all gas. no brake - Stellar Kart

If you want to drive a car in this country

If you want to drive a car in this country, you have to first learn how to drive. Once you learn, you have to prove your knowledge with a written and practical test. If you pass the tests, you get your license and you're then free to drive - providing you have a car. Unfortunately, there will always be people who try to circumvent the system and drive without first attaining a license. Playing the odds, they drive around expecting that they will blend into the crowds of traffic and never get caught. However, should they be pulled over for a misdemeanor, the fines are much more severe because they are unlicensed. Many people take this approach with God as well. They figure that as long as they act nicely, obey certain rules, and do good deeds that they'll be all right without accepting Christ. What they don't realize is that in the eternal system, everyone gets pulled over eventually. Pursuing your own goals and accolades will eventually catch up to you and prove to be a "chasing after the wind" as Solomon puts it.

Stellar Kart touches on this subject with their debut release, All Gas. No Brake. Opening with the imagery of being a student driver and moving through a series of tracks discussing the choices we make in life, the album provides a pretty interesting picture of daily living and offers some sound advice for the listener. "Spending Time" encourages the listener to seek out time to get to know God and His will for your life while "Gone Fishing" and "Tree Climber" offer some suggestions of activities, though the latter is a little less serious than the former. The group also takes a few songs to offer up some worship ("A Love Song"), point out the mercy God has offered ("Second Chances") and tackle the backwards motives of this world versus the Kingdom of Heaven ("Finish Last", "Life Is Good").

Musically, Stellar Kart borders on the somewhat generic pop-punk-rock musical hybrid which has become the music of choice for this generation's boy band. However, as trite as the music may sound, it's really catchy and entertaining, which grows on the listener. Lighthearted and fun, the music provides a good inroad for the message that Stellar Kart has to share and keeps the listener enjoying the album throughout its entirety. A pretty solid debut for the group overall.

-CMcentral