Since 1997, no band in the Christian music realm has come even close to matching wits with the styles and rhythms that the once popular Reality Check invoked upon the general masses. If recently signed Selectric Records band Cross Culture is any indication, 2006 may prove to be a new year of funk/rock motivating people to get out of their seats and move out onto the dance floor. The band's major label debut Proof Positive offers a blend of rock, rap, alternative, and funk, a cleverly skilled combination of genres that are rarely combined together by most of today's popular rock bands. The album in question brings forth music reminiscent of bands such as Alien Ant Farm, 311, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Not since the last band mentioned has a rock album sounded this intense and diverse. Alterna-funk hooks and sonic chaos ensue in songs like "Need It" and the slight punk feel of the rap/rock-fused "Wave." However, the opener "This Moment In Time" wastes no time in throwing out a full-force modern rock number as the track speaks about knowing the strong and powerful love of God without letting one's own life slip away. Overall sound quality is excellent throughout and even adds a touch of soul in the band's lighter moments in the song "Total Addiction," and the deeply passionate "The Way It Should Be." Much of Proof Positive's lyrical content relies heavily on spiritually-based issues such as striving for perfection in the Son in the raucous "One of These Days" and longing for the restoration of a broken spirit in "Extraordinary."

Unfortunately, the album ends up experiencing a weak moment in the song "Swing" as it tends to sound all too familiar in comparison to other bands such as Linkin Park or an edgier-sounding Beck. Sadly, the same song has been selected as the band's debut single which might turn away some listeners who don't have access to the full-length album before deciding on whether or not to purchase it.

Regardless of the one drawback to its credit, Proof Positive is far from being a disappointment musically or lyrically. Though easily comprehensible, the multi-ethnic Cross Culture have rung in the New Year with a sound almost entirely their own, with a few notable exceptions that fortunately don't cause them to falter in any way, shape, or form. This trio of funk-rockers may have more surprises in store for the music world; but for now, their debut is well worth a listen.

- Review date: 1/30/06, written by Paul Portell