You can never, ever listen to something completely original in the area of music without open ears. Anything less, and you might make the terrible mistake of discarding what could be something quite good.

Such is the case with the latest among Flicker Record's growing roster, Kids in the Way. It's very hard to categorize them, which is always a welcome change when it comes to music. So many times, bands fall under a genre of music so typical and simplistic, that they never reach their true potential. They play a blend of hard rock, melodic rock, and emo; though, even that is a poor attempt at describing this original and exciting sound.

But what truly makes this band unique are Dave Pelsue's vocals. They're strong and passionate. At first, they may seem like one constant whine, but repeat listens will prove otherwise. Pelsue's vocals add a sense of urgency that accompany the honest lyrics with the music.

And urgency is what makes this band what they are. The very name "Kids in the Way" is explained on Safe from the Losing Fight's opening track, "We Are." The song serves as Kids in the Way's overall mission statement, stating "This world it tells us what to do. It tells us who to be. They think their answers to this life will satisfy our needs. We are so different. We are another breed... There's nothing you can do or say, to make us go away."

Every track attacks a relevant issue for today's generation with such passion and heart, it's almost impossible not to listen to what they have to say. Probably the most poignant and beautiful is "Hallelujah," a song dealing with the struggle every Christian teen encounters when a friend simply won't accept the saving grace of God. "If it all came down tonight. Safe from the losing fight. Just know I only want to hear you say, 'Hallelujah, hallelujah. He's alive in me today.'" They even perform a cover of the Justin McRoberts song "Love." They never stray from the passion, but give it a very distinct feel.

Here's a band I'll be watching in the future. They should make lots of waves in the Christian music industry. Though, I fear, Safe from the Losing Fight will never receive the recognition it deserves, for the very reason I stated to begin with. It's different. Give Kids in the Way a chance. They take a little bit of time to get used to; but if you are able to acquire the taste, this is a very, very impressive disc.

- Review date: 12/24/03, written by Josh Taylor