Review by Andrew Murray
Kevin Max, the “rebel” of DC Talk is back with a brand new 7 song EP “Crashing Gates”. Since the hugely popular DC Talk went their separate ways, Michael Tait and Toby Mac have tended to play it safe, releasing fairly predictable, although very good quality CCM albums. Playing it safe is not really in the Kevin Max rule book though, his musical style is certainly “outside the CCM box” whilst his amazing and unique vocals and brilliant poetic lyrics mean he certainly has is own style. His controversial manner will sadly mean he probably never sell the number of albums he deserves to, but for those who love him like me, we’ll continue to enjoy the ride! As he sings in the autobiographical opener “I’m a sinner and I’m a traveler and I’m a fighter and I’m a voyeur and I’m a prodigal and I’m impossible!!”
Max is certainly unique! He describes this EP as being a “collection of songs about the Apocalypse” and who else would write a song paying tribute to Frank Sinatra in one verse, and John the Baptist in the next?! (Saint of Lonely Hearts) Musically, after the interlude of his gospel project “The Blood”, Max goes back to the style that worked so well in “The Imposter”. This feels more like a band recording than anything Max has done before. All of the musicians on here sound really tight and throughout the 7 songs the guitars, bass and drums all have chance to shine. Lyrically, Max continues to contrast both the light and dark sides of life and faith. “Future Love Song” seems to contrast Adam who was “born to the rule the world and you could have changed the future but you didn't realize what it took to pay the price” and Jesus who was “born to rule the world and you came to change the future we could not realize why you gladly paid the price”; whilst “Out of the Wild” contrasts a future earth that is about to collapse with heaven a “city of gold up in the sky a place where we never die” The best songs on the EP are the upbeat rockers “Traveller” and “Saints of Lonely Hearts” and the wonderful “Beatle-esc” pop song “Baby I’m Your Man”.
To be honest, this set of songs is not Max’s best work, and the fact that it’s only an EP (which includes a spoken word song and a cover – albeit very good ones) means that you never really get into it before it’s over. Also, for someone so creative and innovative it’s very similar in style to his previous work, and is almost like a B-side EP to “The Imposter”. That said, “The Imposter” is one of my favourite albums and Max one of my favourite artists and the chance to hear some new music from him is always wonderful! If you don’t have any of Kevin Max’s music then I suggest getting “The Imposter” first, however, if like me, you are a fan of Max’s then please do add this to your collection! PS. If you are in the UK, you can download “Crashing Gates” from I-Tunes. Also, look out for a new EP from Kevin next year!
Andrew rating 3 & 1/2 out of 5 Stars
Stand Out Song
Baby I’m Your Man
Kevin Max, the “rebel” of DC Talk is back with a brand new 7 song EP “Crashing Gates”. Since the hugely popular DC Talk went their separate ways, Michael Tait and Toby Mac have tended to play it safe, releasing fairly predictable, although very good quality CCM albums. Playing it safe is not really in the Kevin Max rule book though, his musical style is certainly “outside the CCM box” whilst his amazing and unique vocals and brilliant poetic lyrics mean he certainly has is own style. His controversial manner will sadly mean he probably never sell the number of albums he deserves to, but for those who love him like me, we’ll continue to enjoy the ride! As he sings in the autobiographical opener “I’m a sinner and I’m a traveler and I’m a fighter and I’m a voyeur and I’m a prodigal and I’m impossible!!”Max is certainly unique! He describes this EP as being a “collection of songs about the Apocalypse” and who else would write a song paying tribute to Frank Sinatra in one verse, and John the Baptist in the next?! (Saint of Lonely Hearts) Musically, after the interlude of his gospel project “The Blood”, Max goes back to the style that worked so well in “The Imposter”. This feels more like a band recording than anything Max has done before. All of the musicians on here sound really tight and throughout the 7 songs the guitars, bass and drums all have chance to shine. Lyrically, Max continues to contrast both the light and dark sides of life and faith. “Future Love Song” seems to contrast Adam who was “born to the rule the world and you could have changed the future but you didn't realize what it took to pay the price” and Jesus who was “born to rule the world and you came to change the future we could not realize why you gladly paid the price”; whilst “Out of the Wild” contrasts a future earth that is about to collapse with heaven a “city of gold up in the sky a place where we never die” The best songs on the EP are the upbeat rockers “Traveller” and “Saints of Lonely Hearts” and the wonderful “Beatle-esc” pop song “Baby I’m Your Man”.
To be honest, this set of songs is not Max’s best work, and the fact that it’s only an EP (which includes a spoken word song and a cover – albeit very good ones) means that you never really get into it before it’s over. Also, for someone so creative and innovative it’s very similar in style to his previous work, and is almost like a B-side EP to “The Imposter”. That said, “The Imposter” is one of my favourite albums and Max one of my favourite artists and the chance to hear some new music from him is always wonderful! If you don’t have any of Kevin Max’s music then I suggest getting “The Imposter” first, however, if like me, you are a fan of Max’s then please do add this to your collection! PS. If you are in the UK, you can download “Crashing Gates” from I-Tunes. Also, look out for a new EP from Kevin next year!
Andrew rating 3 & 1/2 out of 5 Stars
Stand Out Song
Baby I’m Your Man
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