About A Mile satisfies musically and spiritually

Christian rockers About A Mile—whose name references the distance Jesus carried His cross—deliver a solid first effort with their self-titled debut album. A sturdy and uncomplicated rock set with a wide dynamic range, it’s the kind of Christian album that should please everyone in the family—easy hooks and choruses for the kids to sing, along with a little sweetness for Mom, a bit of grunge for Dad, and even a little angst for the teens.

Given the age of the band members—three brothers between 19- and 21-years-old—listeners might wonder if the angst is an artifice cooked up by some savvy producer. In fact it’s born from some real-life experience. In addition to early family hardships, the breakthrough single “Satisfied” was written after lead singer Adam Klutinoty almost died from an extended illness that caused his body to treat food like poison. While fasting for seven days, eating nothing and drinking only water, Klutinoty realized that “as long as we have Jesus, we will be satisfied.”

In the song, Klutinoty’s journey begins in lonely wandering while an electric guitar weaves a silvery web. Other instruments slowly join in like fellow sojourners gathering strength from one another. By the time the chorus rolls around with drums pounding, Klutinoty’s passion has grown into a stirring faith anthem: “Let Your song be the song I sing / through the blessings and burdens this life will bring / In You alone I’m satisfied.”

It was angst of the theological kind that motivated “Who You Say You Are.” At one point, questions like “Who made God?” kept Klutinoty up all night. He recognized God was either “everything or He’s nothing,” and there was no comfort in a story that wasn’t true. Ultimately it was only the reality of God’s presence that brought resolution: “Here I am, on my knees / draw me close, speak to me / all my doubts, all my fears / I lay them down, I leave them here.” With a gentle swaying rhythm rooted in brother Luke’s sensitive bass and harmonies, the brothers yield up the sweet fruit of steady searching: “I know that you are who you say you are / and I know, you are God alone.”

“In With The Out Crowd” is the band’s answer to DC Talk’s “Jesus Freaks” and exhorts listeners to embrace the outsider status that faith brings. A darker-edged funk and distorted electric guitar express resolute conviction in the face of the fact that “We are gonna be the misfits who just don’t fit in / We are gonna be rejected for the way we live / So call us all freaks if that’s all you see / it’s okay with us ’cause we’re called to be / In with the out crowd.”

About A Mile is not experimental or edgy, and that’s not the point. The point is to offer straightforward faith themes in a straightforward (though still tasteful) pop-rock style. And that’s just fine because sometimes the heart craves simplicity and clarity, particularly during a trial.

The band also stands out in a crowded field by showing some very solid musical chops. Front man Adam Klutinoty has a grainy yet versatile voice along with genuine talent for guitar and songwriting. Brothers Luke and Levi round out the rhythm section with a confident and capable punch. They have a blue-collar tinge to their playing while also demonstrating a sensitive musicianship. Listeners looking for a strong reminder that man can’t live on bread alone are sure to be “Satisfied.”