LA-based revival band Urban Rescue is preparing to release Wild Heart, the group's first full album with Rend Family Records, available May 6.
Fans got a glimpse of what to expect from the project with Urban Rescue's 5-track Wild Heart EP, which released in January. Critics responded to the songs with enthusiasm, saying "We can't wait to hear more," (CCM Magazine) calling the music "Truly powerful," (The Christian Beat).
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The Perfect Balance Of Pop And Worship| Posted May 03, 2016
With a pop sound reminiscent of Hawk Nelson and deep songwriting skills similar to Jason Gray, Urban Rescue jumped onto the Christian music scene this year, appearing at many shows with worship champions Rend Collective. The LA-based band first gave fans a taste of their style with a 5-track EP that left critics wanting more. Now signed to Rend Collective's own label, Rend Family Records, the band's first full length project is answering that request with a stunning offering of praise.
Only a few minutes in to listening, it becomes clear that Wild Heart is more than your typical CCM album. It only makes sense that Urban Rescue would be sonically in the same vein as their mentors in Rend Collective (a mix of fun and intimate worship moments, always captivating fans with their diverse sound), yet here they also display a more pop-driven style. The blend works extremely well for them and secures their place as an act you'll want to be looking out for in the near future.
A pop twist added to Jesus Culture's "Alive In You" begins the album by drawing in listeners with Urban's carefully crafted sound. "Never Stop," one of many highlights you'll find on Wild Heart, has an energy that mimics a Hillsong Young & Free tune while still keeping a unique feel. In keeping with that vibe, the title track offers listeners another standout moment of sonic diversity and creative wording. "Open Hands," a pop-styled prayer, follows next with inspiring lyrics and a fun energy: "empty me of everything until there's nothing left but You / I just want to live for You with open hands."
Slowing down into a more reverent time of worship, "His Name" is an especially powerful track, highlighting all of the things Christ is to us. Staying on the more worshipful side for a bit longer, "Song Of My Father" is another powerfully-written cut: "through the fire and the flood I know that I am loved / I can hear You singing over me / I hear Your meoldy / I hear Your symphony / there's nothing louder than the song of my Father."
"I am ushered in by Your nail-scarred hands to the place where my chains come undone," begins "Magnificent." Yet another incredibly strong track in terms of lyrics, this moment on the album invites listeners in to a powerful time of worship before heading back towards the pop/dance side of things with "Recreate" and "Fling Wide! Fling Wide!" The creative writing keeps coming strong as "Kaleidoscope" offers another Rend-like moment: "I wanna see what You see / come and rearrange me / let Your love be my kaleidoscope." While the whole album has been special up to this point, Urban Rescue truly saved the best for last with "Up From The Ashes." The track pulls out one final surprise in the closing minutes of Wild Heart with an incredibly moving spoken word bridge.
The Bottom Line:Wild Heart totally surpassed my expectations for a first full-length album from Urban Rescue. The newcomers have already mastered their sound, finding the perfectly refreshing balance between fun moments of praise and intimate times of worship. This album is truly an enjoyable listen both sonically and lyrically from beginning to end, making Urban Rescue a band I definitely can't wait to hear more from.
Song To Download Now:
"Up From The Ashes" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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