Some Kind of Zombie

Description

Some Kind of Zombie (sub-titled The Resurrection of a Generation) is the fourth full-length studio album by the American alternative rock band Audio Adrenaline, released on ForeFront Records in 1997, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group in the US. The album was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis and Shakin’ Studios in Franklin, Tennessee; with John Hampton producing. Mixed by Skidd Mills.

For a while there, back in the good ol’ days of the mid-’90s, it wasn’t very cool to be a rock band. You either needed to be an acoustic jam band, an angst-filled grunge outfit, or Euro pop stars. Straight-up, easily approachable rock ‘n’ roll, with a splash of distortion thrown in for flavor, was about as rare as a non-goateed guitar player.

Audio Adrenaline woke up and smelled the flowers in 1995 with the release of ‘Bloom‘ and its catchy rock tunes. The band continues that trend, albeit in a slightly harder (and decidedly more experimental) vein, with ‘Some Kind of Zombie’.

It’s been easy to track AAs progress as a band, from the early learning curve between that first self-titled project and ‘Don’t Censor Me’, to the “oh, my, we’re in the studio with a proven producer” phase on ‘Bloom’, to its playing to strengths old and new (Mark Stuart’s vocals and guitarist Tyler Burkum’s stomp-box-o-rama) on ‘Zombie’.

Producer John Hampton’s second time at the board with AA seems to allow both parties to feel free to let loose and add as many tricks (both sonically and vocally) as they wanted. Burkum’s guitars cut through very cleanly over a solid foundation of Will McGinniss’ bass and Ben Cissell’s drums.

Stuart’s vocals, however dry they were mixed on ‘Bloom’, go in the opposite direction on ‘Zombie’, using distortion, delay and layering to give the record a lot of texture.

Stylistically, different songs on ‘Zombie’ draw from some interesting influences, such as the Queen-esque «Original Species» and the Chili Peppers/ska fusion on «Blitz». But while the songs are reminiscent of other groups, they don’t automatically make you think youve heard them before. They’ve taken their influences and put a decidedly late 90s spin on them.

(One aside to the guys in AA: While «People Like Me» is very hooky and very catchy and should do well on Christian radio, it sounds like Geoff Moore & The Distance. I know they’re your labelmates and all, but you do your thing and let GM&D do theirs. End of aside.)

Lyrically, the album falls somewhere in between the camps of “art for art’s sake” and “presenting the gospel through contemporary music.” Songs like «New Body», «Lighthouse» and «God-Shaped Hole» very clearly speak to churched listeners, but don’t sacrifice any sonic punch for delivering a message.

Overall, ‘Some Kind of Zombie’ is sonically dense and extremely inventive. It’s a lot like a Salvadore Dali painting: each time you come back to it, you find something new that you ponder over and think, “How did that get there, and how did I miss it before?”

While ‘Bloom’ paved a path for AA to the forefront (no pun intended) of Christian rock, Some ‘Kind of Zombie’ rips up that trail and takes you on a whole new ride that’s a whole lot of fun indeed. [Lucas W. Hendrickson, CCM Magazine, December 1997]

Girder Music Promo, 2025

Audio Adrenaline’s Some Kind of Zombie is back like you’ve never seen – or heard – before! For the first time ever, this iconic 1997 album is being released on vinyl, featuring a stunning Zombie Virus Green colorway that perfectly captures the raw energy and experimental edge of this groundbreaking record.

This limited-edition release includes all 10 original tracks from the album, fully remastered for vinyl, plus a special bonus: the Criscoteque Mix of the title track, «Some Kind of Zombie». This rare remix, beloved by fans, is making its long-awaited return and adds a new dimension to the album’s powerful, genre-bending sound.

From the nostalgic anthem «Chevette» to the ska-infused collaboration with The O.C. Supertones on the title track, and now with the infectious bonus remix, this release celebrates the creativity and legacy of Audio Adrenaline’s boldest musical era.

Recorded at Ardent Recordings in Memphis and Shakin’ Studios in Franklin, Some Kind of Zombie was produced by the legendary John Hampton, with engineering from Jason Latshaw and Matt Martone, and mixing by Skidd Mills. This album represented a significant evolution for Audio Adrenaline, featuring the debut of Tyler Burkum on guitar, adding new depth to the band’s sound; the first official credit for drummer Ben Cissell as a full member; and a memorable ska-rock collaboration on «Blitz» with The O.C. Supertones, including guest vocals from Matt Morginsky. The album’s unique blend of alternative rock and heartfelt lyrics quickly established it as a fan-favorite.

While often overshadowed by Bloom and Underdog, Some Kind of Zombie remains a hidden gem in Audio Adrenaline’s catalog. Tracks like «Chevette», «Original Species», «God-Shaped Hole», and «Blitz» showcase the band’s versatility and innovation, with bold themes and unforgettable melodies. Critics and fans agree that this album still resonates today, with AllMusic calling it “tougher, catchier, and sharper” and Jesus Freak Hideout declaring it a must-listen.

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/some-kind-of-zombie/716276804)

CD tracklist:

01. Chevette – 4:20
02. New Body – 3:57
03. Some Kind Of Zombie – 4:45
04. Original Species – 4:32
05. People Like Me – 3:14
06. Blitz – 4:13
07. Lighthouse – 5:01
08. Flicker – 3:54
09. God-Shaped Hole – 4:08
10.1 Superfriend – 9:14
10.2 Some Kind Of Zombie (Criscoteque Mix) – 4:38

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by ForeFront Records. Track 10 contains a hidden track, which starts at approximately 4:36. Remastered for vinyl and re-issued as a Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Girder Music in 2025 (limited to 300 copies worldwide), pressed on Zombie Virus Green Vinyl and featuring a bonus track; the Criscoteque Mix of the title track, “Some Kind of Zombie.” (Officially licensed from Capitol CMG.)

Some Kind of Zombie. Remastered and pressed on Zombie Virus Green Vinyl, Girder Music 2025.