Bleach has been gone for years because of record label problems, but now
they are back! Brought to the table are a band new member lineup, a new
sound, and 13 tracks spanning only 35 minutes. Nevertheless, the boys are
back, fresh, and still bleach. Plus, find out more about this week's
releases, the latest music news, and updated stuff on cMusicWeb.com.

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AGAIN, FOR THE FIRST TIME - BLEACH (2002)
by Rick Foux

There was once a time when Bleach made sonically powerful, intelligent rock
music. Well, that time has expired, and Bleach's return to the industry on
Tooth and Nail Records proves how much they've waded into the ever-flowing
stream of conformity. Again, For the First Time, Bleach's fourth release,
doesn't sport anything really special; the band's "new" sound actually
likens to pre-processed punk, but it's definitely worth a listen anyway.
This latest album also sports a novel band roster (Dave Baysinger and Sam
Barnhart remain Bleach's only original members), and the new members love to
show off their talents in some unique ways.

One of those ways is their musical ability. Although it's not as polished
anymore, these guys can still pull off some mind-blowing guitar riffs. A
15-second acoustic "Intro" opens the album before leading into a pummeling
"Baseline" and following up with a series of short chord alternations and
vocal harmonies. During the song's bridge, Barnhart and Byers add a very
cool growling effect on their guitars. A smooth transition flows straight
into "Celebrate," where a rapid, unwieldy drum solo begins the launch into
the track's lyrics. This powerful loop continues throughout the entire song
accompanied by Jerry Morrison's already-infamous bass romp. "We Are
Tomorrow" is one cut finally reminiscent of past Bleach albums but doesn't
improve much over the demo version released on MP3.com. In fact, it takes a
little more getting used to but is enjoyable after repeated playbacks.
Looking on the sunny side of things, "Found You Out" is an enjoyable summer
stroll; the band's fascination with distortion gives way to peach-colored
lyrics and a jumpy melody that entertains the sing-song rhyme scheme.
There's also a lot to be said about "Said a Lot" as the scratchy vocal
quality actually enhances the song's flow rather than detracts from it. This
is definitely one of the best tracks on the record, and the soaring guitar
solo on the bridge is to die for. Just when it seems the band is stretching
their innovation, they plunge back into rock-and-roll mode on "Almost Too
Late." Starting with crunchier-than-Pringles guitar chords, the band hurtles
into a grungy sing-along adorned with plenty of screaming, hoops, and
hollers from various band members - proof that Bleach definitely hasn't lost
their fun edge.

Lyrical quality, on the other hand, doesn't venture into much uncharted
territory. The project's third track, "Celebrate," deduces its title from
the band members celebrating the days when they first came to meet Christ.
This, they say, is a feeling they want to celebrate for the rest of their
lives. "Found You Out" basically reaffirms that feeling as Bleach claims
their lives have never been the same since they discovered salvation. At the
same time, "Fell Out" contradicts these proclamations, speaking to God as if
He were the victim of a faulty relationship. Baysinger and band regretfully
apologize for "walking out" on God and wish to make amends but fail to
realize that our Lord is bigger than someone's star-studded lover. "Broke In
The Head" and "Almost Too Late" sail a parallel track lyrically; the first
discusses witnessing to a lost friend, and the latter backs up the attempt
with the notion that we could be living in the last days. Surprisingly,
"Andy's Doin' Time" is more of a song about personal experiences than a
story. Bleach's manager Shack is given a brief mention during the abridged
third verse, and Baysinger victoriously sings about how the band is moving
on after overcoming overwhelming odds. Finally, "Jen's Song," an apology to
a close friend, closes the album with the familiar acoustic theme heard in
the "Intro."

That being said, Bleach's return could be described as successful. Again,
For the First Time paves the way for a new generation of Bleach fans while
launching a new beginning for the band. The quality of the music took quite
a dip, but it doesn't lack anything in excess and should be checked out by
any rock aficionados out there. At the risk of sounding majorly corny, I'm
going to say give Bleach's fourth disc a chance and listen to them again,
for the first time.

Read more about Bleach at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/bleach


WIN CREATION STUFF
More winners will be chosen for the Creation Festival giveaway this week, so
check your e-mail often to find an e-mail from us! You can win Creation
Videos or the Creation Worships disc.


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

AGAIN, FOR THE FIRST TIME - BLEACH
See the review above for info on the much-anticipated release from Bleach.

FESTIVAL CON DIOS 2 - VARIOUS
This sampler is available at least at FCD events all over the country this
fall, and probably at stores too. The sampler features a song by each FCD
artist, including an all-new track by Tree63!

JONAH: THE SOUNDTRACK - VARIOUS
The all-inclusive soundtrack for the big-screen Veggie movie that's only a
month away features lots of fun with Bob and Larry, including songs from the
film, parts of the musical score for the film, and versions of VeggieTales
songs by Chris Rice, Relient K, the Newsboys, and Anointed. Since a feature
VeggieTales film is so exciting, it must be the PICK OF THE WEEK!

SATTELITE LIMITED EDITION - P.O.D.
If you have not gotten this platinum-selling disc from P.O.D. yet, now is
definitely the time to get it! For the same price as the usual CD, you can
pick up the Limited Edition now, with 3 remixes and a DVD full of live
concert footage. Excellent value, get 'em while they last!

THESE DAYS - BY THE TREE
The boys from Dallas are back again, with their second album. But, with the
apparent disappearance of Kevin Rhoads from the band lineup, it does not
look like the musical or physical future of the band is on stable ground
these days.

WHATEVER THE WEATHER - RILEY ARMSTRONG
Probably known best for his quirky song "Sleep," Riley hits stores for the
second time with his quirky brand of folk. While keeping the lyrics honest
and truthful, he manages to keep them just as fun and enjoyable. Even the
track titles, such as "My Girlfriend's Famous" and "Life After Haircuts"
give you an idea of what's in store.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- 11 Live Delayed, Tour Planned
- Larry and Bob Strike Back
- FONO Tours With Goo Goo Dolls, Meet P Diddy
- Returning With a Vengeance
- And more!

View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Review: Making God Smile - Various
http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative/makinggodsmile

Review: The Ballpoint Composer - Freddie Bruno
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/freddiebruno/ballpointcomposer.shtml

Review: Creation Worships - Various
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/creationworships

Review: Reaching - LaRue
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/larue/reaching.shtml

Review: Collaborations - KJ-52
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/kj-52/collaborations.shtml

Review: Hero - Daily Planet
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/dailyplanet/hero.shtml


Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll be back next week with
even more great content. If you have any comments or questions, please reply
to this e-mail or send them to webmaster@... We'd love to hear
from you!

Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
ICQ - 43224317 AOL IM - dMusicWeb