A Different Drum
2003
Official website: www.voiceindustrie.com
I don't know why I avoided this band for so long! This is a great CD - very very dancey, but I like it. The vocals are mellow, and the general feel of the album is quite groovy... Again, the lyrics are overtly Christian, but don't let that put you off! This pretty epic stuff. The shortest song on the disc is 7:20 minutes long! Hehe. I reccomend this CD to anybody who likes techno/trance/dance/electronica stuff. (I have no idea what any of those genres I just listed actually mean. I'm just throwing them out there so you can pretend that I know what I'm talking about. :P)

Ultrabeat

Label: BEC
2000
Official website: www.ultrabeat.com
I'm still not sure I like this CD as much as I liked the other disc that I had at one point, but this is good stuff, and it's grown on me! It's music made to dance to... i.e., some kinda vocal trance-type stuff, but it's all Christian lyrics, and several of the songs are quite catchy. It's not quite as upbeat as I'd like, but still fun to listen to!

Joy Electric

Label: Tooth & Nail Records
August, 2001
General Style/Sound: Synthpop, done entirely with analogue synthesizers.
Website: www.joyelectric.com (For a sample of their music: www.mp3.com/joyelectric)

When I first listened to this album, my intitial reaction was a general "Whoah, they're actually starting to sound good!"
Not that they didn't sound good before, but on this album their music seems to be reaching a kind of maturity that was somewhat lacking in some of their earlier releases. (If you don't believe me, go back and listen to the "Melody" album a couple of times.)
One noticeable difference seems to be the use of more different (and more profuse) vocal effects, and *gasp* a bit more of Ronnie Martin's real voice, as opposed to the consistantly high-pitched vocals used on all the other albums (excluding "Unelectric", because that one was done entirely natural).
Musically, they also seem to be exploring some new and different areas within their own style of electronic music. The overall "feel" of the album is a bit heavier and somewhat darker than most of their previous work, which is by no means a bad thing. (C'mon, tell me you don't start to get a little tired of the same beat, same chords, very NEARLY the same tune that is prevalent throughout so much of their music?)
The lyrical content is, to say the least, formidable. Really, flipping through the little booklet there are a LOT of words in there. On this album Ronnie seems to be lashing out a bit more than usual; towards the Christian music industry, mostly. However, it is still not lacking in the traditional sappy-sweet fairytale love songs that are rather the essence of their music to date.
The layout is pretty cool, too. The songs are arranged into "chapters", the title track of each chapter being an instrumental piece. This definitely adds to the general impression you get of the album.
In conclusion, I thought it was the bomb, and I almost wish I HAD spent money on it. ;) (It was an early birthday present, in case you're wondering.)

Starflyer 59

Leave Here a Stranger

year: 2001
label: Tooth & Nail Records
Genre/sound: Kinda slow rock/"shoegazer"/ brit pop... okay, listen, it’s guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals, combined in a melodic fashion so as to create what we like to call "music". Go liten to it for yourself.
Websites: www.starflyer59.net- Official site, www.starflyer59.com Unofficail site, www.mp3.com/starflyer59mp3.com site

Starflyer is one of those bands that a lot of different people like, probably for a lot of different reasons, but most people really aren’t sure just why. I mean, the band does have a really awesome sound, but unless you listen really closely you generally can’t make out the lyrics or the musical dynamics very well. You have to listen to them with headphones on, I guess. But maybe that’s WHY we like Starflyer. It’s because they’re not noisy punk rock, but they’re not just mundane "alternative" music, either. If you listen close, you find that their generally subdued sound is actually kind of appealing.
"Leave Here a Stranger" is, in my opinion, one of their best albums to date. The sound is a bit more upbeat and melodic than some of their older stuff, but that’s by no means a bad thing. The lyrics are a bit clearer and less... depressing, a bit more catchy, while still retaining that vague, dreamy, underwhemled quality that is one of the band’s trademarks. There seems to be a bit more keyboard work in the music, and very little of the distortion that was used on a lot of their earlier work. There are 10 tracks, and as has been seen on many of their previous albums, the song titles seem to follow a kind of vague theme... We’re not really sure what it is, but...yeah.
All in all, it’s a well-constructed album, great sound, great lyrics, a pleasure to listen to (and quite relaxing, as well).

Soviet

We Are Eyes, We Are Builders

year: 2001
label: Plastiq Musiq
Genre/sound: Synthpop
Websites: www.sovietmusic.com Official site, www.mp3.com/soviet mp3.com site.

Soviet is a relatively new band, on a relatively new label, Pastiq Musiq, which was started by Ronnie Martin or Joy Electric, and features exclusively synthpop bands like this one.
Their sound is pretty niffy, being somewhat rock-oriented, with a faint hint at a techo beat every now and then. The synthesizer is always the thing, though, and these guys operate the anaog quite masterfully.
The lyrics are quite rhythmic and maybe somewhat addictive (listen to their song "Commute") and you’ll see what I mean). Vague and profound at the same time, but not without the traditional synthpop "sappiness" in such songs as "Sensitive", "Candy Girl" and "Modern Love".
Overall, quite an excellent release, left me looking forward to another album by these guys, because they rock.

Five Iron Frenzy

FIF2:Electric Boogaloo

year: 2001
label: 5 min. walk
Genre/sound: Ska/punk/rock
Websites: Official website.

I bought this CD as a gift for Devon back in November, when it first came out. I only got to listen to it a couple times before shipping it off to California, which is why it's taken me so long to write a review of it.
My initial reaction upon first hearing this album was: "Whoah, what's up with this? It's DARK." Indeed, this album has continued to evoke both familiar and unfamiliar emotions- at least as far as FIF is concerned. The sound is a bit more mature; leaning almost a bit towards…dare I say emo? Maybe not quite emo, but it's definitely different. There aren't any purely "goofy" songs at all. To be sure, there's irony enough (see "Giving Up") and a cool nerd anthem ("You Can't Handle This"), but for the most part this is a more serious album, focusing on both social and deeply spiritual issues. The message is very thought provoking, as always. After listening to it a few times I found that, in my current frame of mind, I could identify with these songs just as readily as with their older ones. (The song "Spartan", for example, keeps making me cry every time I hear it.)
Musically, as I said, it's different; less ska-oriented, though retaining the awesome horns and general energetic pace of the music. This album isn't necessarily any harder, but it is somewhat "darker" in many places. Still, the music throughout most of the CD is absolutely beautiful, in a very complex way that is rarely achieved in punk-influenced music. It's very dynamic in perhaps subtler ways than just having niffy, catchy guitar and horn riffs; (though it certainly has plenty of those) there are also some really interesting little chord progressions and new rhythmic patterns going on here which a keen ear can discern in you listen closely.
Overall, it's another great album, at least to the truly loyal fans and those with more eclectic tastes. Some of the more hyperactive fans may not appreciate it as much as some of the older stuff, but, either way, it's still great music with an awesome message. If you don't believe me, listen to "Far, far away" or "Farsighted" and if you're not struck by the hope-filled beauty of it all, well... I guess you can't please everybody. FIF still rocks, and most of all, they rock for Jesus.

Blenderhead

Figureheads on the Forefront of Pop Culture

year: 2001
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: emo
Websites: Mp3.com site

Generally speaking, the only times I’ll pay full, Christian bookstore price on a CD is if I can’t find it anywhere else, or I’m simply too lazy to try. Oh well. Anyway, I bought this one at the same time that I bought Wedding Party "Anthems" and Five Iron Frenzy "Electric Boogaloo". It was either this one or Finechina, but I hadn’t heard much of their music, and I already liked Blenderhead, so... yeah.
The thing to remember about emo is that... well, it can tend to lean towards depressive at times. At first, I didn’t really like this album, for that reason. Being rather emotionally insecure to begin with, I didn’t really need any help in this area. However, as things get better, and as I listened to this CD a few more times, I decided it was considerably better than my original reaction might have indicated. It’s not really THAT depressing, after all. Lyrically, it’s typical emo-style vague and, well... emotional. The message is one encouraging introspection and self-examination, aside from pointing out sociological problems in individuals and in humanity in general, if that makes any sense.
Musically, it’s quite good, if you listen close. This album is more melodic and not as hard as some of their older stuff, though retaining the heavy punk-influenced, discordant, almost off-key sound that distinguishes this particular band. However there is really some beautiful music here, if you look for it. There’s also niffy little instrumental piece called "Monotone", which is… pretty monotone.
Overall, a good album, especially if you’re an emo freak like me. Also note that when I’m comparing it to "their older stuff", I’m generally referring to their "Prime Candidate for Burnout" album, which is the only other one that I own, and which is also a very good CD.

Wedding Party

Anthems

year: 1998
label: MCM
Genre/sound: Goth/rock
Websites: Mp3.com site.

This is an old CD of a band that possibly no longer exists, as far as I know. I’m not sure. I saw them in concert at Cornerstone Festival 1999, and it’s taken me this long to get a hold of the CD.
You can say what you like about how you "Christian Goth" may be an oxymoron, but what else are you gonna call it? The interesting thing is, that bands like this and Saviour Machine, and many others like them really have more of a Christian message than many of the more mainstream “Christian” bands. Once you get past the dark and highly dramatic feel of the music, you find a strong, worshipful message about the power and goodness of God, of the hope that His people have in His salvation and eternal life. It’s not overly preachy, but it is decidedly convicted.
The music is absolutely beautiful, a mixture of semi-heavy, dramatic rock, lush piano parts, inspiring vocals, and exhilarating, dreamlike melodies. At times bold and challenging, ("War Memorial", "Raven’s Warning", etc.) at other times tender and encouraging ("Crystal River", "Lamb", etc.). It starts out harder, building up to "To the Unknown God", and then it becomes a bit softer before a crescendo to the climactic "Omega".
All told, a wonderful album all through, definitely worth listening to for anybody whose musical tastes run towards the dramatic, and anybody who can appreciate the deeply beautiful spiritual side of the message that goes with it.

The Juliana Theory

Songs From Another Room

year: 2001
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: emo
Websites: Official website.

This was the CD that Devon got for me back in November, when I got him the new FIF CD. This one was cheaper, but shorter, though, in my opinion, of equal musical value to the other. What can I say. It rocks.
There are only 6 tracks on this CD, and it’s only about ½ an hour long, so the main drawback of this album is that one wishes it were longer. It’s a collection of a couple unreleased and couple new songs from the past few years. Did I mention that it rocks?
As always, The Juliana Theory brings us lushly orchestrated (and often times quite catchy) melodies coupled with emotionally electric vocals/lyrics. You really have to hear it for yourself to know what I’m talking about, I guess. The synth work is masterfully interwoven with guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, making it feel a little “fuller” than a lot of other emo stuff I’ve heard. The last song also has a beautiful piano melody, which is why it’s called the “Piano Song”, quite obviously.
An awesome CD all around, definitely worth a good listen!!!

Leiahdorus

Ashes, Ashes...

year: 2002
label: A Different Drum
Genre/sound: synthpop
Websites: Mp3.com site

Okay, so maybe the Leah-D is yet another one-man synthpop act, but, as far as these go, it's top-of-the-line. Jason Smith's emotional and well-orchestrated style is appealing to the heart, but also pleasant to the ears.
Stylistically, the music has somewhat of a pseudo-80's pop sound to it, but don't let that comparison fool you, because it's SO much more than that. One of the most outstanding features, to me, is the fact that much of the synth work is shaped to sound like real instruments, rather than the quirky-synth sound of bands like Joy Electric, thus giving it a very orchestral feel. There's a lot of piano-style playing, which, in my opinion, is quite awesome. Aside from that, Jason also taps into the qualities of analog synth that are unattainable in traditional instruments, but does it in a very tasteful and smooth manner, so that, at times, you almost forget that this music was created using boxes full of circuits and wires and not some beautiful and strange oriental instrument.
Lyrically, this album is also superb, combining true poetry with catchy, singable lines, appealing deeply to the hearts of sappy kids like me. ;) Personally, I wish that there was more spiritual "substance" to the message; the lyrics are neither overtly Christian, nor are they un-Christian. However, the message is definitely optimistic, most of the songs are expressive of a dreamy, hopeful, "in love" point of view, mixed with a sort of self-awareness and various overtones of life and people's hearts that I think most people can probably identify with, if they're willing to open up. It's really something you have to hear for yourself, because, at many times, the words and music combine to capture that "essence" of something wonderful that we can't quite grasp. Something exhilirating, something that makes you want to break down and cry, if you've ever been in love; something that surpasses mere music and lyrics into the realm of the heart and the soul.
I highly reccomend this album! However, the only place you're very likely to find this CD is online, because it's one of those "underground" things that nobody knows about except for... well, weird people like me, I guess. :) Check out the mp3 site, though. "Wake" and "Pause" are awesome songs!

Various Artists

Automata 3.0 Compilation

year: 2001
label: Flaming Fish
Genre/sound: Electronic/industrial
Websites: Go here to buy the zine! It's only $5!

Automata is a Christian electronic music zine that comes out, like, once or twice a year, or something like that. They feature interviews with verious Christian elctronic/industrial artists, as well as brief album reviews and ads for a lot of the different bands. 3.0 includes intervies with Ronnie Martin (of Joy Electric), Cult of Jester, Judean Radiostatic, Lode (a.k.a. Rubicon 7), Indikator, and True Color of Blood. The CD, however, is my main focus here, and I will give a track-by-track summary:

1. Level- "Restore Level is generally industrial/techno with dramatic, emotional lyrics and melodic, oftentimes dark, guitar and experimental-driven music. Excellent! Listen.
2. Evanescence- "Whisper" Intense, emotional, riff-driven industrial with beautiful vocals by Amy Lee. "Don't turn away, don't give into the pain, don't try to hide, though they're screaming your name, don't close your eyes, God knows what lies behind, don't turn out the lights, never sleep, never die." An awesome song!! Listen.
3. Cult of Jester- "Golgo 13" Heavy hip-hop industrial with tight synth work. Don't let the violent imagery fool you, he IS a Christian artist. Listen.(note: This site only has older stuff.)
4. Sheltershed- "Coriander (Deep Disco Mix)" Niffy techno track with some really interesting electronic stuff going on in the background... Listen.(again, only old stuff on this site.)
5. Voxis- "Razor's edge" Dramatic, melodic techno with a heavy industrial edge to it. Whoohoo! Listen.
6. Indikator- "Fissure" Dark drum and bass techno with various sampling and manipulative work. Not necessarily my preference, but still good. Listen.
7. Joy Electric- "The Ice Parade At Dawn" A dark (yet cool), HIGHLY experimental sounding track which is clearly from the "White songbook" era. This is a departure from their usual synthpop style, yet the signature quirky synth sounds still make it clear as to who this is we're listening to. ;) Listen.
8. Massivivid- "Flesh:Wound (Activ8 Mix)" Techno remix of a more industrial song. "I fall down, I fall down, and when I fall down I see the dust I come from." Listen.
9. Substructure- "Elemental Confusion"Um, it's electronic, some kind of techno, I guess. Okay, so I DON'T know all the different variations and sub-genres of electronic music. Give me a break. Listen.
10. Regenerator- "Battleground"Dark, catchy, industro-techno-pop sound... Warning, after a couple of listens the chorus will stick in your head REALLY bad: "Flocks of unholy angels, deliver destiny, whose hearts are wholly evil, beyond infinity..." Listen.
11. Lode(Rubicon 7)- "When the Stars Will Fall"> A beautiful synthpop track which blends words adapted from a traditional Baptist hymn with Echoing Green-esque snyth work and vocals. Awesome song!!! Listen.
12. A Different Kind of Cop- "14" Funky industrial synth driven rock. Um, I guess you have hear it to get my point. "Rise and walk again..." Listen.
13. Midiboy- "Razor Words (The Synth Sense Mix)" Dance/snyth/industrial.... hey, didn't anybody tell this guy that "midi" is a four-letter word? *snicker* Seriously, though, a good song. (Although I'm struck with this eerie feeling that I've heard that "I will MAKE you understand!" sample before. If anybody knows where that came from, let me know.") Listen.
14. Temple of the Times- "Requiem for the Lost Children" Dark industrial dance with some lovely synth bits adding an emotional, dramatic feel to the song. Listen.
15. Judean Radiostatic- "Shield (Red Mix)" Industrial electronic with a neat twist: All of their lyrics are based on or quoted directly from scripture. But don't let that turn you off, because their music is awesome even by itself. Listen.
16. Autumn's Descent- "Understand" This song is the "ballad" on the AD cd that it hails from. This song is basically heavy, emotional alternative, wheras most of the other songs are industrial/metal in type. Great song, nevertheless! Listen.
17. True Colour of Blood- "Twilight State Dream" This is very lulling, ambient electronic with a twist- no keyboards are used! It's all done with guitar. (And this guy brags about it the way Ronnie Martin brags about using 100% analog synths! To each his own, you know?) Listen.

Pep Squad

No Doy!

year: 1998
label: BEC records
Genre/sound: indie rock
Websites: (try a search engine.)

Despite Devon's dislike of of the name, (and, through the name, the bad itself, though he's barely heard what they sound like) when I had the chance to buy this cd from Tooth & Nail Mailorder, I jumped on it. (The main drawback of that site, btw, is the fact that you have to order by credit card, which sucks.)
Pep Squad (R.I.P.), had a cool, indie-emo-rock sound which belies the rather preppy-sounding name. (The drum majorette burning down the ski lodge on the cover is a nice touch, though, I thought.)
There's not a whole lot of really deep meaning to the lyrics, (as far as we know) which are vauge, at best, and, in many cases, just plain bizarre ("Bug-Nug", comes to mind). Nevertheless, the songs are of those catchy, stick-in your head type, and, personally, I don't mind it. (Though it might get you some odd looks if you suddenly start screaming "Bored, bored, bored, ouut my gourd!" in a public place...
This CD's only about a half hour long, and it's out of print, so, if you're interested, I reccomend finding it someplace cheap online (this is easy to do, since it's old and not very well-known.) Woth a listen, though, if you get the chance, because it's just so delightfully unusual.

Fine China

When The World Sings

year: 2000
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: indie rock
Websites:

After listening to Fine China for awhile, the first thing that pops into my mind when trying to describe them is "they rock harder than I ever knew!" The blend of indie rock and synthpop with catchy lyrics and a positive message makes for music that you don't mind getting stuck in your head.
The overall sound of this album is somewhat in the vein of bands like Starflyer 59 and Joy Electric, though with a more accessible rock edge to it, which makes them more appealing to a wider audience.
The lyrics are meaningful, though they do tend towards the sappy synthpop mentality with songs like "For All Centuries", "Comforting, Gondoliering", "I Dropped a Bomb on Your Heart", and "Young and Having Fun". However they are nevertheless poigniant as well as catchy, and fit well with the music.
I highly reccomend this album, as well as their older stuff, and their new album, "You Make Me Hate Music", too.

Norway

The Essence of Norway

year: 1999
label: Plastiq Musiq
Genre/sound: synthpop
Websites: Official site (Fun!)

Since this album was released, Norway has changed it's name to Norway(squared), and changed it's sound to a darker, more mainstream pop sound (as well as the vocals to an eerie, filtered, mechanical sound). Still, this is a good CD if you're a die-hard synthpop fan.
The music is the same vein as Joy Electric, though it tends to be faster, with more retro sound to it. It CAN get annoying as background noise, at times, but if you're sitting down and really listening to it, it's actually quite pleasant.
The lyrics are the usual synthpop fare, I'm afraid, sappy songs, regretful songs.... you know the drill.
Overall, it's a pretty good CD, and has some really awesome songs on it, but I reccomend finding it on sale if you're going to buy it, because most of the songs are availible online anyway.

Joy Electric

Starcadia

year: 2002
label: Plastiq Musiq
Genre/sound: synthpop
Websites: Official Site

A new EP from the JE, availible only at concerts or online, Starcadia is well worth the $8 I paid for it, even if it DOES only have 5 songs on it. (It's also a CDR, and if you hold it up to the light you can see right through it.)
Overall, this CD is more artsy and a bit less hard-edged than "The White Songbook", though "Matterhorn" is still in that same vein (rocks hard, believe me). The song "Starcadia" is a niffy instrumental piece, actually pleasant to listen to. "Dance to Moroder" is a not-so-disco disco song, similar to stuff he's done before, yet at the same time a bit different than anything he's done before. "Circa 1978" is a chirping instrumental track, like some of the stuff on White Songbook, though with some really weird syncopation stuff going on. "The Carousel of Progress" Is another darker song, with really buzzy vocals, something you don't hear a lot from JE.
The main problem with this CD is that it's only 13 and ½ minutes long… Or maybe that's one of the benefits. Either way, if you like JE (or electronic music in general), try to get ahold of this one.

Various Artists

Cheapskates Vol. 2

year: 2001
label: BEC Recordings
Genre/sound: various
Websites: Official Site

This is a cheap sampler CD put out by BEC Recordings, and you'll most likely find it at a Chistian bookstore, where you can pick it up for about $2. The tracks are as follows:

• O.C. Supertones- "Jury Duty" Supertones rule. A great ska song with a great message. (From "Loud and Clear")
• Cadet - "God-Man" Cheerful pop-punk with niffy synth. (From "Cadet")
• Plankeye - "The Meaning of it All" A beautiful song from a band that's been around for awhile. (From "Strange Exchange")
• Any Given Day: Earth to Heaven - "Great and Mighty" A really good praise song.
• Hangnail - "All That You Wanted" Hard rocking punk with an awesome meaning. Hangnail has my personal reccomendation! (Unreleased track)
• Flight 180 - "Prom Queen" We all know that I think 180 is as annoying as anything, especially for ska, but this is actually an okay song ( I like the distortion on the vocals toward the end). (From "Boys and Girls")
• Ace Troubleshooter - "Yesterday" (Not to be confused with the old ValuPac song of the same name) An absolutely beautiful song by another T&N pop-punk band, but I've always thought Ace stood out above most pop-punk bands. (From "Ace Troubleshooter")
• Joy Electric - "Parlor Inventor" Dark, intstrumental track that's appeared on at least 2 other compilations that I know of. (Unreleased track)
• Ill Harmonics - "Will I?" I don't care much for rap, but occasionally some of these white Christian rappers will come out with something that isn't completely obnoxious to listen to. Or at least something that's catchy, neh? (From "An Octave above the original")
• Ultrabeat - "Deeper Than Oceans" Techno/dance praise song from… well, a techno/dance praise band. Good song. (From "Beyond the Stars")
• Hip Hop Praise - "Liteshine (Declaring War)" Enough said. (From "Sinner's Prayer")
• MG! The Visionary - "'Sponsible" Still more Christian rap… (From "Transparemcee")
• The Company - "Boogie Machine" Disco lives!!! (From "The Company")
• Lost Dogs - "Diamonds to Coal" The Lost Dogs may not appeal to everybody's taste in music, but their combined sense of irony, humility, and real musicianship makes them quite cool. (From "Gift Horse")
• Hangnail - "Double Standard" The Acoustic demo version, quite interesting to listen to if you've ever heard the original.

Fine China

You Make Me Hate Music

year: 2002
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: Um...rock? Whatever you classify Starflyer as, I guess.
Websites: Official Site

I've been waiting for a long time to get this CD, so I was quite delighted when Devon brought it with him on his recent trip out here. (Merf!)
The frist thing that struck me was the fact that there is very little electronic work in this, especially as compared to their older stuff. Whereas their old stuff is largely synth-oriented, this album is largely based on guitar. But don't think I'm complaining. ;)
I found it interesting that, with the shift in style came a shift in producers… "When the World Sings" was produced by Ronnie Martin (of JE), whereas this album was produced by Terry Taylor (of Daniel Amos) And Jason Martin (of Starflyer59). Finechina has always sounded rather like a cross between JE and Starflyer, to me, but on this CD they've pretty much lost all resemblance to JE, and started sounding a lot more lke SF, particularly on songs like "The World Wants Me Dead", and "Boo to the Freaks".
The lyrics are usually less vague and bizarre than Staflyer, though, in fact, they're often downright catchy, as in "Hug Every Friend", "Your Heart Was Made of Gold", and "Don't Say Nothing", which is quite a rockin' song. Also noticable is a rather biting edge to the lyrics than in a lot of their previous stuff. You heard it occasionally, in songs like "Angry Hearts" and "Labor Saving Device", but this album seems to have an almost a bit of infused pessimism that wasn't so obvious before.
Nevertheless, lest you think I'm giving it a negative review, it's still a really great album, and maybe a little more accessible to rock fans than their older stuff. Finechina rocks. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.

Calibretto 13

Adventures in Tokyo

year: 2002
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: punk
Websites: Official Site

This is C13's second full-length release, and it rocks just as hard as "Enter the Danger Brigade", if not more so.
Calibretto is notorious for speaking out on issues that are important to them, even to the point where some people might find it offensive. But it's not offensive the way most music is, with cursing and obscenity, but it IS a blatant proclamation of truths, truths which many people don't really want to think about.
Their style, as always, is a hard-hitting "folk-punk", using both electric and acoustic guitars, with awesome bass and guitar lines, catchy melodies, and, of course, Joe's crazy characteristic (some might say obnoxious) vocals.
Many of the songs focus on the stupidity of following our modern culture ("Cruisin' the strip", "Sheep of the U.S.", "America", etc.) With some sci-fi irony as well ("Hollywood is burning down"). They also touch on the topic of Christian witnessing ("From me to you", "I'll talk to you tomorrow") in a brutally honest admittance of how most Christians do a really lousy job of that. There's also personal songs such as "Father" and "The Proposal", which is, of all things, a love song (Something else which separates Calibretto from most punk bands- the lack of stupid love songs, and even this one is far from stupid). There's also a new rendition of "I'll show the world", an older song of theirs.
The cd ends with a bonus track featuring 10 minutes worth of messages from Aaron's computer answering machine… Heh.
In conclusion, Calibretto rocks, and you need to listen to their music for yourself to really appreciate it. And if I ever manage to type their name correctly on the first try... well, all things in their time.

Pep Squad

Yreka Bakery

year: 1999
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: indie-emo
Websites:

This was Pep Squad's second, and, sadly, final release. Thanks to Tooth and Nail Mailorder's back catalog sale, I was able to pick it up cheap.
Yreka Bakery presents a much more diverse musical endeavor than their first album ("No Doy!"). It begins with a couple of their harder, indie-emo songs, followed by a cover of an Adam Ant song ("Friend or Foe"), followed in turn by a gentle ballad (which is actually 2 Timothy 4:3-8 set to music), some more indie style songs, the rather eerie "Erik's (got a girlfriend)", an indie/punk song "kandigram", as well as, of all things, a catchy disco track. Musically, a great progression from their first album.
Lyically, the songs are nearly as wonderfully clever/bizarre as ever, though not quite as vague and seemingly meaningless as some of the songs on the first CD (such as "Bug-nug").
Overall, a great CD, if you like weird indie stuff, you may wanna try and pick it up from toothandnail-mailorder.com while it's on sale.

Puller

Sugarless

year: 1996
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: post-hardcore/emo
Websites:

Another cheap buy from the mailorder sale, this cd is cool even for the nostalgia of the "New releases '96" insert in the case (including MxPx's "Life in general" album, and they're still offering cassettes at that point in time, too). Then there's the rather amusing artwork, combining lots of red dots, the girl-with-a-waffle, an astronaut, and goofy spy-spoof band pictures.
This CD is more in the harder style of the band For Love Not Lisa, from which Puller was formed, than the gentler style of their more recent stuff. "Sugarless" is sort of an example of the post-hardcore style which forms the roots of what we now call "emo". (Note: Devon will deny that Puller is really emo, but I must point out to him that emo is a rather vague and broad genre, including things like Blenderhead, which is sort of old-school emo, but emo nonetheless.) Either way, it's good music- just hard enough, without being TOO hard.
Lyrically, it strikes one at first as being meaningful, but you're not really sure WHAT the meaning is. The use of rather questionable grammar in songs such as "Just Enough" ("Use to be my terror....It's cause the one I love/How do you pose I should be?") only adds to the rather vague feeling. You have to really sit down and listen to the words before you "get it". And even then....
The verdict: Another great CD, but then, I tend to think anything obscure that I come across on my own is great. ;)

Royal

My Dear

year: 1998
label: Tooth & Nail
Genre/sound: artsy emo
Websites:

Swedish emo! Well, it's sort of emo. I don't know what else you'd call it; lots of hard guitars, a bit of accent added with keyboard here and there, as well as a female vocalist who's actually NOT annoying (gasp!).
The music is dynamic and interesting, if not a little weird at times, and some of the guitar work sounds like the way I play... (scary thought, I know). The sound ranges from gentle to driving, ambient at times, metallic at others... Not really hard, but not really soft, either.
Many of the lyrics are hard to hear, but that sort of adds to the flavor (like Starflyer, yo). Most of the vocals are sung by Elvira Nikolaisen, though her brother, Emil, the lead guitarist, adds in occasional harder vocals (like in "haze" which includes some screaming at the end). There's also a rather beautiful song called "M rke Natt" which is definitely not sung in English...
Overall, a very good, dynamic, and generally interesting album. Once again, available from the toothandnail-mailorder.com site.

Joy Electric

The Art and Craft of Popular Music

year: 2002
label: Tooth & Nail/BEC
Genre/sound: synthpop
Websites: www.joyelectric.com

The Art and Craft of Pupolar Music is a two-disc set released by JE in June, 2002, and looks back over the history of Joy Electric from 1994-2002.
Disc One is a collection of unreleased or remixed songs spanning from pre-"Melody" days to the present. There are some really great songs included here, and, by their chronological diversity, they seem to really solidify the essence of JE. "Such a Beautiful Thought", "Ringing Bells", "We'll last so long" (a remake of one of Ronnie's old Rainbow Rider songs), and "Weep in the sunshine" are some of the most exquisitely sad and beautiful songs he's released and finally seem to capture the more melancholy (and perhaps more accurate) side of JE that is often overlooked amidst the noise of the characteristic bubbly synthesizers. Also included are two songs from the "Starcadia" EP, as well as three remixes of "We are rock" (from "The White Songbook") by other bands.
Disc Two is a collection of familiar and classic JE songs such as "Drum Machine Joy", "Sugar Rush", "Monosynth", and "Children of the Lord".
Overall, I highly reccomend this album, both for old fans and for those who maybe aren't sure whether it's worth it to buy any of JE's other CDs. This will really help you gain an appreciation for what it's all about.

Pilots vs. Aeroplanes

Our Desire is Wind and Motor

year: 2000
label: Eulogy/Goodbye Blue Skies
Genre/sound: Indie
Websites: Mp3.com site.

I had to wait a long time to get this CD, because it was on backorder when I ordered it through the record company, but at last it came, and I was happy. :)
PVA is (was?) an indie band from Florida, which I originally heard of via the Plastiq Musiq "new musiq compliation #2", and I really liked what I heard, so I searched for it online and finally found their Mp3.com website, with the songs "Sitting Silent" and "Christmas Parade", which are still my favorites, though the rest of the CD is really good, too.
The sound is a melodic, sort of wistful, ambient rock, with maybe a little emo thrown in for good measure... Very artistic (as obscure bands usually are) with a direct quote from Alice in Wonderland in the song "Curiouser and Curiouser" ('will you, won't you, won't you come and join the dance?') and clips from an old movie in "Me with carpet burns", and a cheerful accousticy piece called "The girl with green hair", as well as a song that is almost entirely instrumental ("Memories of falling, breaking") except for a little hardcore screaming at the end. :)
The lyrics are the usual vague fare that one often gets with artsy-ness, they're not particularly a Christian band, though their message is certainly not an anti-Christian nor is it a negative one.
All in all, great music! Worth checking out!!!

Juggernautz

year: 2002
label: Metro One Music
Genre/sound: Electronic rock
Websites: Official Website

For those of you who like Mortal/Fold Zandura, this is another project featuring Jyro Xhan apart from his usual outfit. It's not a solo work, as I was at first led to believe, but rather a new band entirely. And they rock!
The style is similar to FoldZan, a hard-hitting, but beautifully melodic electronic rock, featuring a good mix of harder and softer songs, lushly rendered in a combination of guitars and electonics.
The lyrics are the typical mind-blowing, praiseful songs that characterized FoldZan, prolific with awesome imagery and incredible meatphors. The whole album is very worshipful and makes one want to get closer to a God who could inspire such poetry.
Conclusion: GREAT album. Definitely worth buying!

Fire Fly

Beauty For Ashes

year: 2001
label: Embryo records
Genre/sound: Alternative
Websites: Official Website

Firefly is a little-known band from the UK that I heard about originally from a song of theirs that was featured on the Plastiq Musiq New Musiq Vol. 2 Sampler. Their sound has progressed and changed a great deal since then, however.
Beauty for Ashes Is their second album, and features 14 suberb songs. The style is generally a heavy alternative rock, with a lot of artistic beauty and dynamic nuance, as well as a few, equally beautiful softer songs. The music is powerful, effectively evoking the strong emotions of each song. Some songs are short, but heavy with meaning and feeling, while others take more the form of what has been described as "80's epic rock" songs, but don't let that description (or Devon's insistence that the vocals remind him of Smashing Pumpkins) influence you if you ever listen to this album. For aside from the awesome music, the messages are deep, poigniant, and meaningful. Whether it's a sad commentary song like "See sharp minor"or "Trying to be cool", or a deep introspective one like "Stain", or a song of triumph and praise to God like "A stolen glimpse", the lyrics are truly moving and show a decidedly decdicated heart for Christ. Also included is a very stirring rendition of "Seek ye first".
If you can get a hold of this album, I reccomend you give it a listen, because it's just awesome.

Songs From the Penalty Box vol. 5

year: 2002
label: Tooth and Nail Records
Genre/sound: N/A
Websites: Official Website

This is an awesome compilation CD.... At first I didn't like it as well as vol. 4, however it's really grown on me, and I highly reccomend it. It's only $5.00!!

1. Ace Troubleshooter- "Amanda"Listen -Upbeat punk rock.
2. Bleach- "Baseline"Listen -Rock!
3. Slick Shoes- "Alone" Listen -More punk rock!
4. Twothirtyeight- "Modern Day Prayer" Listen -Emo
5. Further Seems Forever- "Wearing Thin" Listen -Pop Emo
6. Poor Old Lu- "Crushed" Listen -Power Pop/Rock
7. Element 101- "The Fragile" Listen -Guitar Rock (whatever that is.)
8. Hangnail- "Surrender" Listen -Punk rock
9. Mortal- "F10ranclaude" Listen -Hard Industrial
10. MxPx- "Let it Happen" Listen -Punk rock
11. Squad Five-0- "Make You a Star" Listen -Glam punk
12. Havalina- "I Feel Nothing" -Um... rock?
13. The Blamed- "She Shows Me How" Listen -Emo
14. Bon Voyage- "The Right Amount" Listen -Indie Pop
15. Side Walk Slam- "All I Have" Listen -Pop Punk
16. MeWithoutYou- "We Know Who Our Enemies Are" Listen -Hardcore punk
17. The Undedided- "Beautiful" -Punk
18. Kutless- "In Me" Listen -Alternative
19. Calibretto 13- "Cruisin the Strip" Listen -Folk Punk/Dork Rock
20. Dogwood- "Flowersoondie" Listen -Punk
21. Too Bad Eugene- "Nobody's home" Listen -Indie
22. Fine China- "Don't Say Nothing" Listen -Indie
23. Furthermore- "Letter to Myself" Listen -Alternative Hip-hop