The really refreshing thing about Rez Band is the group's honest lyrics -- forsaking judgments or condemnation in favor of expressions of pure emotion -- be it fear, loneliness, love, hope, insecurity. When it comes to Christian music, all too often the integrity of the music itself as an art form is sacrificed in favor of integrity to pop theology -- lyrics are often contrived and instrumentation is all too often watered down to remove any excess of excitement or sensuality. Not so here. Something magical occurred on this record. Smart, hard-rocking, hook-heavy pop in the spirit of Boston and AC/DC dominates this release. Songs like "The Chair," "Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore," and "The Crossing" hit an emotional nerve that most artists of this genre seem to miss. All-out rockers "Elevator Muzik" and "Alienated" are also very impressive. The final track, "Lovin' You," is full of that poppy '80s synth sound, appropriate enough for the song, but not very Rez and a hint of musical tangents to come. ~ Mark W.B. Allender