Usually when Soul-Junk is heard in Christian music circles, they are mentioned in the same breath as The Danielson Famile, and with their experimental style of hip-hop/noise/rock you could see the comparisons. But with their latest album 1956, there is no category other than "genius" that connects these two innovative groups.
Far more structured than earlier ventures, 1956 should push them out of the underground into greater mainstream acceptance. No, they haven't sold out. They're just better. Maturity coupled with spirituality always calls for better music, and 1956 is filled with great music.
You may ask, "What style of music do they play?" And that's hard to explain. For the most part 1956 is tricked out hip-hop, with evangelism in the lyrics. But they can't be stuck in the hip-hop category. That would be like saying Beck is an "alternative" performer. True, they do have a few tracks that are straight up San Diego hip-hop: "ill-mi-i", "3po soul", "pumpfake", "the peacemaker." But there is some lo-fi rock similar to Gogogo Airheart, or Guided By Voices in the songs: "sarpodyl", "judah", "sweet to my soul (white hot apostle mix)." There are also some drum and bass tracks: "sea monsters & gargoyles" (featuring guest MC Pigeon John), "red top" (featuring pish posh). So you can't nor should you try to categorize Soul-Junk because to do so, would defeat their purpose of being a band. It's their "free structured, no boundaries" style that makes them who they are. And as the saying goes, "variety is the spice of life."
The lyrics whether sung, or during a flow capture the sense of humor Soul-Junk has. Here is an example taken from the song "3po soul":
Just got kicked off the lecturn at a worship song summit/
My hymns all plummet, cuz church ladies still can't hum it/
But the kingdom of God? yo I'm from it/
Man's religion gave me a fake red light so, I'ma have to run it/
So word to Pat Sajak, wish I could say that with more tact/
But you're all that, & so fat, to uplift you I need a floorjack.
But they're not just about humor, following the tradition of many Southern California bands, they make no effort to hide the fact that they are Christian. They name, proclaim, exclaim their faith all over the disc, encouraging the listener in their walk, and "subliminally" suggesting that they should enjoy it at the same time.
In closing, this is a great album. It's not too long for the new listener, and the variety it has should keep the attention of the most finicky fan. Soul-Junk is coming on strong, so don't be the only kid on the block who hasn't heard "1956"
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Timothy Paul YenterForget Nelly and Sisqo and Eminem. Soul-Junk had this summer's most addicting, thumpin-in-the-cruiser song; 'Ill-m-I,' which resurrects late-80s rap to provide (a little) continuity to an eclectic mix of digital and instrumental sounds, creating a sweet piece of ear candy that's as fun to dissect as it is to listen to. 'How we flow' follows up with a strong mix of hip-hop groove, off-key…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Jai AgnishJust when you thought you had the Junk all figured out…nope. It's hard to get a handle on Soul-Junk. Each album brings a new direction, a new move, a new experiment. And like a true innovator, Glen Galaxy distances himself from the past for a slap of random sweetness in 1956. Lots to choose from: jungle curiosities, crazed hip-hop gems, heart-felt and mellow guitar/computer-based numbers and…Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by Luke10:21RomerThe White Hot Apostle Strikes Again! This is not a review of the new Soul-Junk album, 1956. This is a preview of things to come. It isn't the turning of a new leaf, but the growth of a completely new tree--and hopefully an entire orchard. Once you hear the fruit of the Spirit of Soul-Junk, you'll wonder why David never thought to plug in his harp. Where do I start? The music showers down around…Opus 2000Reviewed by Jason MoreheadMy first introduction to Soul-Junk was at Cornerstone 1998, when they played an after-midnight set with the Danielson Famile. I'd just spent the night dancing to Joy Electric and watching MC Hammer, and I was tired and exhausted when Soul-Junk began. Their music was the very definition of quirky, with band members all over the stage, playing Casio keyboards and children's toys before hitting the…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Steve WhiteIf you were looking for a model of how artistry and faith can be in perfect union, Soul-Junk may have the answer. Because of the group's commitment to their music, it will gain an audience that would otherwise not hear the message of the gospel. Glen Galaxy and his partners in Soul-Junk are pushing the limits of music with their fusion of hip-hop, techno, and indie rock. Soul-Junk quotes…Similar sounding releases
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