ChristianMusicDaily

If you’re in love with the average, soft, slow-rhythmic sound of most Christian music, stop reading now. Project 86 brings a whole new beat to the scene with hard melodies and powerful vocals.

Though not screaming the Christian message in their lyrics, each and every one of their songs has deep spiritual meaning and something to really connect with.

The band came straight out of Orange County, California, and released their first self-titled album in 1998. Since then, they’ve released six full-length albums, five music videos, two DVDs, and have sold over 300,000 albums. They’ve been on tour with popular artists such as Pillar and Falling Up. And recently, Project 86 went on tour with Chasing Victory, Inhale Exhale, and Showbread to support their album Rival Factions, now available from Tooth & Nail.

The band’s drummer Alex recently parted ways with Project 86 due to certain issues in his life. Their new drummer Jason has yet to be finalized as an official band member.

So what exactly is Project 86 all about? Andrew (lead vocals), Steve (bass guitar), and Randy (guitar, piano) say there’s more to it for them than just making up a few catchy tunes. The lead vocalist has written three books, one of which is a biography of the band and has sold over 20,000 copies. In his writing, he discusses everything from his lost chances with an ex-girlfriend to helping a fellow fan out of a heroin addiction.

"Confrontation reveals true motivation," Andrew explains on the Project 86 website (www.project86.com). “When you are face to face with conflict, the deep recesses of the heart come to the surface, and we are forced to face who we really are." This seems to be the foundation of most of the band’s music.

Their latest album, Rival Factions, has a whole new sound to it. In the band’s making-of DVD, Andrew talks about how this is their first real “rock-and-roll” album, and compares it to something like Led Zeppelin. It’s also the first album to feature keyboards as a featured instrument in every song.

“It’s kind of like Project 86 on keyboards, but with guitars” says Andrew on the Rival Factions DVD. Schwab says between the new album and their first album, one wouldn’t hear the same band at all. It really is a newer sound. Being someone who has been into the band since their second album, I can really tell there’s a change, and it’s for the better in my opinion.

So if you’re looking for something different that defies the normality of most Christian music, you might just want to give Project 86 a listen or two. Click on over to www.project86.com, or visit the band’s MySpace and PureVolume sites at www.myspace.com/project86 and www.purevolume.com/project86. You can also check out the lead singer’s author site (www.andrewschwab.com), where you can purchase his books and even the band’s albums.

Project 86 is no ordinary band. Their meaning is deep and their sound isn’t easily beat.

"Our fans have stuck by us through thick and thin, and the new record is dedicated specifically to them," says Schwab. “It's quite a testimony to faith, hope, and divine provision that we are here, and we hope that, no matter what, all who hear the new record get something they can take with them and help them through their days."