Cross the Line

WEST ODESSA The message of God-given purpose and identity is a line worth crossing for power-pop rockers Superchick.

Based on a song title from its upcoming CD release, the Chicago-based Christian band pulls out all the stops with its "Cross the Line" Tour, which comes Wednesday to West Odessa.

And with past hits like "We Live," "Stand in the Rain," "Pure," "One Girl Revolution," "Anthem" and "It's On," Superchick packs a punch with its musical variety of pop, punk, rock, rap, hip-hop and R&B.

Matt Dally, a Superchick original on bass guitar, rap vocals and synthesizer, said the group's headlining tour with Disciple, KJ-52, Britt Nicole and Starlit Platoon, is a long throw from his past days of selling women's clothes as a 17-year-old. Superchick's rise to stardom was a quick path of growth following its 1999 debut at an Audio Adrenaline concert.

"It kind of happened so fast," Dally said via phone from Tulsa, Okla. "We think God has a plan for everybody to use those talents and abilities that he's given them.

"For us, it's to encourage people to know that they have a destiny and a purpose for their life," he said. "They can truly change the world."

With a "perfected" sound, Dally said, the band stretches itself with the new songs - connecting with listeners in a life-changing sort of way.

"We feel like God gives everyone a hand to play, and it's how you play it that counts," he said. "I feel like (the songs) are going to empower people to be comfortable in their own skin."

Disciple, coming off a victory at the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards with "Rock Album of the Year" for its sophomore project "Scars Remain," is also unleashing a strong message with some heavy-sounding music.

Lead singer Kevin Young said Christian rock music played a huge role in his life as a teenager - his youth pastor gave him a tape of metal group "Whitecross."

"I just couldn't believe that they were Christian - that they sounded so mean and so aggressive, yet their lyrics were positive," Young said via phone from Portland, Ore. "The music is what grabbed me, but eventually the lyrics changed my heart."

More than 15 years after starting Disciple with high school buddies, Young said the band is fulfilling its dream by using a broad spectrum of musical styling to have an impact on people.

"We try to use this music to reach people who like this type of music - to point them in the right direction, which we believe is Jesus Christ," he said. "I think God has had his hand in this thing from the very beginning - he keeps putting lyrics in our hearts, and we try to stay faithful to Him."

"Every night when we get to go hang out with the fans, we're always hearing stories from people's lives where God is changing them - it never gets old," he said. "You hear where someone gave their life to Christ at a Disciple show - that's why we're doing what we're doing."

Brian Serrano, youth pastor at West Odessa First Baptist Church - the concert's venue - said he's bringing the "Cross the Line" Tour to Odessa as "a clean entertainment option."

"Superchick's testimony of purity and girls finding their identity in Christ and who God made them to be - it's a really great appealing message," he said. "Disciple, they're good examples to put before my young men."

Hoping for a packed house in the auditorium's 1,200 seats, Serrano said the concert goes beyond giving his church exposure - to emphasize an abundant side of life to area youth groups and rock fans.

"I want to be able to have a night where teenagers can have a blast in a clean, safe environment," he said. "I want them to know you can be into great music and still live for God.

"It's possible to still be a Christian in today's society and have a blast with everything you do," Serrano said. "You should stand out, not because you carry a 50-pound Bible, but stand out by how you live."

WANT TO GO?
>> The Cross the Line Tour with Christian performers Superchick, Disciple, KJ-52, Britt Nicole and Starlit Platoon, plays at 7 p.m. Wednesday at West Odessa First Baptist Church, 11300 W. University Blvd.
>> Doors open at 6 p.m.
>> Advance tickets are $20 or $15 for groups of 10 or more. All tickets the day of the concert are $25.
>> Tickets can be purchased at itickets.com or by calling 800-965-9324.
>> For information, call the church at 381-0753.

GO VIP
>> A VIP package is available for an additional $8 and includes a reception with Superchick, an auto­graphed and mailed-upon-release copy of Superchick's new album, ‘Rock What You Got,' an exclusive Cross the Line Tour poster and $2 off any Superchick T-shirt or CD at the concert. Purchase online at www. itickets.com/events/200910/Odessa_ TX/Cross_the_Line_Tour.html