It's always nice to hear something new. Thanks to the trio, Mukala (pronounced muck-uh-la), fronted by Dan Muckala himself, we receive that very gift. With their debut album, Fiction, Mukala blends catchy pop with strong bass beats with an occasional aggressiveness that can satisfy a wider range of listeners. "Soap" starts off the album on a serious note, about how nothing can make us clean but Christ. But the disc immediately shifts gears to the highly catchy "Skip to the End," which is bound to get you singing along after the first couple of listens. "Stranger than Fiction" follows, serving up a multi-layered entree of a blend of guitars and beats, with a generous helping of clever lyrics. Another highlight follows suit with yet another bouncy, catchy tune entitled "Regrets," a song about learning from our mistakes.

This disc fails to provide a weak or disappointing song, but delivers a delightful listening experience that'll make you want to spin it again and again. Check out Fiction and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!

- Review date: 10/8/98, written by John DiBiase