The OC Supertones

Item: Loud and Clear
Author: John M. De Marco

Loud and Clear

(2000)

Reviewed by John M. De Marco

Discogs Apple Music Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label BEC RecordingsReAL Magazine2000

punk rapcore rock ska

"Ska? What's that?" was the common reaction the Supertones faced five years ago when they released their debut album Adventures of the O.C. Supertones. Nowadays when someone attempts to actually define ska, the Supertones will likely be mentioned as an example in their definition (at least within the Christian industry). However, five years is an eternity in the fluctuating universe of mainstream music and ska has slipped from popularity, causing many to wonder if the Supertones would stick to their self-patented mantra.

The arrival of The Supertones' fourth album, Loud and Clear, settled the question. The Orange County boys are back in the form they know best. Loud and Clear lives up to its name, putting forth 13 guitar-driven, saxophone-supported, ska-defining songs.

While the Supertones stick close to their roots, you will hear some new sounds. "We knew from the beginning that trends come and go," said bassist Tony Terusa in an interview with CCM. "The ska thing was great for us, and we'll never let go of our ska roots. Our influences should never leave us."

These influences, "reggae, hip-hop, rock 'n' roll, and even some heavy metal," says Terusa, appear throughout the album and illustrate the Supertones' ability to take a good thing and make it better. Outside help was also pulled in for this album. Toby McKeehan of dc Talk makes a cameo appearance in 'What it Comes to' and the Gospel Gangstaz smack down the track 'Return to the Revolution.'

Producer Garth Richardson, who has worked with bands like Rage Against the Machine and Voodoo Glow Skulls, lead the creation of Loud and Clear. One distinct change Richardson and the Supertones made for this album was the method in which they recorded the tracks. Unlike their previous album, Chase the Sun, no computerized editing took place. Analog tapes were used to capture the live, exciting performance of the band.

While popularity for some ska bands may have faded, the Supertones have seen nothing but success. They just wrapped up a 60-city tour coined "The Loud and Clear Dance Party USA." The 'dances' were intended to be more interactive than concerts and featured nightly dance contests and a photo booth. MTV has even caught on to the Supertones and featured their videos on "Oddville" and "120 Minutes."

In the face of success and mainstream exposure the band continues to keep focused on their central message: Jesus Christ. Their songs explicitly mention the gospel message and their concert (and dance) performances provide opportunities for the band members to talk about God's love. Their talent has given them a diverse national platform to spread this message.

Even though changes have occurred within the band and their music, the Supertones come across as strong as ever with Loud and Clear. Their talent and ability continues to grow while remaining close to their ska sound.