Review Summary: Check out Audio Adrenaline.
On one hand, you couldn’t count the number of CCM bands that popped up during the 90s, there were just so many, and reasonably so. After all, further exploration of alternative rock, grunge, pop, and rap, the Christian market had to have a counterpart to the new explosion of secular bands. While some of these bands failed and were forgotten by all but their loyal core fan base, others had talent, and were therefore allowed to stick around. Enter Audio Adrenaline, one of the most important alternative rock groups in the Christian scene along with Jars of Clay. On their first effort, Audio A didn’t get everything right, but they got pretty close.
Overall, the album exudes one feeling: happiness. At no point listening will you feel depressed or sad, and whether you enjoy the music or laugh at the cheesy lyrics, you’ll be smiling throughout. The band defined youthful energy, constantly setting a fast tempo and refusing to dwell on ballads. This is a factor that made Audio Adrenaline more appealing than a band like Jars of Clay to younger listeners, because although Jars of Clay is a superb band, their primarily melodic take on the genre could get a little boring, especially in their early works. It’s also what gave Audio Adrenaline a secular appeal as well, because though the lyrics are explicitly Christian, the infectious energy and catchy choruses had the tendency to catch on quickly to anybody’s brain, and refuse to leave. The band struck a chord between Beastie Boys rap and INXS-flavored alternative rock, occasionally bringing in pop and grunge influences. There’s another feeling the record exudes: blissful simplicity. Truly, the men of the band just sound like they are out to have fun and testify their beliefs, not define a genre. Though this may sound ugly, a simple sound just works for Audio Adrenaline.
Speaking of a simple sound, “One Step Hyper” is where the Beastie Boys influence truly shines, as vocalist Mark Stuart switches between high-energy rapping and slightly tempered singing. The track has a funky vibe, and the bass groove and drum beat honestly make you want to jump out of your seat and dance. Thankfully, Stuart is both a talented rapper and singer, never sounding awkward in either position. Though the typical 90s rock guitar riff used throughout gets old quickly, this is still an enjoyable song. The solo in the bridge also makes up for this, as it’s actually played quite well. “What You Need” manufactures the INXS influence the best, with Mark Stuart sounding exactly like Mike Hutchence, and some synth tones blending with affected guitar riffs. “Most Excellent Way” sounds like a calmer Red Hot Chili Peppers, while “My God” has a heavy metal influence, with distorted staccato riffs, harsher vocals, and Beastie Boys-esque chaos. Also on the heavier side is “D.C. 10”, blending rap, rock, and punk all into one song with superb double-bass drumming.
That’s musically, so how’s the group in the lyrical department? It’s explicitly Christian. Mark references God and Jesus multiple times, and talks about witnessing in “What You Need.” Though it’s cool that the group is unashamed about their beliefs, it comes off as slightly campy and contrived at times, as though Audio A was determined to tell the world they were a Christian band.
Whether it’s pop, rap, alternative rock, or even heavy metal, Audio Adrenaline does it powerfully. Mixing the goofy tone of early Newsboys with the harder rock of Petra and the alternative rock of INXS, this self-titled debut is a classic in Christian music. Check out Audio Adrenaline.
