So there you stand at the moment of truth.

With so many options at the local music store, you are torn between the latest releases of your favorite bands. Narrowing the selections down to two, you hold a CD in either hand. A single tear rolls down your cheek as you are forced to choose. Heart racing with anticipation, you contemplate the wonder of what your ears might soon behold. After much deliberation (and a coin flip), your decision is made. You put Barney's Greatest Hits away and purchase yet another record from the Denver based ska octet, Five Iron Frenzy.

By the time you've reached your car, the plastic wrapper and that silly little sticky thing at the top are removed. Behold! Your innocent eyes widen with fright as you gaze at the mind-blowing art: gracing the cover is some guy (Dennis, trombone) in really short shorts. One simple question forms in your mind and slips out of your mouth-"How comfortable can those shorts really be?"

"You know what comfortable is?" Keith answers. "It's not those shorts."

We'll take your word for it, Keith. As for the reason behind the outrageously skimpy bottoms, Micah explains that "the cover idea came from the name of the record (All The Hype That Money Can Buy). It was supposed to be the most hyped-up looking cover with the least amount of artistic ability."

And though the cover art may be lacking in a certain refined, artistic appeal, Five Iron's newest record is hardly deficient in any other area, making All The Hype the fifth incredible album from the seemingly unstoppable, ever-changing, always progressing ska sensation Five Iron Frenzy. This latest project contains 15.173 tracks of uplifting, zany yet intelligent music.

Though the recent departure of guitarist and songwriter Scott Kerr has produced many changes for Five Iron, the obstacles are no match for this band. "There was a huge gap in our band as far as writing goes," says Reese Roper (vocals). "It was very cool to see people like Andy [drums] and Micah [lead guitar] step in to fill some of that space." According to Keith (bass), the band member's combined efforts makes this album a more accurate representation of all the individual personalities. Finally, Reese concludes, "This was a stepping stone towards our future goal of world domination. I mean...um...making some more rock music."

And the band is joined in their quest of world domination…um, we mean making rock music, by a "who's who" list of musical celebrities. The album includes a fantastic line-up of cameos and guest appearances, ranging from Christian music pioneer Randy Stonehill, to Santana percussionist Karl Perazzo, to Big Lou, the Accordion Princess.

"Why?" you may be asking.

Micah explains, "Time and Money. We kept hearing things and we had so much more time on this record than we have ever had. We were actually able to do some of the wacky things we hear in our heads." Plus, Reese adds, "We're not very good accordion players."

As you might imagine, with the addition of an accordion to the musical mix, you can expect a bit of wackiness from the new tunes. But with Reese remaining the primary lyricist, the content carries more than just pure silliness, running the gamut from personal influences to intense worship and decidedly political overtones. Micah comments, "We pretty much agree on everything he writes about, not including the real personal songs because they are just expressions of stuff he is going through. But as far as the songs that could be agreed on, we do."

Some of the members' favorite songs from the new record include "World Without An End" ("the most aggressive and beautiful praise song I have ever heard"--Micah); "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here" ("I still think it's funny six months after we recorded it"--Reese); and "What's Up" ("a very beautiful and moving song with a haunting melody and a rich, lush sound. Lyrically, it is very timely and has an important message. Plus, it has a great beat and you can dance to it"--Keith).

When it comes to writing lyrics for these types of songs, Reese gives credit to various sources for his inspiration, including novels such as When God Interrupts by Craig Barnes and Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. He recommends them, adding, "When I finish reading [When God Interrupts], I just start over again. It puts your relationship with God in a whole new light. This, when paired with various circumstances of last year, is why I wrote 'The Greatest Story Ever Told.' "

Brown's novel, on the other hand, is an American Indian's perspective on American history that Reese says "everyone should read." He also finds inspiration in the Bible, and in books by Barbara Kinsolver and Ernest Hemingway (his two favorite authors).

But don't think Reese is the only band member who puts his spare time to good use. During recent months, the band has taken a little time off to relax before their summer tour, allowing for each of them to read/study/master Goldeneye/whatever. In their down times, Jeff (sax) and Reese returned to school. Now, Jeff can speak Spanish very well, and Reese can diagram the various energies of the stereoisomer of cyclohexane. Meanwhile, Brad (trumpet) and Andy each got married, "providing more free help at the merchandise table."

In addition to personal endeavors, some Five Iron members have assisted in starting a church that "caters to people that don't 'fit' at other churches." Reese founded the church, "Scum of the Earth," with a former pastor who reportedly "does all the stuff that a pastor should do, while [Reese] makes sure there is a kickball game every Sunday." He admits he is terrified of all the responsibility, since he claims his only training is that he is a rock star.

Brad and Micah are also involved in the church, while Jeff (the girl) handles the majority of the "girl stuff." Jeff adds, "I want to make sure that all the members of this church are recognized and that it is not thought of as a Five Iron project. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many hardworking, dedicated women and men that are part of Scum of the Earth, and it would be so sad if only Five Iron got recognition."

Recognition is not what Five Iron Frenzy is all about. When it's all said and done, when the last note is played, when the final curtain falls and the lights are out...be it on stage, in the classroom, on the street, or in the church, Five Iron's ministry is to the glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ. "I hope most of all that we have just been obedient," concludes Reese. "I am so in awe of God and what He has used us for. I know that He will do some more amazing things with us. But in reality, I just want to know that we did what was right in his eyes."