Solid song writing and a moving modern acoustic pop rock sound that has a familiar quality typify this California Bay Area group’s debut. With a variety of song styles on the album, there are various bands being named to describe JIB’s sound: Matchbox 20, Dave Matthews Band, and Jars of Clay, to name some. Fans of Dave Matthews Band will not find the wild originality or the incredible creativity of that band here, though. Jars of Clay supporters will find more to like, as will Indigo Girls' fans. Jason Ingram has an agreeable rock/country tenor that seems duly urgent in singing these gospel rock tunes about time honored themes like God's closeness, the evils of sin, and the forgiveness and grace of a great Savior. This is a fun, bouncy record with catchy tunes and melodies. Yet on this record, JIB, a California band, sounds a lot like a Nashville creation, with sweet country touches in the mix here and there. JIB has flashes of a larger talent, but this band’s full potential has yet to be plumbed.
Tony LaFianza (11/4/98)
