CDs (Rock)

Sometimes lightning strikes twice. In Leeland's case, the same energetic and melodic output that garnered them a Grammy nod for their 2006 debut can be found throughout the group's sophomore effort, Opposite Way. No longer flying under the radar, Leeland cemented their sound by creating electrifying walls of guitar. Take the energy of the Rocket … (More)

TODAY IS THE DAY, the third studio release from guitarist and singer-songwriter Lincoln Brewster, continues to refine the artist's take on contemporary Christian rock. Unlike some CCM artists who sublimate their message so as not to alienate secular artists, Brewster's praise and worship agenda is front and center, as songs like "Give Him … (More)

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Manafest's Sophomore Album 'Glory' captures both hip-hop and rock personas speaking on issues of life with a source of resolve. When asked about the new album, Manafest stated "The hip-hop songs are more the introspective side of my view and how I look at life, and the rock songs are more of outward looking in approach."

"I do not exist," mewithoutYou front man Aaron Weiss mutters to open the bands third full-length, 'Brother/Sister', setting the tone for an album that explores philosophical, spiritual and interpersonal relationships with equal aplomb. However, while Weiss has become known for his stream of consciousness lyrics communicated via his … (More)

A lot is made of MxPx's Christian beliefs and lyrical themes, but one listen to BEFORE EVERYTHING & AFTER reveals a band whose positive outlook differs little from legendary NYC hardcore straight-edge combos like Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits in practice. In addition, the group performs with a relaxed confidence and professionalism … (More)

MxPx makes a forceful impact with THE EVER PASSING MOMENT, lacing its energetic tracks with elements of pop melody, rock excitement and a taste of punk abandon. Loud, speedy songs such as "My Life Story," "Responsibility," and "Two Whole Years" are plentiful on the album. Produced by Jerry Finn (Blink 182, Green Day), … (More)

In the wake of Green Day, there emerged enough contestants in the power-pop- punk sweepstakes that standing out in the crowd required an excess of talent. As displayed on LET IT HAPPEN, MXPX has enough hook-heavy songwriting prowess, instrumental facility and street credibility to rise to the top of the aforementioned heap. Though the sound is … (More)

The rarities compilation Let It Happen gathers together a bunch of MxPx demos, B-sides, alternative versions and spare tracks into one tidy little package. Since most of these are from the early days of the trio's career, the record is pretty raw sounding, taking listeners right back into the dirty garages the band initially cut its teeth in. And … (More)

Let's Rock is technically made up of new MxPx songs, the catch being that the tracks have all mostly been lying around the band's practice space for the past few years. Dating back to sessions from 2000, the songs are all castoffs from other albums that the guys felt finally deserved a second chance to see the light of day. So they gathered some … (More)

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Thirteen years into the game, MxPx have gone from being fresh-scrubbed high school students playing punk with a Christian bent to wizened vets in a scene where musicians barely into their thirties are practically middle-aged. For PANIC, these Washington natives have instead turned towards a more traditional, SoCal punk sound. Amid the harmonies … (More)

On its debut album, POKINATCHA, the Washington State-based punk-pop trio MxPx (originally known as Magnified Plaid) offers up a restless set of tunes that is heavily influenced by Descendents, NOFX, and like-minded California acts. Fronted by singer/bassist Mike Herrera, the amiable trio established itself as the Tooth & Nail label's flagship … (More)

This brief glance into this cheerful trio's oeuvre (few of the nine tracks last over two minutes) reveals a band that owes much to Green Day and could end up owing more to They Might Be Giants if it plays its cards right. MXPX have Green Day's searing punk energy and musical smarts, and songwriter and bassist Mike Herrera displays enough lyrical … (More)

With 2007's SECRET WEAPON, the Christian punk-pop band MxPx reunited with its former label, Tooth & Nail, much to the delight of longtime fans. Helmed by lauded CCM producer Aaron Sprinkle, the album showcases the Washington State trio's tight, streamlined sound, particularly on the surging title track and the searing "Punk Rawk … (More)

MxPx made the leap to the major leagues in 1998 with Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo, their first album for A&M Records. The switch to the majors really doesn't make a difference, to tell the truth -- the group turns out another set of speedy, raucous punk-pop numbers that are fueled as much by attitude as songwriting. There's plenty of … (More)

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As the title attests, MxPx have been playing their brand of fun and spunky punk-pop for over ten years, and are still going strong. The band started off as teenagers in Bremerton, WA, and their teenage enthusiasm has not worn off. This CD collects 17 of their best songs like "Teenage Politics," "My Life Story," and "Chick … (More)

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Contemporary Christian Music superstars Newsboys have long been one of the most genuinely rocking groups in their field, delivering a sound full of driving beats, soaring vocals, and raging guitars that has often mirrored the work of their secular counterparts on the Britpop scene. DEVOTION adds a Coldplay-esque, piano-driven, heart-on-the-sleeve … (More)

Unlike a lot of alternative Christian rock bands, Newsboys have no compunction about sounding slick, dancey, or commercial. Scruffy rocker types will consider this a shortcoming, but the opposite is true: Newsboys' strength is their fearless combination of synth textures and Euro-pop catchiness, with touches of club bounce and guitar-driven rock … (More)

For the most part, Going Public is a first-rate pop/rock album from this Australian-based band. Although there are traces of dogma in the lyrics, there is enough variety, depth, and cleverness both musically and lyrically to make the album a winner. The first two numbers, "Real Good Thing" (with a great thumping bassline) and … (More)

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Recorded live during Newsboys' spring 2007 tour, NEWSBOYS LIVE: HOUSTON WE ARE GO is a dual CD and DVD concert experience. Although the track listing is taken largely from the band's 2007 album, GO (including the hit single "Wherever We Go"), earlier Newsboys favorites like "He Reigns," "It Is You," and … (More)

The Newsboys' ninth studio release is a conglomeration of rock, praise & worship, and power pop with more sharp hooks then a tackle box. The disc features a bevy of A-list studio vets. Christian pioneer Steve Taylor aided in lyrics and handled production. The release was mixed by Tom Lord-Alge (Collective Soul, blink-182, Dave Matthews Band) … (More)

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P.O.D. (Payable on Death) is among the elite rap-metal crossover bands in America, and Atlantic Records commemorates the band's achievements with this 17-track compilation. Celebrating a seven-year run with the label, the disc features some of P.O.D.'s most aggressive, thought-provoking sonic street-fights. Atlantic also showcases the band's … (More)

Snuff the Punk, P.O.D.'s second album for Christian indie Rescue Records, was re-released in early 2000 by the Diamante label following the band's major-label debut in 1999. It captures the band in their formative stage, still honing their fairly wide-ranging rap-metal sound, but providing enough moments of raw power to satisfy fans.

Whether it be the group's Christian ethos, ethnically diverse makeup, or reggae-sunsplash-meets-Ozfest vibe, P.O.D. has always retained a bit more respectability than their rap-rock peers. Even during the group's most "nu-metal" moments, they sound like they have at least heard Bad Brains' first three albums and probably dug them. … (More)