(Not Actual Cover)

Anavox
Realms
Independent

It has been a long time since I first met this band in a mostly unlikely venue. What was so strange about the venue was that it was a former night club that was converted into a church. Actually, there was very little conversion aside from what actually took place inside the building each weekend. Aside from that, the insides remained quite the same and the church was heavily into pop-culture with posters adorning the walls and a short attempt at opening a small coffee shop within.

Anavox performed that night with a showcase of other artists, all hopeful up and comers. At the time, they were showcasing for a Western label known then as Third-Day records. Due to naming rights with the ever popular southern band the label eventually had to change its name. You may also recognize another name from this story, Sarah Kelly. Sarah, as well as Anavox, began their individual careers in the Rockford, IL area. (http://www.alphaomeganews.org/features/01/apr/third_day.html)

Since then, there was my review for A New Voice in July of 2002. Reading it today, I am reminded of just how excited I was about Anavox’s high-energy style of rock and roll. Suffice it to say, it is probably the same reason I can not get into Realms as spirited as I did their previous works.

The latest album appears to be a split between their signature rock and a secondary emphasis on more mellow worship. Of course I am most partial to the tracks that rock, particularly where Michael Corin’s signature breaking vocals are strongest. Some of the key tracks would be “You Gotta Dance,” “Great Is the One,” and the title track. The low-keyed worship songs are good, but they seem strained and not as natural for the band. That’s not to say that there isn’t some emotion, because they do well on both “Pretty” and “The Only Jesus.” Considering that I just received the pre-release two days ago, it just may take some time to get use to the new music.

Anavox can be found on the web and on the cyber-waves of Under Truth Radio. Although I was not as excited about Realms as I had been previously about A New Voice, I am still pleased that the band is holding together. The new material is a good indication that they are serious about their ministry.

- Ken W.