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.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #93Reviewed by Roy CulverThe first song on Lift caught me off-guard. So, Audio A likes U2. Nothing wrong with that, and many a would-be super star has been inspired by Bono's soulful croon. However, it's one thing to bite someone else's style, and it's another to rip someone off entirely. What followed after that was hit and miss at best. Lift is a collection of 10 songs that drift somewhere between youth group…The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstWell, I'll try to write an honest review of Audio Adrenaline's new album, Lift, but it is hard to say something bad about the record. It's not that Lift is flawless. Far from it. It's just that it's so darn happy. Those Audio A. rascals just had to go and make a perky, cheerful CD, didn't they? In fact, Lift may even be a little bit too happy for some people. Even the song titles, like "I'm…Similar sounding releases
2003SwitchfootThe Beautiful Letdown
1999SonicFloodSonicFlood
2004OverflowA Better Place
2003By The TreeRoot
2005The MyriadYou Can't Trust a Ladder
2000LifehouseNo Name FaceMore from Audio Adrenaline
1996Bloom
1997Some Kind Of Zombie
1999Underdog
2005Until My Heart Caves In
1994Don't Censor Me
2001Hit Parade
