Tunnel Vision by The Channel Surfers is truly a breath of fresh air. Their musical stylings have been unmatched in the recent history of Christian music. The band features guitars and drums set to a reggae rhythm. I would describe them as a cross between Imagine This and The Insyderz, plus some reggae. From a secular standpoint, I would also compare them to 311 and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The 12 tracks on this album feature a very diverse musical style. They range from a strong reggae sound on "So Far Away" to rap on "Strength" to funk on "Lonely Guy." James Brown fans will like the lyrical intonations and style heard on the latter song. "First Stone" is an opportunity for lead singer Jason Brown to display some impressive vocal gymnastics. That particular song features more movements than a Tourniquet drum solo.
The messages of Tunnel Vision are strong and clear cut, including the difference Christ has made in lives of believers ("Strength") and a cry for help from Almighty God ("So Far Away"). "C.T.C." (never could figure out what that stands for) is a fun song which talks about growing up. Reinforcing man's need for God, "Without You" acknowledges that life without Him is miserable. "Something More" reaffirms what the Bible says about a man's heart-that it is restless without God, that man realizes there is more to life than eat, drink, sleep. My favorite track, "First Stone," is a message to Christians everywhere, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
I was impressed by The Channel Surfers. There are plenty of other very talented groups on the Christian music scene today, but I truly believe this group's sound has set it apart from the rest. Tunnel Vision provides a nice blend of diverse musical stylings which add up to one solid album.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinHybrid music that defies easy categorization is all the rage these days regardless of where you look, and the Channelsurfers prove to be one of the best examples of this pseudo-genre in the distinctively Christian music ghetto, and only a wee bit behind the times. Taking some cues from bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Rage Against the Machine, and the Artist Who…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Josh SpencerTaking their name in response to a TV-addicted generation, these men pump out a fresh blend of heavy guitar chords, rap, and funk, with a sprinkling of reggae and ska thrown in for good measure. They REALLY want the kids to like 'em. Tim Bushong, formerly of the King's X-ish hard rock band Lovewar, is the guitarist, trombone-player, and background vocalist here. He's also the producer, so you can…7ball #16Reviewed by Dan EwaldWith a name like The Channelsurfers, a smorgasbord of musical styles and pop culture references are to be expected. On their debut, Tunnel Vision, the band fuses punk, reggae and funk, all the while discussing and dissecting disposable modern culture. Highlights include: "Lonely Guy," which rattles off a series of famous "lonely guys," including TV characters, newsmakers and actors whose public…Similar sounding releases
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