Reviewed by Helen Whitall

'Take Courage' is the latest EP from Minneapolis band Boiling Point, with six tracks embracing a range of styles and instrumentation. The forceful pop-rock "In It To Win It" gets going with a key-dominated riff, the beat unusually a long way down in the mix below the keys and guitars. The tempo changes through the song, which is fun, but the tune itself becomes a little repetitive and the lyrics are nothing new. "Won't Let Go" brings the natural, textural vocals of Eric Bjorklund to the fore, with the title lyric stretched infectiously. This track features acoustic guitar but has a much more poppy and highly produced style. "Run", different again with its piano and electric drums, really evokes the pursuit of a runaway with its syncopated rhythm as it explores the patient love of God for the prodigal. Sadly, "Once Again" and "To The End" are musically very unoriginal and could easily be lost in an ocean of similar CCM, though "Once Again"'s theme of assurance from God meeting us in our moments of self-doubt is a life-giving message, and both are sung with passion. The EP finishes with a real surprise; "My Hero" blasts in with drums, powerful bass and a crunching guitar riff evoking the best of turn-of-the-century rock. Although it does again become just a little repetitive, the strong, yelled vocals and gnarly guitar make this a real standout. Overall, 'Take Courage' is a very varied EP, well produced and a good listen though could do with more imaginative songwriting.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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