Customer Reviews

Candyland

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Rackets & Drapes is not, despite what Christian media sources would label it, the Christian counterpart of Marilyn Manson. They are a self-described horror-show schtick rock band. Their sound is in this fashion, complete with synthed pipe and church organs, distorted guitars, and frightening vocals. Tim "Kandy Kane" Haase, the frontman and lead singer, is a very competent yet simple lyricist, getting straight to the point, and breaching topics that other Christian bands wouldn't dare mention. This album is by far an excellent first venture, but I know that R&D can do much better. Perhaps their next album's production will fill in the valley of this almost demo-ish recording. For the full effect, see the band live in concert, and don't forget your black lipstick.

I LOVED THIS ALBUM WHEN IT FIRST CAME OUT..OF COURSE, I WAS A GOTHY LIL' PUNK ROCK MESS THEN. STILL, THE MESSAGES ARE AWESOME AND CREEPY AT TIMES. MOSTLY, THE THEMES AND IDEAS BEHIND KANDY'S SONGS ARE INTERSTING. TOO BAD HE COULDN'T TAKE THE PRESSURE OF HIS MONIKER. IT'S SAD WHEN AN IMAGE CONSUMES YOU. TISK TISK. HE NEEDS TO HANG OUT WITH ALICE COOPER AND DAVE MUSTAINE FOR A DAY AND GET A GLIMPSE OF THE RAW POWER OF GOD AND HIS GRACE. I PRAY FOR YOU, TIM "KANDY KANE." YOUR STILL A HERO TO SOME. IF YOU LIKE EARLY MANSON, MOSTLY SPOOKY KIDS STUF, THIS HERE WILL ROCK YER WORLD. VERY RAW, VERY ANGRY, VERY INTENSE...BABY KILLERS LEFT ME BREATHLESS. WORTH A LISTEN FOR SURE. AFTER THAT, WELL, I'M A COLLECTOR AND IT LOOKS GOOD ON THE SHELF.

"Candyland" is the first release (1998) from shock rock band Rackets and Drapes. Rackets and Drapes' sound, a combination of industrial, gothic and heavy metal, is heavily influenced by Marilyn Manson, from the ambient, atmospheric sound effects to the vocals that alternate between wailing and screaming. Rackets' "Ball and Chain" is noticeably derivative of Manson's "The Beautiful People". Nevertheless, there is some creativity here.

The rhythm section is what makes this album. The driving keyboard and bass lines, combined with the industrial beats and drums are what give the songs their hooks. "Milk and Cookies" is a standout track.

Rackets and Drapes achieved some notoriety because they were a Christian band. Certainly their lyrics deal with important social and ethical themes, albeit in provocative ways. While some rejected them out of hand because of their sound or appearance, this was a band with something to say.

Laying Christianity and copying of Marilyn Manson aside for a moment, "Candyland" is a solid metal album.

This is a very good album and is a must for any christian gothic punk. With solid lyrics and a good mix of sounds it makes for an interesting listening experience. Tthe album could use a bit more in the way of musical diversity but over all you should be very pleased!!:)

Wierd-o baby sounds, high pitched screams and guitars driven with a force. This gothic/metal band is one of a kind. Christian music desprately needs something to scare away the neighbor kids. Even months after halloween you can still feel all that candy rolling in your stomach. Loud guitars and semi real drums are prominent in this decent sound quality cd's. Most of the songs are slow but the lyrics bring you back for more.

Despite what some people may say about how R&D should not be doing the kind of music they are I loved this album. R&D is reaching out to people who are seldom reached out to. So what if R&D are "different", so what if they don't follow the conventions. I remember two people who didn't follow conventions. One dressed in animal hair and baptized our Lord and Savior. The other one healed on Sundays and died because he loved us so much. They didn't fit the "mold". Do the kids into the whole gothic scene deserve salvation any less than anyone else? I think Tim Haase does a great job of reaching out to the gothic scene. He's reaching out to people who Jesus loves and who need salvation. While we're saying that Christians can't play "gothic" type music why not exclude rap too? Think of all secular rap artists sing about, drugs, killing, etc. Well R&D is standing for Jesus, and I don't think it really matters who they sound like. If they can reach people and turn them to Jesus then praise the Lord! Maybe each of us need to take off our pharisees robes and step down out of the seat of judgment.

No matter what anyone says, rackets and drapes is an awesome band. Wouldn't someone listening to the song "Kill Your Self" get curious when they heard this(I'm not sure about him saying "too live")..."too live, you must die, never time to take your life." It's all to point someone to God. Believe it or not Rackets and Drapes newest CD even has a sermon on it. So check them out if you aren't too scared by the song titles.

Listening to these guys is truly an experience. Now some people may say, "Goth is not Christian" but goth can be a style of music as well as a lifestyle and these guys are definitely not supporting the lifestyle. With their very deep and powerful lyrics, I don't see how anyone can mix these guys with the satanics, unless they've never really listened to their music.

This is a great Goth/Rock industrial band its even better because there christians. This is why i like small groups like them. Mainstreem artists like DC Talk who barely touch these subjects. Rackets get in your face you can feel the demons leavin when you play it

This is one of the Scariest albums ever made. There are some awesome, yet Scary lyrics. Kandy Kane has some good stuff to say, in real life and on this album. They sing about topics that few other Christian bands want to even mention, which is how they got there name: Rackets means loud music, and Drapes means the topics the sing about are obscured fron the music industry.

I just talked to Kandy Kane (I see and meet these members a lot)and he said that Rackets new album will come out sometime in June.