Album Details

• Artist: O C Supertones
• Album: Chase The Sun
• Label: BEC recordings
• Year of Release: 1999
• ME Rating: Indie Classic
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2007-04-07

Okay, okay.... you got me...I love the random christian inspired record.  There was a time I even wrote for a Christian magazine (HM).  Truth is, I love the passion these guys feel for the purity of their God, all while releasing energies of musical influence.  The O.C Supertones are really on another level of their own.  At least Chase The Sun is...I only say that cause I've never been able to rock out to their other albums so genuinely and carefree like I can with this record.

From the obviously religious and cheeseball rhythm of Hallelujuah to the metal introductions of Fade Away this is pure Ska with a feel of who cares what other people think.  True, Ska has never been the genre that soaks up months and months of my review and listening pleasures.  But every now and then an album comes along that just seems so tactfully done, you cant but help rock along to, regardless of ulterior motives like religion and pure lyricism.

The title track Chase The Sun is terrifically written and brings an off genre feel.  The vocals follow more of a hip hop standard.  Eventually the track progresses into a high tempo outro, weakening a bit by the repetitive nature of the lyricism.  Another song that brings a different atmosphere than Ska is Fade Away.  Starting more like a cut from Metallica's Kill 'Em All with a vulgar and dark guitar and bass combination, the sound does finally give back to the Ska feeling.

Dedication for instance features high speed intro that jumps in like a race car.  Slowing down for the verse into a traditional Ska guitar skat, the lyrics play a strong role in this song. "Side by side, driving the same highway. Leaving behind everything, and everyone you love.
The cost to pay, to tell the world of Jesus. Hoping that these bridges burned,will not be just in vain."  Very important as throughout the album, the brass and horns section is the heart of this track.

Most impacting when I first heard this disc, was track eight Old Friend which lacks the horns and percussion but makes up for it in lyrical content, overall vibe and rhythm. Though written from an artist prospective, this is the track you play for someone that may be doubting their ability to accept the forgiveness of God.  "Sometimes I think, how can you love me? My thoughts are so far from Your own. Why choose me Lord? I'm a poor reflection. Why use me to make Yourself known?" Wonderful bridge and solo action, makes this absolutely one of the slickest tracks here. In comparison to the rest of the album, there are a few weak songs here, like Grounded which has a verse tempo that just doesn't seem to fit its bearings.  The chorus doesn't really help any either, which features a no-no in my book. "Hoo, Hah."

Other than the occasional over-zealousness, and an understandable repeititiveness that just comes with the territory of listening to Ska music, this album is full of power, grit and passion. An uptempo ode to The Lord, Chase The Sun is a gem hiding in the Christian rock market.

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