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Self-titled
Artist: Austin’s Bridge
Label: Daywind Records
This group has a refreshing pop-country sound. I was actually surprised when I put the album in and began listening to it for the first time. The music is light, and has a good, moving rhythm to it. It doesn’t seem to drag often, which has been the experience I have had with most country musicians in the past. Not these guys. They are just an upbeat positive pop sound with country overtones; quite unexpected indeed. The message seems clear from song to song. They don’t back down from delivering a positively spiritual and Christian message through each and every song on the album.  From the first lyrics of “He Will Carry You” all the way to the final cut, “Jesus You Are” they stick to their Christian beliefs. 

If you are in to the Pop-Country sound, and you are expecting a good solid Godly message, this is the next album you should purchase. I have listened to it 5 times now. And I am not even that big of a country fan.(Rev MC)

I Want You
Artist: Carried Away
URL: http://www.carriedaway.ca
Label: Glide Records
This smooth-sounding, pleasant CCM pop album is the second release for this Ontario-based trio of girls which appears to be geared to pre-teens with songs about the romantic possibilities of a relationship with Christ. They have appeared often at Women of Faith conferences. They've toured with Casting Crowns and Avalon. (Shari Lloyd - Linda LaFianza)

Unveiled
Artist: Jeff Deyo
Label: Indelible Creative Group
Length: 11 Tracks/
On Unveiled veteran worship leader Jeff Deyo joins a new label (Indelible) and continues on with more of the worship style that he is known for – shiny, uptempo pop-rock with slight electronic touches.  Fans of Deyo’s previous releases will find much to love with Unveiled.  While not offering a lot in the way of new musical styles or cutting-edge lyrics, Unveiled presents an enjoyable and listenable group of worship tunes.  Deyo is in strong voice, and the band holds their own.   Stand out cuts include the short and rocking opening track “Glory Reign Down” and the anthemic (and niftily orchestrated) title track.  Unveiled is a decent (if a bit familiar) worship release that is worth checking out.   (Barry Nothstine)

The Battlefields
Artist: Gorilla Warfare
Indie: Indie
“Salvation doesn’t come cheap” its always been at the forefront of the Christian message, however nothing seems to bring it more clearly into view like having it driven into your ear drums and heart at a pulsing 120+ beats per minute. When the disc first keys up and the chords for Awaken pound your chest, you know you are in for a hard-hitting ride into the world of Christian Metal.  Not once does this group let up with the heavy bass, and drum driven metal onslaught, coupled with the guttural and convincing delivery of their message.  I look forward to more from these guys in the future. One simple request would be that they lay off the bass, and add a little more guitar to the mix. But I am sure that they are already working on a better mix for the next album. Keep this one on auto-play.  (Rev MC)

The Meaning of Grace
Artist: Lady Blue
URL: http://www.ladybluemusic.com
Label: Indie
A five-piece band with a chick singer is very, very good--in a bluesy/gospel/Mahalia Jackson kinda way--in these mostly original tunes. It sure would be cool to see her duet with Glenn Kaiser. (Linda LaFianza)

S/t
Artist: Ocean Street
Label: Indie
The minute I put this disc in I was whisked away to the college radio years. The indie bands with something to say in every song, and the non-scene conscious sandal wearing dudes, and gals in there “holey” jeans and button downs, talking about how the world has gotten worse though it could get better. These guys have a sound that reminds me a lot of Emmett Swimming, Hootie and the Blowfish,  and many others that are so much a part of that whole genre. They come off crisp and clean from the first song to the last. And though most of the songs have a certain similarity to the music, the lyrics still keep you wanting more. I am convinced that as they produced more albums, their sound will only grow with time. The definitely have carved a niche into my personal listening collection. If only for the Sunday drives through the country side with the windows down and the music cranked looking for a nice place to just park and enjoy the scenery. What more could you ask for in an indie group. (Rev MC)

The Frequency
Artist: Play Radio Play 
Label: Indie
Hooray for Synth-Pop, a sound long since forgotten by many musicians, and fans alike. This is definitely one young artist who has found a niche for himself in my personal favorites. His music reminds me a lot of some of the older “Casio-tone” bands that were big and then just disappeared from the scene altogether.  When I first put the disc in I was expecting some new punk pop sound or even some modern attempt at classic Synth-Pop. However, I was totally taken aback by the driving rhythm and tricky lyrics. There was an awesome display of vocal effects and a great modern approach to the “Casio-tone” of the 80’s. A sound which many have forgotten forged the way for modern dance, and the onset of most modern Goth music. All that aside, this young artist “not even 18” yet, has really applied his skill to a tone that is definitely going to carry him for awhile. Props to Dan Hunter for his first record.

For you modern punk rockers out there, he even does an amazing techno cover The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.  So keep that in mind when heading to the record store to pick this little album up. I definitely will keep looking forward to more form this young emerging artist in the months to come.  (Rev MC)

Every Reason Why
Artist: Mark Roach
Label: Word/Curb Records
Length: 11 Tracks/45.20 Minutes
Can we be honest?  It is touch to criticize worship projects.  And while Every Reason Why is certainly not a stinker it just doesn’t stick in the brain.  Every Reason Why from worship leader Mark Roach is a well-produced worship CD that does not rise above the multitude of worship projects currently available.  Mr. Roach can sing, and the songs are decent enough.  But the CD suffers because it sticks close to formula and sounds very familiar.  There is certainly a market for this type of project, and surely several of these songs will get airplay.  And the songs are church-friendly.  But I would love to see Mr. Roach break out of the mold and blaze a new (or at least different trail).  Recommended for folks who like their worship pop-rocking. (Barry Nothstine)

Ultramarine
Artist: A J Rosales 
Label: Indie
As I set here listening to this record, I am rockin back and forth and groovin to an artist that I have never heard until today. I am amazed at his songwriting skill. This is actually the second album from this particular artist, and of course yours truly is headed to the store to search for the first album to see where he came from. Although he may like to hammer back an “F-Bomb” once in awhile, he still lays down some pretty heavy hitting lyrics. A lot of the music sounds like he was writing out his emotions after being jilted and jaded by the world around him. And yet, he still finds time to put together some great piano and guitar playing and even some beautiful and non-offensive lyrics in between them. I am actually deeply moved and highly impressed by this one particular record, more so than the others that I have listened to and reviewed to this point. It should be rather interesting to see what follows this. Hopefully he keeps the writing as open as this record in the future. 

This is a must have. I am truly glad to have it myself. He has a great indie sound. Really clean rock tones, with a certain swinging sound, more up-tempo amid the somber lyrics. He really reminds me a lot of the trippy rock sounds of guys like Trey Anastasio  of Phish. You need to go and get this one, quick. Now, I am headed back to the radio to listen to it again. And probably again. (Rev MC)

Love Letter
Artist: Brian Smith
Label: Verity/Zomba 
With a positive set of lyrics, and a deep and melodic voice that takes me back to the days of Bob Mould of the band Sugar, Brian Smith is definitely a cool new twist on the worship standard. This album is full of heart grabbing, emotionally uplifting tunes. This is definitely music that speaks to you. No matter where you are. A couple tracks to listen to first, would be “Hold On”, “Mercy”, and the title track “Love Letter”, in my opinion, they will give you a great idea of where this guy is coming from. And hopefully help you to figure out where you are going. It is still stuck in my player in the office.  Go and get this album quick. You won’t regret it. (Rev MC)