Official ChristianMusicReview.com Review!
Posted March 24, 2011
By rawknreview,
The Atlanta-based quartet Echoing Angels, featuring uniquely sounding lead vocalist Trey Heffinger, has released their self-titled sophomore release as a very personal album, writing about personal struggles and emotions, yet serving as a guiding light for their fans, emphasizing the fact that God’s love will bring them through the hard times. After having struggled many issues as a band that would have many dismissing them as finished, this release serves as a new beginning for this soul-driven contemporary rock group. Compared to mainstream act Kings of Leon along with popular Christian act Needtobreathe, they also bring a combination of sound and feel that lines them up with the likes of greats such as Steven Curtis Chapman and Salvador.
“Say What You Believe” is the leading track of the album as well as a current radio single. Emphasizing not just living what you believe, but instead, this band makes a point to “shout it out loud” and “live it out loud.” Next up is “All I’m Living For” which is a very chill, relaxed song that merits putting down the windows and cruising while at the same time reiterating the mission the band serves by serving Him thru their ministry, spreading His word thru music. Going back to the band’s struggles, this song stresses how “He’s giving me a place to start again” and to move on, giving Him their all. The song also shows their southern-based quality and features an organ in the background. Highlighting the talent the band has, “Fire” slows down the pace as the band talks of how the Holy Spirit consumes us when we truly realize God’s love for us. The song almost wants you to raise your hands high and worship. “Taking Back Love” picks up the tempo a bit, climbing into a very catchy, hand-clapping track towards the end of the song. The song's basis comes from Hosea 6:1 (NIV), ““Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us….” “Burnin’ Through the City” is a fun, upbeat, contemporary ditty that brings in the comparison with Steven Curtis Chapman.
Another song to target radio on this album, and what could be the focal point of the album is “Give You Peace.” Dedicated to a friend of Trey Heffinger and his wife who died at an early age of a disease that caused her physical traits to fade away, she never lost her Love for the Lord. The song title is inspired from the words she heard from God while going thru a procedure, telling her that “I Will Give You Peace.” Truly a ballad that even may bring some to tears.
Slowly breaking out of the ballad, the acoustic guitar and cymbals lead “Love So Beautiful” in this song of praise and worship. Continuing the acoustic pace, “Sad Sad Tears” brings in the strings. Inspired by the wave of aid that helped during the Haiti earthquake tragedy, “Way Of Life” starts with the organ before breaking in a piano, asking the question “what would it be like if love was a way of life,” focusing on how it seems that the only times when love pours out is when tragedy strikes. The album concludes with two great upbeat and uplifting songs, “California” and “Leaving Here.” “Leaving Here” particularly calls us to go out and live The Great Commission. Showing their southern flare once again, the song also features the steel guitar and banjo! Perhaps the most fun of all the songs, it accentuates the fact that living God’s will CAN be fun!
Closing Thoughts
Overall, this album was one that had me on an emotional roller coaster. At the same time, it uplifts you and holds to the promises that God gives us. This album truly does present itself in a way that the words and music brought forth echoing angels.
Review Written By: Mike Laxton [mike.laxton@christianmusicreview.org] on 3/23/2011 from ChristianMusicReview.org. View All Music And Book Reviews By rawknreview | View rawknreview's Profile
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