Tyler, Texas-based quintet
Luminate set the stage for promising things to come on their brief yet intriguing debut. Lead singer Sam Hancock and bassist Dusty Jakubik first met at worship arts college the Visible School in Memphis, then relocated to the Lone Star State to be closer to their manager, and soon rounded out their lineup. They released their first national project on the EMI Christian Music Group label four years later, propelled by a solid rhythm section and Hancock's potent vocals. At just six tracks, there isn't enough depth on the album to develop any significant themes, though the first half of the album is perfectly suited for digital listeners. "Speed of Love," "Shine (Love Is an Action)," and "My God" all have the makings of hits with the Brit-rock polish of Bluetree and Revive. The polish of producer Ed Cash (
Steven Curtis Chapman,
Chris Tomlin) particularly shows off Cody Clark's guitar work, which ventures from
U2 territory to
the Killers and back to a
Building 429 alt-rock. Although there is little to distinguish them from the crowded Christian rock scene,
Luminate pack an authentic punch and show the potential to become an influential player on subsequent releases. ~ Jared Johnson