Kevin Max – ‘AWOL’ Album Review

Ever since DC Talk took an intermission, Kevin Max flirted with many styles spanning straight up pop, electronic, traditional gospel, poetry and tons in between, but he’s rarely sounded closer to the ideal bullseye than he does throughout Awol. While the singer/songwriter was never afraid to wear influences from the English side of the ‘80s on his sleeve, this project finally indulges fully in that direction, while maintaining a multitude of contemporary flavors to frame those quivering, immediately recognizable vocals. Beyond the swirling electronics and atmospheric beats, Max excels as an observational and topical songwriter thanks to the “Prodigal (Run To You),” “Half Of The Better One,” “Cornucopia Of My Soul” and the title track’s reminder that “religion kills but Jesus saves” to name but a few of the many thought-provoking tunes.

—Andy Argyrakis