Jars of Clay is one of several Christian rock bands competing in the alterna-rock genre. Bible pop continues the trend of Debby Boone ballads, Stryper metal, and Michael W. Smith's current ballads, while the new generation takes Christian messages and wraps them in today's rock. Jars of Clay along with DC Talk, and Newsboys ply their trade in this arena.
Jars of Clay are four Christian messengers from Illinois. Together about three years, band members are Dan Haseltine (vocals), Charlie Lowell (keyboard), Steve Mason (bass), and Matt Odmark (guitar). Influences cover a wide range: the Beatles, Depeche Mode, Hendrix, and Toad the Wet Sprocket. The band got together in college, put together a demo cd that led to their signing and debut album. Adrian Belew produced two tracks with the band finishing the remainder.
The self-titled album would have benefited from Mr. Belew's continuing attention; the two tracks he produced are the best of the bunch. "Flood" is the first single and video off the album. It's very interesting to listen to and has lyrics that only hint at a Christian message. "Liquid" is beautifully produced with strings added by Belew. Chances for a wide appeal on this one are dimmed by the heavy handed religious message ("Arms nailed down, he didn't die for nothing"). Most tracks have lyrics that could as easily be interpreted as everyday love songs as love between man and the Christian Savior. These tracks with that kind of innocuous lyrics attached to pleasant alternative music can carry Jars of Clay outside the Christian rock perimeter if that's where they want to be; dump the hard sell religious lyrics, and they're there.
Will Jars of Clay try to keep to the middle ground delivering veiled messages, or will they sway from their religious background? Will they get a tighter grip on the religious message lyrics and hammer out religious messages from Christian clubs? Their next album's direction should be interesting. With this one, Jars of Clay, if you like Christian rock, this is a keeper. If you like alternative, you might give this band a try, but the lyrics may scare some people away.
