One of my favorite concerts I've attended is SkaMania '98, with the O.C. Supertones, Five Iron Frenzy, and the Insyderz. It's important to keep these bands in mind when approaching the Insyderz' Soundtrack to a Revolution because these guys are still hard-hitting with ska, with an attitude--a positive type of attitude (making "revolution" a theme for this disc)--which sounds like it derives straight from the 1998 project Skalleluia! The only problem with this sound is this: is ska an anachronism?
Two of my favorite releases from the Insyderz are the before-mentioned praise project and the national debut Motor City Ska (1997), with the Insyderz performing praise music before the praise and worship genre became the norm. To answer the question from my last paragraph, the Supertones moved away from the ska sound to rock-with-horns in 1999 with Chase the Sun, and Five Iron Frenzy (with The End is Here) is no more. Still hungry for ska (specifically, skanking to Christian praise and worship a la Five Iron Frenzy or classic O.C. Supertones)? Go get a copy of Soundtrack to a Revolution. It's very probable that new audiences of contemporary Christian praise and worship are at least beginning to ask why praise and worship music is set to a ska beat.
The Insyderz did a terrific job with Skalleluia! but many tips of the hat must be given to that project's co-producer, the late Gene Eugene (plus executive producer Steve Taylor), and by the time Skalleluia Too! rolled around a little more than a year later, the sound seemed slightly unglued, without as much focus as Motor City Ska. The excellent news is that the Insyderz have that keen focus back, centering around these elements: solid ska, solid praise and worship lyrics, and strong production values, making for a pleasing effort.
Still, not unlike the Supertones' Chase the Sun, the Insyderz flirt with reggae ("Better Half") and rock ("The Shootout" and "Shame on Me"). I feel like I'm listening to Chase the Sun and want to tell the Insyderz' "you're moving to rock-with-horns! Get on with it!" The slow music change in the band's arrangements doesn't really bother me since I've been aching for ska since Five Iron Frenzy called it quits. Also a very important ingredient to what's pleasing about Soundtrack to a Revolution, lead vocalist Joe Yerke composed almost all the excellent lyrics, focusing on praise--and that "attitude." The Insyderz focus on The Great Commission (the title track, "Call to Arms," and "Shame on Me" are standouts) with a sharp-sounding edge that Yerke delivers vocally and lyrically with that "revolution" theme, and I like that. A lot.
One huge drawback to this project is that it only runs just under 32 minutes. With no hidden track. The fun seems to be over as soon as it begins.
The listener who is a fan of the Insyderz and/or ska should buy a copy of Soundtrack to a Revolution; however, for those new to the ska sound, approach with care. Even Joe Yerke has joked that ska is dead, although audiences are warming up to Soundtrack to a Revolution and Insyderz concerts. What's left to say, then? Ska is dead! Long live ska!
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis January 2004Reviewed by Luke HarlowAfter a three-year hiatus, The Insyderz are back with another ska record. This one is infused with a heavy dose of straightforward rock, but the trademark Insyderz sound remains (yes, the vocals still sound like a Mighty Mighty Bosstones rip off). Over a four to five year period this band, along with the Supertones and Five Iron Frenzy, were one of the ska bands of choice for evangelical church…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Barry NothstineAh yes, I remember when Ska ruled the Christian Rock Radio airwaves and the kids could not get enough of the Supertones, Bunch o' Believers and Detroit's own Ska-Punk rock ensemble the Insyderz. Well folks, The Insyderz are back after a three year hiatus and are ready to rock out with their new Floodgate Records release Soundtrack to a Revolution. Don't pop this CD expecting a major sound…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Len NashThe climax of ska is over, and life goes on. Some may think ska is dead, and some might say ska has never faltered. Yes, ska is presumably "dead," and yes, ska is still alive. The demise of Five Iron Frenzy is sad for all of those Christian ska fans. Don't give up hope though, The Insyderz are now back, after a three year hiatus. Something is on the burner, the front one that is, for all of you…Similar sounding releases
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1999Common RiderLast Wave Rockers
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1995PlankeyeThe Spark
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