Audio Adrenaline
Lift
Forefront Records
2001

I remember back in high school when I picked up Audio Adrenaline's Bloom and thought it was pretty cool. A few years later, when I heard Underdog, I was impressed with the band's growth. And now, with their latest release Lift, Audio Adrenaline has shown that they are committed to raising the bar each time.

Lift, with lead singer Mark Stuart's unmistakable vocals, certainly sounds like Audio Adrenaline. But the band as a whole has found a much more mature and relaxed sound. They still rock out, they still groove, but they also sound more refined and in control of their sound. Likewise, the lyrics are as personal and real as the spirit of worship in which they are presented. Audio A steers clear from the cliché lyrics that plague countless mediocre Christian bands. Guitarist Tyler Burkum also has some great riffs. A few of them, like 'Tremble,' are even reminiscent of U2's The Edge.

Lift is not about trying to lure in the casual listener with some catchy pop hooks. It is an album for the Audio Adrenaline fan that wants to hear them at their best. You'll need to listen to many of the songs on Lift a few times before they really sink in, but the patience is well worth the wait. I cannot recall being so satisfied with a Christian music album since Third Day's Time a few years ago.

It is difficult to find a band like Audio Adrenaline that continues to improve with each recording. Are they one of the best bands in music today? Debatable. Do I look forward in anticipation to their next album? Absolutely. (Marc A.)