Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The American rock team based at Costa Mesa, California, who, just like last year, will be playing at Devon's Creation Fest in July. It's a shame this fine album, their first full length effort following the release of their eponymous EP (reviewed CR79) isn't in the UK bookshops as this is gritty, gutsy indie rock with lyrics that thankfully don't hide in the ambiguous obscurity of some of the Tooth & Nail bands. The songs here are boldly outspoken, dealing with topics like God's call on our lives ("Call"), the tendency to grow cold once we take our eyes off the Lord ("Only One"), the stain of sin ("# Fifteen") and being born again ("I've Been"), the latter wedding the simplest of lyrics to the most nagging of guitar riffs to make an explosive opener. 20 year old Charlo Brodersen is a gustily expressive lead singer. He's also the grandson of Chuck Smith, the legendary pastor who was in many ways the Father of the whole Jesus Revolution in the late '60s. With a legacy like that is it surprising that this passionate, honest and mature album stands out so spectacularly from the piles of rock-by-numbers releases?

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