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With Audio Adrenaline saying adios, dcTalk on what seems like a permanent hiatus, and newsboys still hard at work on their next album, there's definitely room for a new band to reign supreme with the youth group crowd. And with appealing songs on Proof Positive that address the fundamentals of Christian faith, Cross Culture may be just the band to step up to the challenge.

Featuring Justin David, Dan Harrass and Chris Wright, the group mixes in Latin rhythms, plenty of rockin' guitar riffs and a little funk to add variety. Like Maroon5's frontman Adam Levine, David has the kind of vocal range that stands out in a genre where top-notch chops aren't always necessary for success. With almost a chameleon-like ability to transform the mood of a song with his voice, it's easily the group's greatest asset. On "This Moment in Time," a few studio tricks make David sound all alt-rock cool like hipsters Franz Ferdinand, while "Can't Live" has all the soulful delivery of Levine on the band's smash "This Love." Keeping listeners guessing, "She Won't" demonstrates a sensitive side with a power chorus seemingly tailor-made to make the girls swoon, while album closer "Wave" is a full-on rocker with plenty of attitude to boot.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that as much care was taken with the lyrics. While simple sentiments like "I need it/I want it/I got to do what's right for me" on "I Need It" or the obvious optimism expressed on "The Way It Should Be" might not faze your typical youth group member, those hoping for a little more depth may be disappointed. But in terms of pure ear candy, there's plenty of promise—proof positive that catchy hooks and clever beats can in fact mask a multitude of clichés.

© Christa Banister, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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