More From These Guys Please
Matthew Robbins | Ohio | 04/07/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm normally not a big fan of EPs, especially not from new bands. My feeling has always been, if a band is really worth my time, why didn't the record company think they were worth making a whole album? Every now and then, though, you get surprised as a band really comes out of nowhere to hit you with some real musical talent and potential. That's the case with Luminate's self-title debut. I'm not sure why we only have an EP from these guys, but here's hoping for more from them very soon.
The band cites influences from U2, The Fray, Switchfoot, and the Killers. A combination of those bands is a good way to think of Luminate's sound. They don't sound exactly like any of them, but you can hear the inspirations coming through here and there. My favorite song was "Shine (Love is an Action)," which is an anthem for the church to live out the love of Christ in the world set over some atmospheric guitars that lead to a soaring chorus where lead singer Sam Hancock sings, "Shine, love is an action / Shine, starts with a passion / cause we want to be a heart that's pure / so all we see that we are yours / Shine."
"My God" follows and features an interesting guitar riff and syncopated drums and praises God for His mercy as we return to Him as the Prodigal Son returned home. The band slows down things with "Miracle." These are some fantastic lyrics. As we wait for Christ to do something amazing for us, we need to realize He already has. Hancock sings, "I'm waiting on a miracle / Yes, I'm praying for Your Spirit, come / Oh, I'm waiting on a miracle / And You're the One / You're the One." "Hear Our Cry" and "Fearlessly" round out the EP with similarly solid lyrics over pleasant melodies.
My only real negative with this album is that it's only 6 songs. I really was left wanting more. The sound of the band isn't anything completely new, but the songwriting is very strong. They seem to know who they are already and are comfortable with that. Despite their influences, they're not trying to be anyone. This is just modern anthems of worship. They write from the heart with praise for God. Add to that some serious musicality and it's a great match. Looking forward to more from these guys."