When I first received this album, I wasn't sure what to think; the truth is, I'm still not 100 percent sure.
Christian punk bands are nothing new. Some, like Relient K and MxPx, are actually quite popular. Still, quite often their message is understated, and they simply focus on music with a positive message. The Knights of the New Crusade are not like that.
Christian Punk On Alternative Tentacles?
First, the band is on Alternative Tentacles, Jello Biafra's (Dead Kennedys) record label. Jello Biafra is well-known for being critical of politics and religion. The press release attached to the album claimed that not distributing the band would have been reverse discrimination, and while one may have a hard time following that argument coming from this notoriously tongue-in-cheek label, after researching the band a bit, I am inclined to believe these guys are for real.
The album is packaged to look like a Jack Chick religious tract, but I don't even think this is intended to be a joke. Granted, there's always the possibility the band is an inside joke or a bit of satire taken a bit too far, but I'm more inclined to think they are serious, and signing them is just another way Alternative Tentacles is pushing the envelope.
The Music
Musically, this album is great! These guys play some great garage punk, blended with a bit of hardcore. "Got Some Gospel For You" is a great driving garage punk tune, and "When Knights Are Low" is a slow groove that mixes in elements of smooth surf guitar and a bit of rockabilly, almost like classic Cramps.
"What part of 'Thou Shalt Not Kill' Don't You Understand" is fast punk antiwar song, and it rocks, but the album's high point is the Knights' bluesy cover of the Gospel classic "The Big Man". It's a fast, rockabilly-tinted tune; catchy and infectious.
This is pretty typical of the music on the album. It's excellent garage punk - but the music is only half of the Knight's package.
The Message
To say the Knights of the New Crusade have a message would be an understatement - they preach. And they are not at all ashamed to admit it. Their message is extremely Evangelical, and they even mention in their songs that they are under attack from Christian punk bands for coming on too strong. They also say they feel it's the only way to go. They seem to take it a bit too far, though; talking about their rejection of fame and fortune while somewhat glorifying themselves at the same time.A Challenge to the Cowards of Christendom is musically an excellent album, but the message and lyrics are extreme enough that they will probably alienate a lot of people, and even make them angry. If you agree with their message, you'll love them. If you don't, you'll feel alienated by it. There's no middle ground.
It hampers the band's ability to attract fans; the end result will either leave the Knights of the New Crusade preaching to the converted, or keeping it an inside joke with their friends about their concept act taken a bit too far.
