Intense and electric are two words that come to mind when trying to describe the music of PAX217 and their new album Twoseventeen. I didn't know what to expect when I opened the case, the only thing I knew about this group was that they were Forefront Record's newest member. When the first song 'A.M.' began to blare through my two speakers with crunching guitars and intense, Rage Against the Machine-like vocals along with reggae style harmonies, my head began bobbing with the infectious groove that I had come to expect from secular bands, but not from a Christian artist, especially one under the Forefront label. Along with the groovy beats and music came lyrics that had meaning. Many of the songs seem to be very personal and intimate with members of the group, specifically the two brothers Dave and Skwid Tosti. In their song 'No Place Like Home,' emphasis is put on having a strong Christian household. It also tells the story of how their parents separated and how much pain it caused.
The mission of the band is made clear in their name. In Latin, the word pax means peace and the members have adopted Ephesians 2:17 as their key verse, "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near."
The band's first single 'Prism,' focuses on the diversity of humans. This theme is seen quite strongly in many of their songs. As the disc continued, a smorgasbord of musical styles came through from ballads that sound like a fellow California reggae band Sublime, to hardcore rap and rock mixes much like that of 311. An intense longing to gratify Jesus is displayed throughout the disc and especially in 'Gratitude,' which mixes funk with hard rock and forms an intense style that settles into a harmonic chorus making a great song.
This is the band's first release and a very good freshman album for these young kids from California. With the oldest member of the band being only 21 and the youngest still in high school, they jump way over the expectations of a young, Christian punk, rap group. This is a great album for those who are fans of mainstream groups such as Rage Against the Machine, 311, or Sublime. PAX217 mixes much of the west coast style of music with encouraging, positive lyrics.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #82Reviewed by Doug Van PeltIt's a great feeling to watch a band work it like crazy for years, develop, and then release a debut album as good as this. It almost makes you feel like a parent. PAX217 (fka just as Pax) has been playing in Southern California for years, and has been on the brink of being signed for a long time. Now they are coming out of the starting blocks with a sound that rivals 311. For some young lads,…
