For anyone who followed Audio Adrenaline to the “end” in 2007, the news of the 2012 revitalization of Audio Adrenaline came as quite a shock. The lineup that crafted the majority of the Audio Adrenaline records we have come to know and love is gone, save the bassist Will McGginness. Kevin Max, formerly of dc talk, has stepped up to the microphone as the new lead singer in place of Mark Stuart. Many fans undoubtedly questioned this move (myself included). Despite my curiosity, I was not particularly looking forward to this record because I had a huge problem with this mostly new band flying under the moniker of Audio Adrenaline. It didn’t matter to me how good a singer Kevin Max was. Holding on to this mentality would have been a huge mistake.
I started seeing some reviews come up online in January, and with a peeked curiosity I went ahead and did the preorder which featured an instant streaming of the entire record. I could not help but smile as soon as I hear the opening deliciously poppy guitar licks from the bouncy opening song: He Moves You Move.
Stylistically, this is still the rock & roll pop that Audio Adrenaline was famous for, but you can tell that the classic sound has changed a bit. Each song is accessible and yet each song has its own distinct flare. The songs are catchy, engaging, and memorable. You will catch yourself singing these songs long after the cd stops spinning.
With the exception of the sole Ocean Floor-esque “ballad”, title track Kings & Queens, the album boasts mostly mid-tempo and upbeat pop songs. Some of the highlights of this CD are the funky King of the Comebacks (with a short appearance from Mark Stuart – original vocalist & current co-producer), the anthemic Dominic Balli cover 20:17 (Raise the Banner), and the raw I Climb the Mountain, and the Martin Smith (of Delirous?) cover, Fire Never Sleeps
Lyrically there isn’t anything particularly deep to chew on, but what is offered are raw and honest lyrics (Change my name, I Climb the Mountain), worshipful lyrics (Fire Never Sleeps), and a call for Christians to live out their faith (He Moves, Kings & Queens, Believer, actually just about every song)
Quick side note for anyone that is familiar with Kevin Max at all, you will notice that he does not use his vibrato as often as he does in his other works. This works out really well for this formula of rock & roll pop.
Also, it is important to note that all proceeds for this record go directly to the Hands and Feet Project. It’s an awesome organization started by Audio Adrenaline in 2004 with a mission to “raise a generation of orphans who will grow into men and women who will have a relationship with Christ and be leaders in their communities.”
Despite its short length (37 minutes) and poor cover art, it is one of the best albums that have come along this year.
Audio Adrenaline, come out to Boston! (there is always hope)
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This album is great. It can’t be compared to the old Audio A because Kevin Max’ sound is so unique. This is a re-invented Audio A and needs to be received as such. The lyrics are solid and I love that proceeds are going to the Hands and Feet project. The ONLY complaint I have about the album is that it only has 10 tracks. I’d prefer 12-13, maybe with one being a re-mix of an old Audio A song (Hands, Father’s House, etc) to tie the two eras together.
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This is a very strong release from the revamped Audio Adrenaline. Every song is good, especially the first two cuts. I just wish that the electric guitars were a little bit raunchier — a little more screaming guitar here and there. But overall, it’s a good disc. Kevin Max’s voice rarely has sounded better than it does here. Can’t wait to see this version of the band live next month.
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New Face – Similar Sound – Awesome Record,
For anyone who followed Audio Adrenaline to the “end” in 2007, the news of the 2012 revitalization of Audio Adrenaline came as quite a shock. The lineup that crafted the majority of the Audio Adrenaline records we have come to know and love is gone, save the bassist Will McGginness. Kevin Max, formerly of dc talk, has stepped up to the microphone as the new lead singer in place of Mark Stuart. Many fans undoubtedly questioned this move (myself included). Despite my curiosity, I was not particularly looking forward to this record because I had a huge problem with this mostly new band flying under the moniker of Audio Adrenaline. It didn’t matter to me how good a singer Kevin Max was. Holding on to this mentality would have been a huge mistake.
I started seeing some reviews come up online in January, and with a peeked curiosity I went ahead and did the preorder which featured an instant streaming of the entire record. I could not help but smile as soon as I hear the opening deliciously poppy guitar licks from the bouncy opening song: He Moves You Move.
Stylistically, this is still the rock & roll pop that Audio Adrenaline was famous for, but you can tell that the classic sound has changed a bit. Each song is accessible and yet each song has its own distinct flare. The songs are catchy, engaging, and memorable. You will catch yourself singing these songs long after the cd stops spinning.
With the exception of the sole Ocean Floor-esque “ballad”, title track Kings & Queens, the album boasts mostly mid-tempo and upbeat pop songs. Some of the highlights of this CD are the funky King of the Comebacks (with a short appearance from Mark Stuart – original vocalist & current co-producer), the anthemic Dominic Balli cover 20:17 (Raise the Banner), and the raw I Climb the Mountain, and the Martin Smith (of Delirous?) cover, Fire Never Sleeps
Lyrically there isn’t anything particularly deep to chew on, but what is offered are raw and honest lyrics (Change my name, I Climb the Mountain), worshipful lyrics (Fire Never Sleeps), and a call for Christians to live out their faith (He Moves, Kings & Queens, Believer, actually just about every song)
Quick side note for anyone that is familiar with Kevin Max at all, you will notice that he does not use his vibrato as often as he does in his other works. This works out really well for this formula of rock & roll pop.
Also, it is important to note that all proceeds for this record go directly to the Hands and Feet Project. It’s an awesome organization started by Audio Adrenaline in 2004 with a mission to “raise a generation of orphans who will grow into men and women who will have a relationship with Christ and be leaders in their communities.”
Despite its short length (37 minutes) and poor cover art, it is one of the best albums that have come along this year.
Audio Adrenaline, come out to Boston!
(there is always hope)
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|Great Album,
This album is great. It can’t be compared to the old Audio A because Kevin Max’ sound is so unique. This is a re-invented Audio A and needs to be received as such. The lyrics are solid and I love that proceeds are going to the Hands and Feet project. The ONLY complaint I have about the album is that it only has 10 tracks. I’d prefer 12-13, maybe with one being a re-mix of an old Audio A song (Hands, Father’s House, etc) to tie the two eras together.
Was this review helpful to you?
|A very good CD – wish the electric guitars had a bit more bite,
This is a very strong release from the revamped Audio Adrenaline. Every song is good, especially the first two cuts. I just wish that the electric guitars were a little bit raunchier — a little more screaming guitar here and there.
But overall, it’s a good disc. Kevin Max’s voice rarely has sounded better than it does here. Can’t wait to see this version of the band live next month.
Was this review helpful to you?
|