Maturity is often a word synonymous with old; it's usually presumed that one has to have a certain amount of mileage on their odometer before maturity is attained. But with Flying, Grammatrain--Pete Stewart, Dalton Roraback and Paul Roraback--put forth the argument that a band can achieve greatness, even as early as a second album. One does not usually describe the music of a Christian rock band as "ferocious," but that seems the most appropriate word to apply to Grammatrain. The potent trio, often lumped in with Pacific Northwest stalwarts such as Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, continue to display similar influences on Flying, while simultaneously drawing from a much broader musical spectrum, including The Doors, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Stryper(!) and R.E.M. The opening whisper of Pete Stewart's voice on "Jonah" is somewhat deceptive; but almost immediately, the band slams into the provocative chorus--I think I'm drowning and the ocean is raging/ My smile is frowning and my insides are praying. Pete's growl, Dalton's massive bass runs and Paul's insistent and inventive drum parts form a wall of sound that's impossible to ignore. "Less of Me" follows that same path and features an even thicker sludge of guitars by Stewart. The first indication that Grammatrain is surveying new musical territory comes on the title track. "Flying" finds Stewart exploring his love of the allegorical writing of C.S. Lewis, pairing his fractured tale with the sounds of Magical Mystery Tour-era Beatles. "Rocketship" also mines a similar lyrical vein, inviting us to take a look at our world from God's perspective. Stewart's pointed lyric suggests that perhaps our problems wouldn't seem so overwhelming from that vantage point. But the cut which stunned me from the very first listen is "Pain." In the context of Christian lyrics, the idea of pain is generally very abstract, a feeling that exists only to give the Lord something to take away. But Stewart, fully aware of his imperfect nature, sees pain as a path to God, not something blocking communion. Responding in the fashion of the Apostle Paul, Pete sings, I find, through every ounce of pain I feel/ That my mind cannot deny that God is real. Grammatrain's willingness to confront the hypocrisy of the church (and itself) and still experience compassion, forgiveness and grace makes Flying a truly exceptional release.