“Memory” opens up with some energetic guitar riffs from Brandon Mills and Chris Clonts and thrashing drum beats by Josh Oliver. New vocalist and bassist TJ Harris has a strong rock voice which in certain instances sounds a lot like Shaun Morgan from Seether, as his snarl suits the aggression on show. There are also cleaner melodic moments where his voice is better displayed.

“Westboro” is based on the confrontational church of the same name, with lyrical references of how the actions of this outrageous group have caused so much disgust across the world. There are some blues riffs contained as the verses flow, but all in all it is a pretty ineffective song that fails to get their point all the way across.

“Say Hello” has some decent guitar distortion on a song that is slightly softer than what has come before. The chorus is one of the strongest on show, but unfortunately it is one of the very few high points on the album.

“Fight To Win” is the first single to be released, and it’s also the heaviest song on Scarecrow. The hard rocking chorus fails to truly ignite, and leaves the listener at a loss as to why it was chosen as the promotion lead for the record.

“So In Love” ends proceedings with a soft ballad that lyrically borders on Christian worship. The guitar rhythms are toned down and the drumming is delicate, and it is arguably one of the better moments on a disappointing album.

Lasting only thirty-five minutes, it’s hard to see what Decyfer Down have been doing for the last five years because Scarecrow falls short in so many ways.

Musically, most of the songs start off promisingly but they fail to evolve into something more. Strong choruses are severely lacking, which is a common need for a good hard rock release. There are only a couple of decent moments in the form of “Say Hello” and the closing “So In Love”, but not even those songs can save Scarecrow from being left out to dry in a field.

The album opens with "Right Here Right Now" and sets the tone for the remainder of the release. The format for the bulk of the joint is simple: Young Chozen spits the verses nicely, the hooks are catchy, and the result is something worthy of the dance floor. "Beat Of Your Heart" is up next, nicely following that aforementioned tone, and speaks of the realization that life is often hard but we need to understand how close God really is. That thought stands in the forefront while other tracks speak on topics such as being bold for Christ, the wonderful value of a Christian girl, and our strong need for our Maker to be close. The song "Stanky Face" reminds me of KJ-52 with the complete silliness of it, and "How We Do It" fails to bring anything exciting and makes one think "filler." "Faces" is the only truly serious spot on G.L.O.W. and is the kind of song that will give you goose bumps.

The closing title song spits "If love was murder then I guess I'm on a killing spree" and drives home again the idea of shining (or glowing) in a world of darkness. At times the album's hooks become repetitive and contain a few too many "whoa whoa's," and it can be said that most tracks are simply fun and lack depth or creativity lyrically, but this is definitely an album to be bumping at house parties and youth group outings alike. Young Chozen gives a great charge to give love out to others as Christ did for us. Those seeking a more God-driven album or simply something to dance to, this is up your alley. However, if you're not looking for something similar to KJ-52 or Group 1 Crew, this may not be for you.

The album starts with "Rain It Down" petitioning God to rain down His love on His people. While the song is not the strongest opener musically, lyrically it's almost a throwback to the Psalms as Carlos sings, "With desert hearts looking to the heavens, desperate for your holy fountain, our eyes will turn to the skies." This is followed by "Can't Start This Fight," which is reminiscent of a 90's pop song with a rhythmic flow but a melody that doesn't really go anywhere dynamically. "We Will Worship You" is the first seemingly slow song on Ragamuffin but surprises the listener with a well executed chorus that really cries out for God to save the world.

"Because of You" has a very contemporary worship sound similar to that of Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, well-orchestrated but not something very different than what's already out there. "Grace Already Won" sounds like it was designed to be an anthem as the chorus says, "Grace already won, grace has covered us, grace runs deep, it's never ending." While the message is strong the anthem aspect isn't. The chorus seems to be so wordy that it makes the song stiff. The album concludes with "We Will Dance" and appropriately the song is driven with an electronic drum beat. While not an actual dance song, it does sing of celebrating the creator of the Universe with all that we are.

Ragamuffin Soul is a hit and miss album. Some will like it while others will not. Carlos does seem to have a slight lisp which can be distracting at points but at other times it sounds completely absent from his speech. The music, melody, and lyrics all are decent but nothing progressive. Worship leaders might be able to find a pinch of something different in his music, however it might not be the kind of "different" that they are looking for. Nevertheless, I don't believe we've really scratched the surface of Carlos Whittaker and I look forward to seeing what is deeper inside of his ragamuffin soul.

Receiving 4^th place in Season 7 of American Idol during the mid-season schedule of the 2007/08 television season; Jason’s music has been well received in both the Christian and the mainstream markets. With the ability to write with transparent honesty as he meets and encourages his fans with his music, Jason debut much of his music towards the mainstream genre to start with- his 2009 self-titled album released on the mainstream label Atlantic Records, featuring hit single ‘Let’s Just Fall In Love Again’, and famous covers ‘Hallelujah’ (originally recorded by Leonard Cohen) and ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’. Now moving more into the Christian market with ‘You Are’ being released in late 2010 as his first Christian radio single, Jason’s firm grounded faith (in the midst of many appearances on talk shows and in many newspapers like TODAY, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Access Hollywood and The New York Times) is one of the primary influences towards his debut album release solely on Word Records, Only a Mountain. Inclusive of the 5 tracks from his previous EP Starting Line that released to iTunes in August 2012, Jason has presented to listeners 13 songs (with both an acoustic version of ‘Only a Mountain’ and the music video attached to the bonus tracks edition of the album) full of encouragement and hope as we hear Jason sing a variety of musical styles, from pop to worship and acoustic ballads. Famous for his dreadlocks, Jason’s signature acoustic-pop sound is a great addition to January 2013, with Only A Mountain one of the most lyrically rich and musically relevant releases of the year, alongside Hearts of Saints’ For All Of Us and Chris Tomlin’s Burning Lights.

Originally on both Starting Line EP and WOW Hits 2013, first radio single ‘Only A Mountain’ is a great reminder of how strong God is, and that Christ within us can give us the power to indeed tell the mountains in our lives to move and they do. As we keep our problems in perspective in relation to the God that can move them with one single action, this three minute pop melody has been a comfort to many listeners as they face problems that may seem like they’re unconquerable in the physical but are not impossible with God by our side. With a jazzy piano beat and light acoustics, we are given great perspective, that ‘…this is only a mountain, you don’t have to find your way around it, tell it to move, it’ll move, tell it to fall, it’ll fall…’ ‘Only a Mountain’ provides us with much needed hope as Jason reassures us that though we all have mountains that each of us tackle, as we speak in faith with Christ within us towards these problems, we can be able to press forward and enjoy the life Christ has given us to live to our fullest potential. With also an acoustic stripped-down version of the song and a colourful music video (with Jason playing on the piano and painting words and a mountain to give the viewer a bright and memorable feel) included on the 15 track album; this title track is certain to bolster Jason’s presence in the Christian music industry, and along with ‘You Are’, is one of my favourite Jason Castro songs of all-time. Well done Jason for such a poignant and compelling song of conquering our doubts and fears.

‘I Believe’, ‘If It’s Love’, ‘Starting Line’ and ‘Good Love’ were all on Jason’s Starting Line EP released last year, and are all major highlights of this 15 song musical collection. From believing that God will take us through our darkest days of searching for meaning to make sense of our hurts, disappointments and pain (‘I Believe’), and praising God for the second chance that we have once we acknowledge our freedom we have in Christ (‘Starting Line’); to reminding listeners (specifically couples) to work on their relationships and that ‘…if it’s love then we’re worth saving…’ (‘If It’s Love’) and addressing to a loved one (either his wife or child) that he is thankful and appreciative of the love given toward him (‘Good Love’); these 5 songs (inclusive of the title track) are some of the most heartfelt and enjoyable songs ever from Jason’s musical career. With vulnerable honesty that gives listeners songs that are destined to become fan-favourites both now and in years to come, Jason’s hard work has paid off through these melodies that motivate us to rise above our circumstances and continue to transform into the godly men and women Christ has called us to be. Well done Jason for some of my favourite songs from Only a Mountain.

Produced by Matt Bronleewe, Ben Glover and David Garcia, as well as being cited in the New York Times as being praised at how ‘…he’s got it down cold now, though: 1960s pop with bright guitars, slashed through with a contrarian streak…Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz should be nervous…’; the rest of Only a Mountain continues to offer great lyrical moments of insight into the nature of Christ’s love for us and how a passionate love shown from God to us through Christ is enough for ourselves to be continually transformed by it. ‘Stay This Way’ is one of my favourite songs from Jason lyrically as he tackles the feeling of loneliness- a feeling all the more common than we think in individuals, as each one of us will come across these thoughts in our lifetime- am I the only one out there feeling like this? With a steady drum beat and a traditional pop-rock anthem undertone, this humble melody with the provoking lyrics sung from God’s point of view and how He wants us to ‘…listen to the words I say, you don’t have to stay this way, just because you’re broken doesn’t mean you’re hopeless…’; this song is grace defined as we are given redemption through music in that who we were shouldn’t be considered in defining who we are. ‘Runaway’ is a great rock anthem with the theme of running from the things of this world into the arms of Christ and His plans for us that is far greater than we can either understand, comprehend or imagine; and delivered with a dynamic power that is the most present in this particular song, Jason reminds us of our temporary home and that ‘…I can never stay once I had a taste of heaven…’ ‘Rise To You’ is a prayer offered to listeners that seem to be struggling with difficult issues that may not see a perfect way out, and it in these poetic lyrics that listeners can find comfort- ‘…somedays I feel so broken down, just hoping I can make it out, when knowing that you’ll see me through, I’m gonna rise to You…’ When we know in our hearts that Christ is with us and will never leave; our mindset shifts from hopeless to hopeful. Jason continues with the heartfelt and poignant in ‘Enough’, a song written for his daughter Madeline, with this piano prominent melody offering an encouragement, not just to his daughter but to everyone who listens. To be told that ‘…you’re beautiful, not lost in a sea of souls…’ will be a big deal for many listeners who may be hurting from identity issues. Well done Jason for offering a ray of hope, pointing to Christ as we open our hearts to let Jesus speak love and peace over us.

With so much lyrical themes covered throughout each song on Only a Mountain, it is the two melodies of ‘Safehouse’ and ‘Same Kind of Broken’ (alongside ‘Stay This Way’) that offer up the most inspiring messages out of all the songs on Jason’s first Word Records-only album. Featuring a duet with Reunion Records newcomer Moriah Peters and starting with an acoustic guitar plucking that is reminiscent of BarlowGirl’s ‘I Need You to Love Me’, ‘Same Kind of Broken’ tackles the issue of how every human is the same in the sense that we all have dreams, aspirations, hurts and pain just like the next guy, all in need of a friend and Saviour. Something as universal as understanding that just as we are all unique, ‘…we all need someone to love us where we are…’; the revelation that everyone doesn’t have it all together in the perfection we so often strive for is liberating as well as freeing. Knowing that we are not alone in our quest for repairing our broken souls ought to give us comfort that our journeys can be travelled alongside our family and friends. ‘Safehouse’ also starts off with a subdued instrument effort (this time the keyboard instead of the guitar), the song touching on the issues of sex trafficking and the healing needed to be given to and found by those who have experienced such a horrific crime. Sung from the persona of those affected, Jason opens up a theme that many may shy away from but nevertheless needs to be discussed in today’s society, as we continue to be aware of how to help those involved in this cycle of evil, hurt and malice. The longest song on the album standing at 4:39 in length, this guitar driven anthem is one of the most lyrically profound songs on Only A Mountain. Well done Jason for tackling such a complex and sometimes uncomfortable issue.

Overall: On the back of his success in both the mainstream and Christian music market, Jason has once again given listeners a great album to listen to in Only a Mountain. With a certain familiarity to the album as it incorporates 5 tracks from the Starting Line EP, what maybe could’ve been done for Jason’s 2013 album to make it more interesting would’ve been to only place a few tracks from the Starting Line EP on Only a Mountain, having more new tracks, similar to what was done on Karyn Williams’ Only You and Newsboys’ Born Again. Despite this only drawback; Jason’s first album on only one record label (Word Records) is a certain highlight in January 2013 and one of my favourites for the month, along with Chris Tomlin’s Burning Lights and Hearts of Saints’ For All Of Us. A potential nomination for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for the 2014 Dove Awards; Jason is a great find, and using his American Idol platform, he can hopefully bring more people to Christ and let them know of the love, hope and acceptance found in Jesus Christ our Lord, Father and Friend. With more and more artists from American Idol moving into Christian music ministry (Mandisa, Phil Stacey, not to mention Colton Dixon’s debut album A Messenger releasing at the end of January); Jason has gained a great appeal in both markets regardless of his firmly grounded faith. A certain must-buy if you enjoy artists like Josh Wilson or Brandon Heath; Jason Castro has created one of the most unique pop records since Matthew West’s Into The Light!

Reach Records’ newest signing KB has released a short, but impressive, mixtape called Who Is KB? The mix includes 9 tracks and runs just over 26 minutes. A few tracks we’ve already heard, like “Don’t Waste Your Life” and “Go”, but the new tracks are very good. “Intro” starts the mixtape off with a quality beat that makes you wanna break it down, KB’s delivery is smooth and natural. On “Head to Heaven” KB slows it down, delivery a verse promoting loyalty and responsibility in marriage “if my wife is a ball and chain, I love being a slave.” “Lighter Fluid” is probably the best track, the bass will rock your subs and the hook is super catchy. KB shows his versatility throughout the mixtape, going from ultra-fast rapping to a creative slower delivery. Suzy Roc delivers her best performance to date on “Lion King” and Tedashii matches KB speed for speed on “Go”.

The mixtape is worth downloading if nothing more than checking out “I Can’t Play the Background”, a play off of Lecrae’s “I Can Play the Background”. The first verse is somewhat mocking (in a fun way) Lecrae’s song: “I can’t play the background, cuz I know, sometimes, I wanna be Lecrae, or Trip Lee Lee Lee!” and “and though I got this from Piper twist some words up and say I said it.” It’s pretty funny, the whole verse is creative and takes humorous shots at Trip Lee, Lecrae, Sho Baraka and the rest of the Reach gang.

An Epic, No Less-for a band to adopt such an august moniker, they have much to live up to.  Taking their cue from a line out of John Elderidge's book that the Christian life is an epic, these youngsters have sought the help of producer Dustin Burnett (Newsboys, The Wrecking, Augustana) to craft a worship album that exalts the epic nature of God in our lives.  Unhindered in their articulation, these 10 tracks are by no means shy about exalting the unparallel glory of God.  Stylistically, An Epic No Less has treaded in the familiar path of Owl City in blending electronica and emo-pop over catchy melodies with occasional throwbacks to the 80s.  However, unlike Owl City whose bubbling G-rated club anthems tends to pop and fizzes without much of a bite, An Epic, No Less is not afraid to tackle knotty issues like spiritual darkness, human trafficking and the depravity of sin.  Entertainment value aside, many of these songs are theologically profound and they resonate with a reverent passion that draws us again and again to the Cross of Jesus.  This is powerful, life-changing stuff.  Vocally, group founder Todd Larson takes on the microphone for the most part.  Though Larson is tuneful and he certainly sings with an engaging passion; nothing distinctively sets him apart from the copious male singers out there.  However, it's when group member Hannah Chancellor is brought in to trade vocals with Larson things start to sparkle with more interest.

Save for the album closer "Your Love is Louder"-every other track here does not shy from the big-pop sounding underpinned with production that is loud and garish.  The two songs that jump out with their effervescent sonic personalities both utilize the Biblical "light" imagery to great effect.  Taken from Moses' cry to see the glory of God, lead single "Mercy Light" is a heartfelt cry to God not to hide from us in our darkest times.  Listening to how Hannah Chancellor trades lines with Todd Larson towards the last third song; this gives us an assuring affirmation that we are not alone in our struggles to see God in our difficulties.  The other "light" song is the catchy "One Bright Spot." "One Bright Spot" is a call to righteous living until Christ comes again is aptly paced over some futuristic echoes.  Also, quite a stunner is "One Word"-this is a gorgeous well-written worship song that glories in the effectual nature of God's word.  But instead of the traditional pop-faired backings, here producer Burnett has vitalized it with a glitchy electronic backbeat that gives it an alluring supernatural feel. 

Don't let the somehow mundane title "We Need You" fool you into thinking this is an exercise of blasé.  Rather, this is a song choke with arresting lines such as "if you're hope for the broken we are shattered glass."  While the summery upbeat "Caught Up in this Moment" is a love song to Jesus that depends more on the song's hooks that the treacle of electro-pop beats.  Precisely because all of the first nine cuts are all upbeat worship numbers there is a same-ness that pervades some of the songs.  Songs such as "Echo of Love," "Come to the Cross" and "We Believe," for instance, suffer from anonymity recycling clichés heard far too often in worship songs over beats that seem repetitive across far too many tracks.    

The only song that stands out from the pack is album closer "Your Love is Louder." Though it comes far too late in the sequence of songs, nevertheless, it's better late than never.  Unlike the other cuts, here Hannah Chancellor takes lead.  "Your Love is Louder" is an electronic ballad that cleverly stays clear from anything predictable.  Chameleon with the traditional sounds of bagpipes yet fronting a futuristic sound of computerized beats, "Your Love is Louder" is easily a creative work of art that never loses its heartfelt tenor.  With an album like "Echo of Love," An Epic, No Less may not have exhausted the meaning of their moniker but they are on the way.  They do show promise that they can indeed be an epic not only success-wise but in the way they can change hearts for Jesus in fresh and innovative ways.