Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Before they called it quits in 2007 Audio Adrenaline were CCM big hitters, touring tirelessly and producing some classic recordings. Their lead singer Mark Stuart had a genuinely distinctive voice and the band were impressively able to adapt their approach to pop rock with the passing of the years. It came as a big shock when in 2012 the band reformed with Kevin Max as the frontman and although the new AA produced the successful 'Kings & Queens' album many thought the idiosyncratic singer/songwriter was simply too much of a maverick to stay long within the touring/recording restraints of a ministry band. They were right. After Max's departure one wondered if another successful incarnation was possible particularly after another lead singer came and went. But AA finally settled with lead singer Adam Agee and with an all new lineup and a CCM hit making producer Seth Mosley signed up recorded 'Sound Of The Saints' which was released in May last year. It predictably got thumbs down reviews from some fans who, remembering the glories of "Some Kind Of Zombie" couldn't resist throwing around such words as "stereotypical" and "generic" so often used when writing about music targeted at America's dominant K-love Christian radio chain. In fact, this is an excellent album of bright modern pop rock, more pop than rock, with three tracks, "Move", penned by Agee and Mosley, reminding us that we shouldn't let our fear keep us frozen to the spot; "Out Of The Fire" a prayer to get free of the Enemy's fiery darts and be pulled into the river of God's love and protection; and "Saved My Soul", a heartfelt plea for divine guidance. Okay, the new lineup Audio Adrenaline may not have a lead singer as instantly recognisable as Stuart or Max but there is still much to appreciate on 'Sound Of The Saints'.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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