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Static - Bleach (1998)

One of Christian music’s more interesting rock bands presents music with unique lyrical tact and style in their sophomore CD Static. Never one to take the well-tracked musical road, the four musicians of Bleach consistently run with a mood, while Dave Baysinger’s voice is never disappointing. Issues are explored, but unless you’re analyzing lyrics, you’ll miss it. “Static” commands our spirit to stay in close communion with Christ, not just when we panic; the hit song “Super Good Feeling,” whose title sounds like some A/C ditty about happy faith, is really a personal commitment to letting God take control. The story of an old man living in “Rundown Town” teaches that satisfaction and contentment are found in living with God’s calling for you. The fun-and-fancy-free feel of “Land of the Lost” almost mocks the track’s important message of witnessing and “being the one” to reach out. The intense “Hurricane” gives a bleak warning to all in sin and living a plastic faith—“Get away, OK!” In track six, a vision of heaven is viewed, as the promise of salvation will come at the speed of light on “Warp-Factor Five” (these guys are just a little strange). Bob Herdman co-wrote the rather basic “Rock N Roll,” which says “We’ve got a reason to rock.” Life is presented as a journey down a highway in the “Code of the Road.” Its acoustic, restrained sound is much-needed on Static, and while the line “In my weakness, Jesus took the time ~ To stop and help me out” doesn’t accurately reflect salvation, it is at least a song that’s easy to grasp. Being a native of Texas, I am encouraged to find a metaphorical journey the “Lonestar” on the track of the same name, instead of a country ballad. While sounding formulaic and shallow the first time through, “Drive” is really a war cry to defeat demonic strongholds (“where the monsters sing”) in the inner city, through the Father’s love. At least, that’s what I thought (it’s more interesting than taking the song at face value). Another potentially twangy cut, “Country Western Star” laments the fame of cowboys with trademark Bleach satire. “Waving Goodbye” closes Static’s 43 minutes with a crucial challenge of our ultimate destiny. Though at times headache-inducing, Static tries hard to be a worthy follow-up to the sonic sound of Bleach’s debut.