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    The Phantom Tollbooth 1997/Reality Check
    Reality Check — Reality Check cover

    Reality Check

    Reality Check

    (1997)

    Reviewed by Josh Spencer

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    Label Star Song RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1997
    alternative rockhip hoppop rockrap rock

    Fans of corporate youth group pop/alternative a la DC Talk and Newsboys, rejoice! Reality Check is a very qualified hip-hop/rock/ alternative/rap outfit (4 singers and a backing band, like DC Talk). I don't usually go for this type of overproduced schlock, but I found my head nodding quite a bit the many times I listened to this. It's very catchy, with some cool sounds. They've made good use of their big budget and studio time. I've heard people compare them to 311--I wouldn't agree. Mainstream alternative or hip-hop fans go out and buy this; you'll dig it.

    4 tocks

    Other coverage for this album

    The Lighthouse November 1997Reviewed by Laura AdamsCall it alternative, hip hop, rap, or rock, the sound that Reality Check has developed is a potpourri of music, with a twist to it that can only be described as fresh. With their self-titled debut, they demonstrate a sound influenced by many bands before them, with the changing rhythms and style of dc Talk and Audio Adrenaline, and the harmonies of Church of Rhythm and the late, great PFR. The…7ball #12Reviewed by Ed RockReality Check plays like a buffet for the ears, aimed at listeners who love dc Talk, Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline and even PFR. If you take elements of these bands and mix in a little 311, you get an idea of what Reality Check sounds like. The group raps a la dc Talk's Free At Last and mixes the guitar element of dc Talk's Jesus Freak, the fun grooves of Audio Adrenaline, and the Beatlesque harmony…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Shari LloydFans of DC Talk will feel at home with this album, which isn't altogether surprising given that Todd Collins of Gotee Brothers Entertainment did some of the producing. Most of the songs reflect a heavy DC Talk influence but the guitar work is heavier, which I enjoyed. Like DC Talk, these four guys sing while accompanied by a backup band (one member, Nathan, does play guitar). The songs and the…

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