When they first broke on the national scene last year, the music of Value Pac--with its shouted vocals, its big chunky guitar chords, and its rat-a-tat drumming--was called punk. Somehow, though, it's hard to place Value Pac--or much of today's so-called punk for that matter--within the neat confines of this definition. Christian punk seems to have come full circle with the likes of Value Pac. It began with Altar Boys (which exemplified the energy of The Clash married to a stronger sense of melody), evolved into the authentic thrash of The Crucified, and has come around again to Value Pac. Value Pac sings the songs on Jalapeño like 3-minute heart-to-heart talks with the kids that come to their shows. However, don't expect the lyrics on this CD to explain the theological mysteries of the universe. For example, "Preacher Man" talks about one of those street preachers we've all laughed at from time to time, only the singer of this song has come back to thank that urban evangelist for his faithfulness: My life was over, he sings, then he helped me to my feet. Not exactly C.S. Lewis, but it rings true with experience. Much like the jalapeños Value Pac's album was named after, this music is probably not recommended as a steady diet item, but if you want to spice up the stale nachos your CD collection has become, then throw this sizzler in the box and have plenty of cool liquid refreshments handy.
Other coverage for this album
Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by R.J. JohnsonLets put it this way: If I was a new kid on Value Pac's block I would definitely be trying to hang out with these guys. With a style that can easily be filed as "Emo Punk" (emotional punk) Value Pac's latest album "Jalapeño" is full of flavor to tempt your taste buds and stimulate your vocal chords. From the first few licks of the opening track "Nothing" to the final beats of "Big Dream" the…Similar sounding releases
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