THE FLAME IN ALL OF US
Thousand Foot Krutch

At the break of the century, a newly refined genre seemingly revolutionized the alternative rock movement, known as rap-rock. Acts such as: Linkin Park, Korn, and P.O.D., revitalized the dead genre, spurring Christian artists to follow suit. Like their predecessors, TFK proved that a Christian artist or a band with “Christians” could create as quality music as their secular counterparts. However, the group did little to distinguish itself from mainstream alternative, and the summer of 2006 saw the success of multiple radio singles spawning from their third Tooth and Nail release; “The Art of Breaking.” The success of chart toppers such as: “Move” and “Breathe You In”, established TFK onto the modern rock landscape. Ironically, a select few have been critical of the Canadian powerhouse, citing “shallowness” in McNevan’s lyrics and an overall unoriginal sound. Despite often harsh reviews; sales have flooded into the hundreds of thousands, and “The Flame in All of Us” looks to pick up where “The Art of Breaking” left off.

The music created by the trio soared as tidal waves of new energy, crashing onto the industry’s often dry shores, spurring creativity in contemporary Christian music. As time progressed, stylistic and compositional changes were evolutionary in nature, consistently adapting to changes. This process involved the gradual drift from the rap-rock scene, and “The Flame in All of Us” continues this progression. Tracks such as “Favorite Disease” set themselves apart from previous releases, by slowing up the tempo, while retaining an overall alternative tone. The pummeling rock anthems that fans have grown to love are also abundant, in the adrenaline pumping “New Drug” and the frustrated conflict with self saturated “My Worst Enemy.” “What Do We Know” serves as the album’s ballad, complete with a children’s choir, and strings, and “My Home” is sure to please loyal fans, sounding very similar to the band’s earlier recordings. Songs addressing brokenness and rejuvenation “Learn to Breathe” and “Broken Wing” carry their signature sound, and are sure to be additional fan favorites.

The ability to adapt tone and style, to a variety of genres is a skill which sets TFK apart from most alternative acts. “The Flame in All of Us” is executed flawlessly, switching from pop-punk, to nu-metal, to alternative rock. The lead single “Falls Apart” surprisingly serves as one of the weakest tracks; however, this is made up for, with additional potential singles including: the nu-metal “inHuman”, and the aforementioned “New Drug” and “What Do We Know”. “Wish You Well” closes the album, bidding farewell to an unmentioned antagonist, close to the lyricist’s heart. Despite simplistic lyrics, the album is profound both spiritually and emotionally. One may often find themselves relating to the scenarios and conflicts McNevan pens. Clocking in at just less than 50 minutes, “The Flame in All of Us” is another solid release for all alternative lovers, or those looking for something new to connect to.

Release Date: September 18th, 2007
Label: Tooth and Nail
Rating: 4.5 out of 5Thousand foot krutch- blog image