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At the break of the century, a newly refined genre seemingly revolutionized the alternative rock movement, known as rap-rock. Acts such as: Linkin Park, Korn, and P.O.D., revitalized the dead genre, spurring Christian artists to follow suit. Like their predecessors, Thousand Foot Krutch proved that a Christian artist or a band with “Christians” could create equal quality music as their secular counterparts. However, the group did little to distinguish itself from mainstream alternative, but the summer of 2005 saw the success of multiple radio singles spawning from their third Tooth and Nail release, “The Art of Breaking.” The success of chart toppers such as, “Move” and “Breath You In” established TFK onto the modern rock landscape. Ironically, a select few have been critical of the Canadian powerhouse, citing “shallowness” in McNevan’s lyrics and an overall unoriginal sound. Despite often harsh reviews, sales have flooded into the hundreds of thousands, and “The Flame in All of Us” looks to pick up where “The Art of Breaking” left off.
The music created by the trio soared as tidal waves of new energy, crashing onto the industry’s often dry shores, while spurring creativity in contemporary Christian music. As time progressed, stylistic and compositional changes were evolutionary in nature, consistently adapting to changes. This process involved the gradual drift from the rap-rock scene, and “The Flame in All of Us” continues this progression. Tracks such as “Favorite Disease” set themselves apart from previous releases by slowing down the tempo, while retaining an overall alternative tone. The pummeling rock anthems that fans have grown to love are also abundant in the adrenaline pumping “New Drug” and the frustrated, conflict-with-self saturated “My Worst Enemy.” “What Do We Know” serves as the album’s ballad, complete with a children’s choir and strings, and “My Home” is sure to please loyal fans, sounding very similar to the band’s earlier recordings. Songs addressing brokenness and rejuvenation, “Learn to Breath” and “Broken Wing,” are sure to be additional fan favorites.
The ability to adapt tone and style to a variety of genres is a skill which sets TFK apart from most alternative acts. “The Flame in All of Us” is executed flawlessly, switching from pop-punk, to nu-metal, to alternative rock. The leading single “Falls Apart” surprisingly serves as one of the weakest tracks; however, this is made up for, with additional potential singles including: the nu-metal “inHuman,” the aforementioned “New Drug,” and “What Do We Know”. “Wish You Well” closes the album, bidding farewell to an unmentioned antagonist close to the lyricist’s heart. Despite simplistic lyrics, the album is profound both spiritually and emotionally. One may often find themselves relating to the scenarios and conflicts that McNevan pens. Clocking in at just under than 50 minutes, “The Flame in All of Us” is another solid release for all alternative lovers, or for those looking for something new to connect to.
| Production | 10 | | Lyrics | 6 | | Message | 8 | | Overall Quality
8 |
Release Date: September 25, 2007
Label: Tooth and Nail Records
Track Listing
1. The Flame in All of Us
2. Falls Apart
3. New Drug
4. What Do We Know
5. Favorite Disease
6. My Home
7. My Worst Enemy
8. Learn to Breathe
9. inHuman
10. Broken Wing
11. The Safest Place
12. Wish You Well
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