Atomic Opera - Gospel Cola (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Brilliant...and Deserving of More Attention

Ockham's Razor | Ohio, USA | 06/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing album. Amazing band. There is true creative and music genius behind this group and behind the concept of "Gospel Cola". Though Atomic Opera have a distinct sound all their own and sound like no one, if you need a comparison think the groove and crunch/sludge of King's X with the progressiveness of Galactic Cowboys...topped off with more varied instrumentation (cello, mandolin, dulcimer, recorder, ocrina, Chapman stick, etc.), more complex arrangements and some of the most amazing, insightful and intelligent lyrics to grace music in a long, long time. They pull no punches. Incisive, bold and inspired - just like their music. I loved Penguin Dust, but felt the songs all had a "sameness" about them...not so here. Every song is distinct and stands alone in arrangement, rhythm and structure. There's a sense of artistry and musical vision here that was a bit lacking in their previous efforts - though they're all good. It seems like Frank and Kemper's vision for AO is finally coalescing!Excellent album...you owe it to yourself to pick this up."

Very deep

goldengopher2000 | 02/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The lyrical content of this album is extremely deep. The songs all have a unique perspective on each's respective subject. A few previous reviewers have called this album preachy, and have given one star reviews based on that fact. The last thing on my mind when I hear lines like "Does my life suck as bad as yours?" is preachiness. The truth is, they can't stand bands that use words or phrases like "Jesus" or "Word of God", and they really hate anti-abortion songs. The lyrics obviously come from the heart and thus are not meant to be preachy; they are simply the writer's deepest thoughts on a particular subject. That's how great artists make great art, by putting their struggles and emotions into their work. But I guess that's only allowed if religion is left out. I applaud Frank Hart and company for boldly saying what's on their minds. In addition, some of the riffing is bone-crunchingly heavy. Malediction and Muse blow the doors off live. Check them out if you can."

Fans of the Housten-metal sound: thirsty?

Matt from www.prog.web.com | 10/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Comparable to Kings X and Galactic Cowboys stuff in many ways, I found myself enjoying this material perhaps even a little bit more. The prog characteristics of this album are not over-the-top, but the band does implement some odd time signatures and incorporates a lot of different instruments into their hard rock setup (cello, mandolin, dulcimer, ocarina, chapman stick, and organ, just to name a few). Best of all is the great sense of melody that permeates the album, with tasteful vocal harmonies and musicianship throughout. There is a bit of a modern/alternative rock flavor to the music, evidenced by the 12 short, catchy songs that make up the whole of the album, but I still found the song-writing to be quite interesting. Favorites include "Silence" and "Muse", with another handful of tracks being of near the same caliber. Fans of Kings X and Galactic Cowboys definitely need to add this to their list."

The best "little ol' band from Texas"?

David Parker | burlington, vermont United States | 07/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From out of the bowels of the U.S. Southwest they came, like a pack of illegitimate Southern cousins...the Texas Triple Threat: "King's X", "Galactic Cowboys" and the lesser-known "Atomic Opera". All sporting the heavy riffage and Beatles-ish vocal harmonies that the Sam Taylor factory became known for in the mid-80's. Of course, King's X were most destined for stardom, but now sadly keep putting the same album out, relying more on the heavy-metal than the incredible song structuring of their masterpiece "Gretchen goes to Nebraska" album (although still a monster on stage! ). The Cowboys have long since faded after their excellent debut album, and are wisely calling it quits with their new CD. Only the "Opera" saw to experiment and progress, while keeping the rocking nature of their original sound. Kings X should take a cue from these guys next time around, and try to conjure up another album as awesome as "Gretchen". One word of "warning": the Opera wear their born-again-ness on their sleeve more than the other two bands, and are rather blatant in their lyrical religious leanings. That simply isn't my cup of tea, but the music is fantastic. One of my favorite albums of 2000 right here!"

Beautiful fruition of artistic vision

Brad Farha | West Virginia | 06/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"More like Gospel UNcola, the band opens with the tongue-in-cheek title song, and then gets down to the meat of actual artistic expression and honest spiritual integrity in music. The band's lineup of Frank Hart, Kemper Crabb, John Simmons & Ryan Birsinger contains an apparent artistic compatibility that longtime fans of Atomic Opera & ArkAngel should find to be a mature and natural progression from their earlier works. Great vision and passion coupled with intelligent and accomplished vocals & musicianship - with enough heavy guitar & drums to please the headbanger over 20.If you're looking for the same old tired "feelgood" clichès, look elsewhere. But if you'd like to hear high artistic expression and passionate spiritual lyrics in the form of great rock music, you will be pleasantly surprised with Gospel Cola."

Search - Atomic Opera :: Gospel Cola

CD Details

Similarly Requested CDs

CD Reviews

	Atomic Opera Gospel Cola Genres: Pop, Rock, Metal Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 Jesus Junk October WinterLand Reiah Discerns The Times Malediction My Head Silence Muse Love is as Strong as Death The Circle is Closed Stop my Heart Doxology
2 Larger Image