August 14-20, 2003

musicpicks

Evanescence

Rock/pop

The double standard is alive. No one thinks twice when Jesus arises in a rap lyric. But when white rockers profess their faith, secular audiences cringe and Christian fans parse each line for a hint of heresy. Once Evanescence's Paula Cole fronting Linkin Park sound started to cross over, singer Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody seemed to lose their religion, or at least downplay it in interviews. But on Fallen (Wind-up), there's no pretending Lee's pleas for redemption and salvation are goth affectations or nu-metal staples. On "Tourniquet," Lee sings: "My soul cries for deliverance/ Will I be denied Christ?" There's only one justification for being that over the top, and it's not mere teen angst. Like it or not, "Bring Me to Life" is the most interesting song currently in rotation on mainstream rock radio. And if that's damning Evanescence with faint praise, so be it.

Wed., Aug. 20, 8 p.m., $25-$27, with Cold, Revis and Cauterize, Electric Factory, Seventh and Willow sts., 215-336-2000.

—M.J. Fine