Bleach is a rock band that has come what may seem like a long way in a rather short period of time. From their 1996 album, Space, on Forefront Records that debuted with much fanfare with their hit song and video, "Epidermis Girl," to their more up-beat sophomore album Static which earned them even more attention (including a live performance of "Super Good Feeling" on the Jenny Jones show), Bleach's popularity has only grown with each release. More recently, with the departure of two of their original band members and a new replacement (Russ Fox of the late Seven Day Jesus), a new producer, and a renewed vision, Bleach has taken a new direction in sound, returning boldly to the music scene with a strong message of the love of Christ through a perspective many will be able to relate to.

Taken directly from the band's latest bio, lead singer Dave Baysinger comments, "It's totally a fresh beginning. The experiences we've encountered this past year have taught us to grow. God has given us a renewed vision. I've never felt closer to God than I do now." That statement is shown true within the first 12 and a half minutes of their new aptly self-titled record. Bleach kicks it off with "Heartbeat," a pop/rock-driven plea to God for His love and to know Him better, and follows it with "Straight Shooter," a song reminiscent of the sound from Space which was non-existent on Static. But the absolute album highlight is the hopelessly catchy "Once Again Here We Are."

More diverse than their previous projects, Bleach experiments with ballads more than in the past, proving the band's versatility. "All to You" and "What Will Your Anthem Be" introduce soft melodies and the occasional strings while "Sun Stands Still" pumps up the volume higher for a hard-driven rocking worship tune.

Bleach continues to create good music with a positive message you can relate to with their third, self-titled album. A must for fans of catchy garage rock.

- Review date: 11/8/99, written by John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com