Reviewed by James Stafford

Live in concert, but not particularly well recorded. But actually that's how you expect their energetic, dirty "punk-core" to sound. It seems to fit the punk ethos, strangely. I can't quite decide if that makes this good or bad. Is that ethos a good Christian one? After failing to perform "Human Garbage Can" well comes the comment "[It's a] good thing that we play punk rock and none of you guys care." A seemingly typical punk ethos, but how does that tally with Colossians 3: 23, 2 Timothy 2: 15a, Ephesians 6: 7 - my utmost for his highest? Surely as Christians we should care? Describing their band as a ministry, they briefly introduce each song's theme, but unless you know the words, you will miss the spiritual encouragement found within. Is that enough "ministry"? But what about the Biblical ministries of Ephesians 4, Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12? Surely what Officer Negative do on stage is merely a small complement to these, possibly focussing on encouragement (Romans 12: 8), but people need essential food more than they need complementing punk or hardcore. Their hearts are in the right place but Officer Negative's album can only be recommended to the intrigued or the "hardcore" punk fan.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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