Audio Adrenaline - Bloom

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The recently released live album showed that the band had a lot more rock 'n' roll edge than suggested from the delicious pop on offer on their 'Don't Censor Me' breakthrough hit. Now, like their label mates DC Talk, AA bring grunge elements a plenty to their new release while never forsaking those engaging hooks, laconic vocals and lyrical wit. Fans looking for another "Big House" won't be disappointed with "Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus" which wryly points out that though the singer could go to Hollywood, have his teeth capped and be as big as James Dean or alternatively "climb the corporate ladder, buy sell and liquidate" or "be just like the Beatles - melodic rock heavyweights" they would never be as big as Jesus, "never gonna hold the world in my hand". Brilliant stuff. Elsewhere other engaging hooks get even a casual listener singing along. The chunky bottom intro to "See Through" is guaranteed to get an audience moshing while a cover of "Free Ride" (which Edgar Winter Group hit with back in the '70s) is another delight. A brilliant pop rock album which would make number one Stateside if it wasn't for DC Talk and the Newsboys.