Various Artists
Rage 3: The Effects of Rage on Three Sisters of the Revolution
(2000)
Reviewed by Kerry Maffeo
Worthless Records compilation album, Rage 3: The Effects of Rage on Three Sisters of the Revolution, may have a bizarre title, but the music therein is representative of several well-known bands as well as little-known bands who exhibit a big sound.
The album launches off with American Made's "Earth Girls," a high-powered punk tune reminiscent of early MxPx about love and loss in the way only a punk band can state it. The second track, "Seize the Day" by D.Tailz is all about making the most of your life. The track features huge guitar sounds and a barely restrained energy that must incite movement at live shows.
Lemonade Stand Band's offering, "Chocolate Milk," is a funk-laden cheerful tune on the less-than-serious topic of a favorite drink. The verses outline the various ways to make chocolate milk, from simple milk and chocolate syrup to the more complicated mixing of powdered milk and the subsequent addition of the syrup. "When the sun comes out and sweeps the land, better have my favorite drink on hand."
5 Minute Walk recording artist Five Iron Frenzy contributes its live version of "Where Zero Meets Fifteen," a lively ska hit. "Oblivious" by BIIB starts off large with a trumpet solo then throws itself into full swing, "God you are awesome and I give you my praise for Your love and grace abides in me..."
Another 5 Minute Walk artist Philmore's "Smile At Me" starts off strong and doesn't lose any built-up energy throughout the song. The song speaks of the desire to see the Lord. Track 11, The Mechanism's "Blood Sucking Tadpole," aside from having a strange title, is an energy infused thought-provoking song about our complete lostness and need for salvation. "Am I crazy am I insane/I love my life when there's nothing to gain/Would I be like Judas if I kissed your face/If it could make me rich would I sell your grace/Am I digging my own grave/Is there still a way for you to save/Me from myself, I'm such a mess/Is there still hope even though I'm hopeless."
"Unto Me," a disco mix by DJ Darryl and DJ C3PO features a repeated quoting of Matthew 25:35 I was a stranger and you took me in/I was thirsty and you gave me drink. The album also features another mix: Creepy Jesus' "How I Thought The World Would End When I Was Eight (Rage Mix)."
Perhaps the most intense song on the album is Heath Bottomly's "Anymore" which speaks of the loved ones left behind after a suicide. "And I don't understand/Why/You'd walk away from this life/The questions you leave/With all that you'd do left undone/But you can't hear anyone/Anymore."
The album closes off with a slower, almost folksy sounding track, "Heavenly Love" by Jared Utterback. The track features sweet string arrangements and hand percussion and speaks of the love of God.
The album as a whole brings together the various edges of the punk/ska/modern rock genres into a cohesive and energizing compilation.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Bert GanglThe Rage Volume 3 release is the third in an ongoing series of compilations from Phoenix-based Worthless Records. The albums, which showcase Christian bands from Arizona, are an offshoot of the Rage Festival, an annual all-day event at Phoenix's Veteran's Memorial Coliseum which combines extreme sports competitions and skateboarding demonstrations with concerts by various Christian artists. The…
