CD Review: New Group REVIVE

CD "Revive: Chorus of the Saints" available at The Lighthouse
The band Revive officially got together in the (Australian) summer of 2004, after playing local churches and schools for the better part of 2003. They had been having a lot of fun doing these smaller shows, but began seeing that perhaps there was something more to this band than they had originally thought. In July 2004, they released their first full album as Revive titled Where I Belong. With more offers coming in, it was getting difficult to balance work/university with the band commitments, so in January 2006, the boys took the leap of faith and went full time Revive! It is often said that God uses those willing to be used – and they quickly found out that this was indeed true for them. Mac Powell (Third Day) produced the debut release Chorus Of The Saints, coming out March 10, 2009. Through its music, Revive is about ministry and reminding people of the message in Psalm 85. “It says, ‘He will revive their hearts.’ We love that,” says lead singer Dave Hanbury. “We want people to be refreshed, like what our name means, to be revived. It would be great if someone would listen to “Chorus of the Saints”, and feel like they could walk closer with the Lord.”The album starts with the first single and title song “Chorus Of The Saints” which is about God’s faithfulness and opening our eyes to the beauty of God .“This is the chorus of the saints singing Hallelujah our God is faithful”. The album flows nicely into the next two songs “Can’t Change Yesterday” and “The Truth Is” that both feature a gentle reminder and rebuke “But the Truth is”, a biblical phrase used by Jesus: “I tell you the truth”. Both songs are about finding our peace and hope and trust to God. The song “You Know”, sung with Mac Powell, is my favorite song on the album. The song is based on Matthew 6:25 and is a wonderful prayer to God that we don’t need to worry, God knows and loves us. “There is nothing in my life You haven’t known”.The message of all of the songs are hope-filled and are catchy, uplifting and biblical. Another theme in the songs “Don’t Look Anywhere Else” and “You’re All I Need”, is that both are about finding meaning, life and peace in our relationship with God. I like every single song on the album and the closer “Promise of Tomorrow” is a great alternative rock style song with a cool vibe and style that reminded me of After Edmund, one of my favorite new bands. Closing Thoughts:This is my favorite new album of the year from a great new band that I expect to be nominated for Best New Artist. If you like Rush of Fools and Tenth Avenue North, then you’ll enjoy Revive. Review by Kevin Davis of Christian Music Review