Model Engine

Model Engine was an alternative Christian rock band based in Santa Barbara, California. Prior to 1997 the trio, consisting of Jeremy Post (guitar/vocals), Brad McCarter (bass/vocals) and Brent Nims (drums) were known as Black Eyed Sceva. Due to confusion over the meaning of the name and its constant mispronunciation, the band changed its moniker when drummer Erik Herzog replaced Nims prior to the release of the group's third album.

As Black Eyed Sceva the band released two commercially unsuccessful but critically acclaimed albums, Way Before the Flood (1994) and the EP 5 Years, 50,000 Miles Davis (1995). As a lyricist Post addressed unorthodox and controversial issues from a Christian viewpoint. Among the topics covered were abortion ("Mudhouse"), divorce and child abandonment ("Adrien James"), secular philosophy ("Comte's Perspective"), compassion toward homosexuality and AIDS ("Handshake"), church divisions ("Ecumenical") and post-modern Christian media hype ("Soapbox"). The song "Twain" was an unapologetic assault on Mark Twain's book Letters from the Earth.

The Lean Years Tradition (1997) continued the band's exploration of dark themes, including Christian martyrdom ("Hang You Upside Down"), prostitution ("Reeperbaun," based on the band's experiences in Hamburg, Germany) and hidden lust ("Anonymous F").

In each song the band's intent was to take listeners to the depths of human experience and show that humanity's need is answered through a relationship with God.

Musically, Model Engine/Black Eyed Sceva's style was a blend of alternative rock, grunge, and progressive rock. All of the group's albums were recorded and released under the 5 Minute Walk label.

Model Engine disbanded in 2000.