Never Going Back to OK (CD - 2008)

Christian indie rockers the Afters weigh in on the side of positivity on their sophomore release, NEVER GOING BACK TO O.K. Songs such as "Tonight" and the title track talk about personal transformation and leaving the limitations of one's former self behind, amid a wall of guitars and energetic, push-pull rhythms. There are softer moments on the album ("Ocean Wide") and some light, fun fare ("MySpace Girl"), but the Afters are at their best when they let loose, as on the hopped-up, anthemic "We Are the Sound." For contemporary Christian rock that is as tuneful and exciting as it is inspirational, NEVER GOING BACK TO O.K. fits the bill. minimize