In place of the soft R&B-pop that typified their sound for so many years, Avalon adopt a heavier, more rock-oriented approach here, and to impressive effect. Weathering the departure of longtime member Jody McBrayer, the group seizes the chance to start over by delivering passionate performances emphasizing their trademark harmony sound. Stalwart fans will appreciate the unadulterated God-centered messages of songs like “Angels,” “Alive,” “Arise” and the title tune. Acoustic guitar and piano gives “California” a folk-pop feel, offering contrast to the muscular rock punch of “Holy”. With her customary mixture of forcefulness and grace, founding member Janna Long shines on the power ballad “Destined.” A good deal of credit here goes to producers Ian Eskelin and Barry Weeks, who draw upon their experiences in the studio with Stellar Kart and Krystal Meyers to give these tracks an aggressive, distinctly modern edge. All told, Avalon hasn’t sounded this vigorous or musically challenged in a long time. Rebirth is truly what this album is all about.