Reviewed by Chris Sharp

This Arizona-based band consist of brothers Ben and Gram Messer released their first EP 'Black To White' back in 2003. Gigging extensively throughout the American southwest enabled them to build a significant fan base and brought them to the attention of producer Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, LaRue) resulting in this magnificent melodic pop/rock album. And it's definitely been worth the three year wait! As per their inaugural release much is reminiscent of Jars Of Clay, but now more rock-tinged, the likes of Switchfoot also come to mind, and that's definitely not a bad thing. Just when you're thinking you may have listened to one ballad too many the funky Latin-influenced instrumental track "Alimente El Corazon (Feed The Heart") kicks in. It feels a little out of place at first, however it is only a temporary interlude before what for me is the stand out track, the anthemic "Stand For Something" ("...or die for nothing"). If, like me, you're a fan of the genre then this is definitely an album to put on your shopping list.

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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