First Applehead, then Wish For Eden and Sometime Sunday came along in the Christian music scene to kick butt in the grunge genre. Now comes Mission of Mercy, who are very reminiscent of Soundgarden. While flannel is already on the way out, there's still a glut of followers relishing on the sounds of distorted bass, flanged guitars and melodic blues vocals. While it can be negative to be rushing in at the white water of a wave that has broken, it can still offer a big thrill if it's good...and this record is great!
The vocals here, often shared with guest back-ups, are very good and on key. The music here has many textures, not just being heavy and moving, but also heady and progressive. The band has great pop sensibilities, as is evidenced by the killer melody in "What I Know," not too unlike the slow and hooky "Godilox" or "Summerland" vibe by King's X. (Rumor has it that Doug Pinnick wanted to produce these guys...he is definitely a fan, having given me a copy of their demo two years ago.)
Besides crafting good songs, the band knows how to pen great lyrics that don't shy away from focusing on God. Amidst the heavy riffing in Colors, these Chicago boys borrow a line from Rez's "Afrikaans": "God makes the color, but the color doesn't make you God."
There's many good records to choose from right now, but this one is right up at the top with Red Sea, Tourniquet and Helpless Amongst Friends.