The Insyderz, the ska band claiming roots from the Motor City, have done it again. They have come out with an album that is not only high in energy, but packed with vitamin C too. Skalleluia! sports a ska-core sound that is more like Six Feet Deep with a brass section than your typical sweet-sounding ska album.
As a ska fan and also a praise and worship leader, I found this album very enjoyable. Though I have to say that the Insyderz may not win over any new ska fans with this album, they will definitely get the vote of those who are already "skankers."
With the most unorthodox interpretations of praise and worship standards, they have packed into this album many well-known songs sung on a Sunday morning or a Wednesday night. Produced by Gene Eugene (The Waiting, Plankeye), this album is fun and uplifting.
One of the better tracks on the album is the doo-wopping medley of "Jesus Name Of All Names/More Precious Than Silver." Another highlight is the classic, "Lord I Lift Your Name On High." It is slow in parts and upbeat where it needs to be, a balance that really isn't felt in the rest of the album.
I know that I may be a purist, but some of the tracks just don't cut it. Some of the songs are just a little bit too much, seeming to lose their meaning amid the hardcore sound.
Now recording for Steve Taylor's Squint Entertainment, the two-year-old Insyderz wanted to follow up their debut, Motor City Ska, with something a little different. And I have to say it is most definitely that. Beau McCarthy of The Insyderz states, "Intimate worship is both joyful and intense. Ska is a joyful and intense style of music. Joining the two together makes complete sense to us." Makes complete sense to me too. I say pick Skalleluia! up; it will make great material for the rush hour drive.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernThe album for which all in the Christian ska scene have patiently waited is finally here. With this kind of music, energy is the word, and rarely have I heard so much. "Awesome God" is well done with a few altered lyrics, but keeps the chorus intact. Toward the end of the tune, it takes on a similarity to the classic Unashamed version. The medley of "Jesus, Name Above All Names" and "More…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Shari LloydYouth of the world, it's time for revolt. Tired of those acoustic guitar praise songs? Run out and buy two copies of this CD--one for yourself, of course, and the other for your youth leader. You'll be doing yourself a favor. You'll still hear the same old songs. You know the ones I mean; "Oh, Lord You're Beautiful," "Awesome God," and of course my favorite, "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High." But,…Similar sounding releases
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