But does a major label make a band relevant? Not necessarily. Instead of a major label forcing a band's hand at lessening that aforementioned message, they may actually help to enhance it. And Junkyard Prophet sure do have a message.

Junkyard Prophet's The Price is an album of extremes. On one hand you've got strong Christian themes, and on the other there's heavy-handed political subject matter. And the band has no qualms here about mixing the two to create one. I'm no Christian, nor am I into politics, but I can see these two things being the band's biggest obstacle, as the messages are strong and overt, often times overbearing. Though I am no Christian, some of my favorite bands are -- No Innocent Victim, Pillar, Project 86, Focused, Strongarm, to name a few -- so I don't mind lyrics on subject matters not true to my heart. It's when the lyrics take on a tone that implies I am somehow living my life in a manner that is deemed wrong that I have an issue. It's one thing to have strong convictions, it's another to be accusatory and self-righteous with those convictions. Junkyard Prophet, while positive, take on a tone that doesn't always sit well with me, both on the Christian and political front.

The Price begins with "Remember Me," a song that gives respect to those who have given their lives, past and present, for our freedoms, including Jesus, the troops fighting war, and civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., though the message is more universal in scope. The song is actually really good, showcasing some outstanding lead work, a solid melody and groove, reminiscent of fellow Christian rapcore alums P.O.D., but the less-than-intelligent use of the English language and convoluted message is detracting. I'm not saying this to be funny; without seeing the video (there is one) the message, to me, is just confusing. Many songs lyrically fall into this category and seem more like meandering propaganda pieces than true solid and positive messages. Under what I find to be a confusing layer of unnecessary words there stirs a good band. The Price is not a terrible album -- if you don't listen to the lyrics too closely.

Though I have criticisms, "Remember Me" is a catchy tune, "Betta Beware" may even be better, with a solid groove and hook. Other highlights include the tongue-twisting "Meetin' Thy Maker," complete with a shredding solo; the Shootyz Groove-styled rockers "Faith" and "Enemies Of The State;" and female vocals add some depth to the otherwise typical, though with some great lead work, "Why?" But those vocals come off flat and annoying on the double-meaning and cheesy country-tinged love song "One Heart" (presented here in two versions, only two tracks apart, one with rap and the other without). Aside from the lyrical inconsistencies, all doesn't work musically either. "Junkyard Rock" is a funky gem that is ruined by the ridiculous "Go junkyard! Go junkyard! Go!" chorus and "Watcha Want" just comes off a bit messy, though the enjoyable aspects here outweigh the negative. But again, only if you can tune out some of the more overbearing lyrics.

I have no doubt that the guys in Junkyard Prophet have positive intent at heart, especially with their You Can Run But You Cannot Hide ministry work -- and it shouldn't go without mention that any band out there playing styles that are often shunned by the majority deserve respect for having the integrity to follow things through and stay the course -- but their overt, force-feeding approach is a little too much at times. The band should take notes from rapcore heavyweights Bionic Jive, a band that blends politics and religion to perfection, never coming off as being preachy, or trying to convert you to three different ways of thinking in a 4-minute song, while doing so with intelligence and style. Another problem with The Price is that it seems outdated. A good chunk of lyrical elements are just a superfluity of words, coming right out of the late 80s when Run DMC, Beastie Boys, and Weird Al Yankovich's "Fat" had white kids across America struggling with identity crises. It just seems goofy. Overall The Price isn't a bad album, but it's also not one that will likely break out beyond their clearly defined and structured fan base. If bringing their message to a broader audience is important, Junkyard Prophet first need to present a message that is not so seemingly dogmatic, and they need to keep things a bit less abstruse. A little evolution here and devolution there would do Junkyard Prophet well. Maybe that move to a major label isn't so bad an idea. After all, a lessening of one thing (the message) may very well enhance another (the message).

Note: This album also features a second disc that states: "2nd disc contains a message from the drummer, Bradley Dean, on MP3." That "message" turns out to be forty-four separate messages that equate to more propagandized opinions that have no place packaged with a music CD. I can't say I agreed with much on this disc, but in the end it has no purpose being included here. Again, presenting a message that is not so dogmatic in nature would suit this band well. Otherwise I'm afraid they've boxed themselves in very tightly.

written by Ken Wood

Playing time: 44:58