The album kicks off with the anthemic "Undignified", a fun and worshipful track that encourages Christians to worship God with wholeheartedness and passion. "We won’t, won’t stop shouting/Can’t stop our feet from moving/We don’t care who’s watching/We’re undignified." Listeners who are fans of fellow Dream label mates Press Play will love this song, as it features modern dance music and synthesizer effects. The following song "Sound The Alarm" maintains a similar sound, as it is an anthem that speaks of bringing light to the hopeless of the world. 

 

For the next two songs "You Are Joy" and "Maker of Miracles", the album kicks back into a pop/contemporary style and the electronic sounds are less prevalent. The passionate vocals displayed in the latter of these two songs is very enjoyable.  "Maker of Miracles" reminded me of a track by Natalie Grant, with its slow tempo and booming drums, as it acknowledges that Jesus still has the power to perform miracles in our world today. 

 

"Hymn of Remembrance" is a powerful song that features beautiful strings, as the lyrics reflect on the great faithfulness of God, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. "Hallelujah, rejoice my soul/Your unfailing love, forever/My deliverer, my strength, my rock/Your great faithfulness I remember."  The melody of this slow ballad makes it sound like a classic hymn. The upbeat "Shout Your Love" picks up the pace of the album, as it features an edgy guitar riff and funky electronic beats throughout the entire song. This is the most aggressive song off the album, and sure to become a fan favourite in the Warr Acres community. 

 

Musically, the first single "Heaven Bound" is the best that the album has to offer. Featuring pounding drums, synth keyboards and auto-tuned vocals from Lael Louthan, this upbeat song describes the overwhelming joy that we as Christians will feel as we arrive in heaven. Warr Acres slows down proceedings again with "Saviour, Crucified". Lyrically, its nothing that we haven't heard before in the worship scene, nevertheless it beautifully describes the selfless sacrifice of Jesus. 

 

Starling's vocals are truly displayed in "Hold To This Truth", an upbeat pop ballad that provides strength to believers in times of struggle. "Shadow of the Steeple" opens up with church bells before transitioning into a pop/rock tune. The lyrics resonate the message of the album; putting our faith into action and reaching out to the lost. Warr Acres concludes with "Our God Lives" , a song that opens with soft vocals from Jared Nix before gradually building up into a passionate choral anthem.

 

The debut self-titled album from Warr Acres certainly doesn't reflect the stylistic nature of the worship genre! The band has put a mainstream pop flavour into worship music, and that has worked well in this case. The convicting message of the album is encouraging for all listeners, both believers and non-believers. The immense vocal talent of Kristy Starling was very enjoyable. This album doesn't offer musical genius, however it does offer a diverse range of sounds that are often missing from modern worship music, and it's definetley one of the stronger releases from Dream Records. Fans of bands such as Planetshakers and Worth Dying For should not hesitate to give this album a thorough listen!