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Defeating Musical Stereotypes

© Jon Hodges

Stereotypes. They create them, we confide in them. Who's they? Who's we? They're one in the same. And so what gives stereotypes their validity? Nothing. Almost all stereotypes are constructed upon one point. In this case, a perfect example would be Stryper.

What do you think when someone says to you, "Christian music?" You scoff, turn your Deftones louder, and say, "Nah, that stuff's not for me." But have you ever heard any? Sure you've heard Carmen, and all of those other adult contemporary artists we all cringe at the sound of. But there's far more in the deep end.

Have you ever taken the time to see what Christian hardcore bands lie out there? They may have only started springing up in bundles in the past couple of years, but they're here, and they're here to stay.

So let me ask you this: what's your favorite band? I can match nearly any band you give me, and I haven't even heard the first wave of Christian hardcore.

Do you like Rage Against the Machine? Surprise, we present you with Project 86. Personally, I don't think they sound too awful much like Rage, but many people have told me they think they do. So who am I to argue? They're a hardcore band with great lyrics, a great singer, great musicians, and a great album. Their debut album came out during the winter of '98. It's playing in my CD player as I write this article. They're on BEC Records. Go to a store in town that carries Christian music. Ask to listen to this CD. Make sure you listen to 1, 2, and 10 (although all of the songs are amazing). It's wonderful stuff, I promise. Another band a lot of people compare to Rage (and I think is a much better match) is a band officially called Payable on Death, but commonly called P.O.D. P.O.D. just got signed onto a major secular label and is going to be touring with bands like the Deftones (and have already done so in the past). They have four CDs out, although only two are full length. The third is live, and the fourth is just four or so songs, which have been released before. The best CD to buy is Brown, although their first has great material, too. However, the first CD was not mastered very well, and the volume is very low on it. Brown is terrific. Check it out. Listen to it. Buy it.

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