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All Star United continues its take-no-prisoners globe-spanning conquest with fifth album, "Love and Radiation," another ingenious production from frontman Ian Eskelin.
All Star United is a bit of a cult favorite in the Christian music scene, sly underdogs who rule from beneath the radar, although they are a formidable presence on the air waves across a few genres and oceans. “Love and Radiation” will only seal the deal, with its infectious fun and ebullient rock. The album doesn’t release from indie partners 7 Spin Music until late May, so I’ll just cover the first single and one other track here. You’ve probably heard “Jesus on the Radio” by now, its chunky bass line plowing through the heavy guitar riffs. The straight-up rock changes are so much fun it’s easy to miss the underlying urgency of the lyrics, but Eskelin and the boys are singing about the search, the relentless quest for Presence. The other song of record today is more straightforward in its message. Oh baby, is it in your face! Don’t be fooled by the hooky guitars and soaring melody line of “The Song of the Year;” these guys are calling out not just those within the “industry,” but the awards people and the fans as well. This biting satire is sharp enough to put an eye out, and well said: “It’s the song of the year/ But God’s still unimpressed/ With our radio success.” The best bands present music so well-crafted, so easy to enjoy, that they earn the right to challenge our thinking and living. All Star United are definitely among the best, and “Love and Radiation” throws the gauntlet down hard. Look for it, if you dare, on May 29th.
The copyright of the article All Star United: Preview in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish All Star United: Preview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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