The RunDown: On Audio Adrenaline
08-01-2006
by Brenten Gilbert

Almost fifteen years ago, the Christian music world was introduced to a young group of rockers from Kentucky Christian College by the name of Audio Adrenaline. Signed to Forefront Records, the band garnered some early interest, landing on a few compilation albums and getting their name out through music videos and radio play.

Fast forward to today. Audio Adrenaline has become one of the biggest names in the Christian music industry with eight proper albums, a live album, two greatest hits releases and various other projects to their credit. The energy of their live concert seems only eclipsed by their passion to serve others in the world - a passion that led to the founding of the Hands and Feet Project (HandsAndFeetProject.org).

This week, Audio Adrenaline is releasing their final project, Adios, which is a greatest hits project that serves as a reminder of the imprint that this group has left on the industry. In light of this, I felt it appropriate to dedicate a special edition of "The RunDown" to Audio Adrenaline and the music they've shared with us over the years. Enjoy.

I clearly remember working at a summer camp with a stack of cassette tapes and a bright yellow walkman to my name. One of these tapes was one of those $1.99 compilation frankenstein monsters that featured a picture of a golden retriever wearing sunglasses on the cover. The Dog Days of Summer included a number of obscure songs from groups that no one remembers anymore, but also one from the newsboys ("One Heart" - which I enjoyed because I thought it was about pirates) and "My God" by Audio Adrenaline, which I thought was brilliant because it was edgy and brash for the time. The rest of the album isn't quite in the same vein, but it's a fun, albeit nostalgic listen.

My favorite song then: "My God" and now: "Audio World"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... roller skating.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . nuts.

Not to discredit the self-titled debut, but Don't Censor Me really gave the Audio A boys some credibility. We learned that they were in fact a band, that they had some sense of melody and that they could control their craziness. Translation: they got a lot better in between albums. Whereas the debut is clearly dated - enjoyed mainly because of memories - Censor proves to be enjoyable to this day on many levels. Sure, there are still memories attached - this was one of the first albums I bought on CD - but the music is still pretty enjoyable today. This was a defining album for them and also featured some writing help from Toby McKeehan ("Can't Take God Away"), the production help of The Gotee Brothers/"Gotee Productions" ("Can't Take God Away") and a cameo vocal appearance from Kevin (Max) Smith ("My World View"). Interesting.

My favorite song then "Scum Sweetheart"/"Big House" and now: "Big House"/"Rest Easy"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... back to school shopping.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . a cherry.

Many people still consider this to be the best album ever released by Audio Adrenaline. I say that's a pretty early peak, but I can understand why people like it so much. There's a lot to like. As defining as Don't Censor Me was, bloOm took things one step hyper, I mean, further. Here we have the combination of the controlled sound of Censor and the energy and raucous sound of the self-titled debut. One might say - if they were me - that this album was both defining and deafening. This album ushered in an era of Audio A that would help grow its fanbase immensely. The touches of jazz and humor as well as the cover of the familiar "Free Ride" really gave this album a strong identity. It's also worth noting that during the three years between Censor and bloOm, the band released a concert album, titled Live Bootleg celebrating their already popular live show.

My favorite song then "Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus and now: "Secret" / "Walk On Water"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... mowing the lawn.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . butterscotch.

Embracing their rock sound fully, Audio A churned out this ten-track ditty twenty-one months after bloOm. It serves as a nice building block, further establishing the group's energy and sound. A little more aggressive, perhaps a little more serious than bloOm, Zombie also marked a significant lineup change for the group. Guitarist Barry Blair departed from the group, save for an appearance on the title track. Replacing Blair is Tyler Burkum and taking control of the percussion section is Ben Cissell. So, in a sense, this was a transitional album for the group and as such, it makes sense that it didn't progress as much musically. However, it's still a very enjoyable album and it's also worth mentioning that "Flicker" would later become the name of the record label imprint founded by members of the group.

My favorite song then "Blitz" and now: "Some Kind of Zombie"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... pushing your broken down car to the mechanic.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . caramel syrup.

With all the pieces in place, the now-five-man band presses on. Underdog proves to be a solid collection of poppy songs with the occasional punch of energy that grabs hold of listeners and proves to be a fun, though quick listen. This album has just about everything you could ask for as a fan of Audio A. There's some rock ("Mighty Good Leader", "Underdog"). There's a ballad or two ("Hands and Feet", "This Day"). There's some pop ("Get Down", "Jesus Movement"). There's some humor ("The Houseplant Song"). And, as an added bonus, Jennifer Knapp joins the band for a rousing version of "It Is Well." I think if I had to pick a favorite album from Audio Adrenaline, this might be it. Also notable from this release: "Hands and Feet" became the name of the group's mission project in Haiti, "DC-10" is a remake of a song from their debut album, and Tyler looks an awful lot like Top Gun-era Tom Cruise in the album booklet.

My favorite song then "Get Down" and now: "Mighty Good Leader" / "This Day"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... running a marathon.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . gummy bears.

And then there were four, again. Well, here's the thing. Before Lift, Audio Adrenaline was very well established and they even released a greatest hits project with two cleverly-placed new songs. Traditionally, a greatest hits release marks the end of a chapter or at least signifies that something is changing. So what changed with Audio A? In short, a lot. Founding member Bob Herdman left the group and the sound that fans had grown accustomed to was now quite different. Aggressive guitars and Mark Stuart's howling vocals were replaced by an overall sound that was much more mellow and a dual vocalist approach that split the lead singing duties between Stuart and Burkum. I know it's unpopular, but I personally thought this album was quite refreshing and, aside from a few missteps (*cough* "Lonely Man" *cough*), I still say this was a good move for the group. The fans didn't agree and majority rules, but for a moment there, Audio A had taken on a new life - as the album art hinted at.

My favorite song then "Speak to Me" and now: "Speak to Me" / "Rejoice" / "Glory"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... working out.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . pineapple slices.

Well, the fans had spoken and the raspy vocals returned. Not entirely, but Stuart's vocals were back at the center of the Audio Adrenaline sound. Worldwide bursts out of the gates with an enthusiasm and energy that was perhaps missing from Lift, leading off with a trio of upbeat tracks with all the trappings of the Audio Adrenaline legacy. Also in the mix was the modern rock influence of Tyler Burkum on some of the slower tracks including the radio smash, Leaving Ninety-Nine. This album focused a lot on missions work and proved to be fairly enjoyable. One can't help but wonder, though, if Stuart's vocal woes could've been staved off were it not for the return to the aggressive vocal. Regardless, the highlight of the album has to be hearing Mark Stuart say "yo yo" at the beginning of "Start a Fire." Surely, we could've passed on the radio version of "Ocean Floor," though, am I right?

My favorite song then "Worldwide: Two" and now: "Start a Fire"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... heading off to the missions field.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . sprinkles.

Until My Heart Caves In isn't too far from our memories yet, is it? Well, the band kept slugging it out and this is actually a rather enjoyable album. A bit more punch to it than Worldwide when it tries to pack a punch as well as a solid sound on the slower songs as well. Audio A almost feels like a brand new band, though it's clear to see how they got to this point when looking back at their career. Until My Heart offers an enjoyable soundtrack and a positive message and not too much to complain about. It's clear though that the band is ready to wind down as the vocal strain becomes more evident and the extra-curricular activities become more central to the lives of the group members. Overall, it's not a bad album to end on. (I still don't particularly care for the cover of "Your Love Lifted Me Higher" though).

My favorite song then "Undefeated" and now: "Undefeated"
This album would be the ideal soundtrack for... a youth rally.
If this album were a topping for an ice cream sundae, it would be. . . whipped cream.

Which brings us to present day. Audio Adrenaline has begun the process of disbanding and moving on to other accomplishments. It's been a great (free) ride and a long journey, but as sure as seasons continually change, it's time to move on. I would personally like to wish each member - past and present - well. Adios and God bless.