When Worth Dying For’s self titled debut was being promoted, it was accompanied by comparisons to Flyleaf, Skillet, and Hillsong. An odd comparison to be sure, but one that is somewhat accurate nevertheless. Two years after the band’s first release, the group is back on the radar with the Love Riot EP; an EP which precedes the group’s sophomore project likewise named Love Riot.
Since the purpose of the EP is to get fans stoked about their upcoming album, it’s nice to see a pair of remixes from the band’s first album. Of the three new songs, “Love Riot” kicks off the EP with the band’s traditional rock/worship blend. The techno bits that are thrown in aid a decent rock tune, but the lead vocalist for the title track, Sean Loche, sounds a bit too uninterested as he sings the song. Fortunately, co-lead singer Christy Johnson’s (whose vocals could be compared to that of Sara Delight of Inhabited) vocals kick in at the bridge and improve the track. The second song, “Higher,” is long, slow to engage, and rather repetitive, and also features the duet, only with reversed roles. “Power Of Your Love” is an equally non-impressive song which puts the emphasis on generic praise and worship over rock.
The two remixes, “Consume Me Now” and “Crazy” are from the band’s debut and have plenty of added synth. Although the former has a repetitive tune there is some good rapping towards the end of the song. The latter isn’t as good because the upbeat song spirals out of control in a late, cheesy techno fury. Of the new material, the lyrics could hardly be called original as the songwriting doesn’t surpass either Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman. The title track is a cliché anthem, and although the message of “Higher” is by no means bad, the chorus (“your name is higher/your name is high above all/your love is greater/your name has conquered it all”) is hardly innovative.
This entertaining project from Worth Dying For will likely get fans excited for their upcoming album. But fans of Skillet and Flyleaf will likely pass on Worth Dying For if they seek a higher caliber rock band. And it’s entirely possible that lovers of Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman may not fully appreciate the band’s faster pace either. Still, I can easily see Love Riot fitting right in with Press Play enthusiasts.
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