Jim Anthony and his bandmates have clearly been listening to the radio over the last few years. Their self-titled album is equal parts Matchbox 20, Crash Test Dummies, and Third Day. "All I Need" is a roots rock piece that manages to capture the sound of all three of those bands, while "The Race" is a Mac Powell-type piece that showcases the guitar work of Ty Stewart.
"Press On" is not the traditional campfire youth group chorus, but a song about conviction when things get difficult. It rises above most of the other numbers here musically. "He Is My Peace" is a rock praise chorus that would not be out of place on either of the Third Day "Offerings" albums. "Dear God" is a letter to God about the death of its author's grandfather.
This album falls into the "pretty good" range -- nothing reaches out and grabs your attention, but the overall effect is pleasant, providing a nice background with some decent lyrics. I'd like to see this band use this effort as a launching pad to their next offering.
3 tocks
