The Outsiders (Deluxe Version)

iTunes Review

This South Carolina-bred Christian foursome retains the rootsy qualities it displayed on earlier releases while adding a bolder, more accessibly sonic edge here. The result is a fresh take on Southern rock, underscoring a largely acoustic instrumental approach with aggressive rhythms and strategic dashes of electric guitar. Bear Rinehart proves himself a wailing lead vocalist in the classic Ray Charles/Joe Cocker mode, diving into tracks like the stomp-driven “Lay ‘Em Down” and the expansive “These Hard Times” with a desperate fervor. “Stones Under Rushing Water” (a wistful ballad featuring Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins) and “Garden” (a powerful, string-draped retelling of Christ’s Passion) display Bear’s ability to project innate strength with an almost tremulous delivery. Though much of The Outsiders has a serious tone, there’s a playful spirit in the carefree “Girl Named Tennessee” and the slinky “Prisoner.” With “Let Us Love,” Needtobreathe delivers a soaring message of redemption. All told a nearly flawless effort, at once heroic and very human at its core.