There are two directions I could go in reviewing this album. I could totally trash it as the annoyingly-overproduced, Christianese-filled, pre-packaged "safe" youth group rock that it is, and congratulate myself on my more sophisticated musical tastes. Or I could acknowledge the growth this band has undergone, their love for the Lord, and, well, the way this album finds itself in my stereo over and over.
To be honest, I really don't think Audio Adrenaline writes good songs; they just throw together some nifty guitar tones, studio effects (kind of pseudo-retro ones this time around), and a few hooks. Style with no substance. And yet, they put so much energy and enthusiasm into it that it becomes kind of enjoyable to participate with them in singing about the Lord. In the past, their lyrics have almost been a joke they were so bad, but I think they've improved. They aren't poets by any means, and down-to-earth simplicity is king here, but each song on Zombie revolves around a different metaphor, which is pretty cool. There's a football blitz, a lighthouse, a god-shaped hole (cliché, but....), a chevette, and so on.
I can't help it, I like this album! It's fun ear candy (Audio Adrenaline--the name fits!). Now if they can only learn to write good songs, I'll actually call myself a fan...
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by Josh HurstMy tastes in music have fluctuated quite a bit as I've grown older, so, naturally, some of the records that I was fond of a few years ago just don't connect with me much anymore. Still, it's fun to occasionally pull out some of those old, sentimental favorites, and to relive some of my favorite music moments from my younger days. Audio Adrenaline, unfortunately, is one of those bands that just…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Alan SeegerAudio Adrenaline opens their latest release, Some Kind Of Zombie, with a deceptively martial-sounding snare drum cadence and almost acoustic-sounding guitar strum, so that unwary listeners might almost believe that they are about to hear a slightly more upbeat cover of a militant praise & worship number such as "Above All Else" or "Mighty Warrior." Then, at the critical moment when the listener's…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Mark J. AylorThe boys from Audio Adrenaline are back to serve up their fifth album, the follow-up to Bloom. The same lineup returns, along with a little guitar help from Tyler Burkum in filling out the sound. Some Kind of Zombie, however, seems to be a case of should have been--it should have been great, but it wasn't. This was a bit of a disappointment for me. Technically, Some Kind of Zombie is as good as…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Cathy CourtwrightWow! It had been so long since I heard from Audio Adrenaline that I forgot how great they sounded. This time, they've done what several other bands have done recently--borrow a bit from sounds of the past. The way they put it all together was quite nice. As I listened to the project, I couldn't help but hear echoes from bands I listened to while growing up in the late 70s and 80s. Their boldness…Similar sounding releases
2002Butch WalkerLeft of Self-Centered
1999Pete StewartPete Stewart
2002Mindset 7Blur
1997Seven Day JesusSeven Day Jesus
2003By The TreeRoot
2000FlickerstickWelcoming Home the AstronautsMore from Audio Adrenaline
2001Lift
1995Live Bootleg
2005Until My Heart Caves In
1994Don't Censor Me Extended Play Remixes
1996Bloom
1999Underdog
