Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The Mike Knott fronted LSU (Lifesavers Underground) had released three albums before this one but there was something about 'Shaded Pain' that marked a fresh beginning for the band. This became a seminal, influential release amongst American Christian west coast punks and new wavers who were influenced by the dark sounds and honest lyrics that infuse the album. With its angry guitar from Brian Doidge, pulsating rhythms and Knott's plaintive wailing vocals, there's not much redemption or hope shared on this 1987 release. Instead there is a sonic soundscape that seems to invoke endless emptiness. And yet for all that, it's a 37 minute burst of brave creativity emits a mood seldom equalled in the safe environs of Christian rock. In the '80s it always seemed as if the most interesting music emanated from the western coast of the USA and here is another example of an inventive band performing at the top of their game. Personally I've always loved "Jordan River" and the death obsessed "Our Time Has Come" and "Die Baby Die". Those modern emo kids are just amateurs compared to this!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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