The Understatement. (Photo by Amanda Keeys @ fallintoblue photography)

By Katrina Jeffs

SYDNEY: Local Christian alternative rock band The Understatement are continuing to take their music, filled with messages of hope and positivity, to anyone that wants to listen.

The Understatement formed in 2006 as a result of two local bands breaking up.

“We were in separate bands that kind of died off, so we got together,” Chris, the band’s vocalist explained.

The five members met through their local church, and were lucky enough to share the same passion for making music.

Since then, The Understatement has made a name for themselves. They’ve been able to play festivals such as Blackstump and Easterfest, a Christian three-day festival held in Toowoomba every year, which has helped the band get their name and music out to people.

Alternative Christian music, especially rock, hardcore and metal genres has become popular in the mainstream alternative scene in the last decade.

Often slammed by conservative Christian groups because of the style of music being too heavy to express the Christian morals and values, and disregarded by non-Christian followers of alternative rock, these bands haven’t always gotten the support they deserve.

One of the reasons fans of the alternative rock genre tend to dismiss Christian bands is because they believe it goes against the nature of the genre itself, which prides itself on morals based on going against authority and living without restrictions- living by your own laws.

And yet, Christian morals such as not giving in to the constant pressure of trying to keep up with today’s popular culture, and always following your faith and what you believe in seems to fit nicely with what the alternative genre represents.

Bands such as Underoath, As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada, August Burns Red and Relient K are successful artists who have been able to infuse their music with their Christian beliefs and still pull large numbers of fans, both Christian and non-Christian.

Every show, Underoath speaks to the crowd briefly about their faith, about how it has helped them through their lives and getting through tough times.

Front man Spencer Chamberlain says to the crowd on their Survive, Kaleidoscope live DVD, “we’re a band that stands up here in the name of Jesus Christ. It’s who we are; it’s what we believe in. Now I’m not saying that to sound like we’re better than you or to talk at you or force-feed you anything… we’re all equal in this room.”

He finishes simply with “I recommend it…if not, I love you all the same.”

The success of these bands has encouraged up-and-coming Christian bands from around the world and inspired them to be open about their beliefs.

Chris admits though that being labelled as a Christian band can turn people off who are non-believers.

“Some people will just cancel out a band if they’re Christian…but it’s their choice, and we’ll deal with it.”

For Christians who listen to these bands, Joel, guitarist and vocalist, says that it can help to strengthen their faith.

“I’ve noticed that putting the music with the message relates to the world better, rather than someone preaching…and it shows that you can be really down to earth, get into everything and be a Christian.”

The Understatement intertwines their faith and music through the positive nature of their lyrics.

“Everything we write we put a positive edge on it…no matter how bad the situation,” Chris says.

“It’s about finding your way”.

Joel affirmed this, saying, “music comes from passion in your heart. We try to sing about the positives in life rather than what’s negative. It’s generally about the goodness of God”.

This passion becomes evident in their live performance.

Their set is full of energy from the very first note to the last.

What’s missing from their stage presence, however, is the familiar cursing and derogatory remarks common with many bands in the alternative genre.

Chris notes that a lot of non-Christian bands “get up on stage and swear, curse…I mean, that’s all good and fun for them, I guess, but it’s not our thing...we don’t go out and get wasted every show. But it doesn’t mean we don’t have fun.”

This has no affect on the way they can interact with other bands though.

“We get along with most people. If they show respect we’ll respect them, regardless of their beliefs.”

As a band, they like to get to know the people who take the time to go and see them play.

“Whether playing to a crowd of fans or people who have no clue who we are…every show we just want to chat to people, see where they’re at” Joel says.

The future is looking bright for The Understatement, with growing support and nearly three years of experience under their belts.

At the moment they just want to keep getting their music out to people, and are looking at recording another EP soon.

And what do they hope people, Christian or non-Christian, will get out of their music?

“I hope they just get a positive kick”, Chris says.