Jars of Clay isn't your ordinary Christian rock band. For one, the group's self-titled debut was a huge hit, selling 1.5 million copies and spawning the crossover hit "Flood," which found its way onto radio playlists, MTV and VH-1. Second, the band hasn't been afraid to venture outside the Christian community, playing rock clubs and halls as well as the churches. That's prompted criticism from some Christians, who fear the group isn't setting a good example and is in danger of shelving its faith and backsliding into the secular world. And the quartet sounds more secular than Chrsitian, melding Beatelesque harmonies and a jangling pop guitar sound with lyrics that aren't overly spiritual, preferring instead to lay the message between the lines.

REVIEW: All of the above held true at the Palace Theatre on Thursday night. The six-piece band turned in an impressive, energetic performance that looked, felt and sounded like a rock show.

The concert, which also featured terrific performances from Christian rockers Plumb and Capital Region native Aaron Jenkins, certainly ranks as one of the 10 best rock shows so far this year.

There was plenty of loud, crunchy guitar and the songs - from Jars and Plumb - were melodic, alternative pop tunes that would fit easily next to Alanis Morissette and Oasis on any radio station. But if you came looking to hear The Word or to praise Jesus with raised hands, you walked away from the Palace disappointed on Thursday night.

This was no revival meeting. In fact, scripture was quoted only once during Jars of Clay's 90-minute set - when lead singer Dan Haseeltine explained where the group's name came from. He spoke a few words about having "a savior" and the band launched into a killer rendition of "Love song." Surprisingly, they also played cover versions of Badfinger's "No Matter What" and an intriguing rendition of The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows." Still, the band's message came through loud and clear to many of the 1,500 fans that came out Thursday night. Fans cheered loudly after every song, even singing along at times.

And there's no question that Jars of Clay is loaded with talent. With lush, three-part harmonies, the group sounded like a cross between Oasis and The Lightning Seeds. Haseltine has the perfect pop voice, which fits the band's swirling, psychedelic sound nicely.

Songs like the uplifting "Overjoyed," "Crazy Times," the edgy "Blind" and the harmony-heavy "Tea and Sympathy" were lovely to listen to.

Led by lead voice Tiffany Arbuckle, Plumb turned in an aggressive, amazing 40-minute set that was haunting and openly spiritual - without coming off preachy.

Arbuckle has one of the best voices in rock and she's a vibrant, hypnotic singer, not unlike Morisette or even Pat Benatar in her prime. Songs like the ethereal "Send Angels," the explosive "Who Am I" and the scathing "Sobering [Don't Turn Around]" were all a pleasure to listen to. Her read of "Endure" to close their performance was powerful and remarkable.