Lamps

Album Review

This melodic indie outfit was formed by members of short-lived power pop band Grand Prize. Although this iteration of the group retained its accessible sound, they quickly built their rock credentials by hiring the same management company as Kutless, Stellar Kart, and Disciple. They also called on Number One Gun's Jeff Schneeweis to co-produce their debut, Lamps. The result is an impressive foray into Christian indie rock; it doesn't resort to punk-pop for levity nor to hard rock to keep itself grounded. Lead single "We All Need" is an open admission of dependence on faith and hope co-penned by Stellar Kart's Adam Agee. "Tie the Leaves" and "This Mystery" reveal opposite ends of the band's potential — one a peppy call to action and the other an introspective ode. You can't say they're the first Christian band to make a record like this, but give them props for doing it better than most.