The down-home boys from Atlanta deliver one of the most sensational and promising rock debuts since
MercyMe's
Almost There.
Echoing Angels, formerly
Two Bare Feet, performed for seven years before releasing their INO Records debut. Their fan base grew as they played at more festivals and cultivated more original material. There's something about the blue-collar ethic and Southern-style camaraderie of these guys that contributes to the album's overall attractiveness. Producers
Scotty Wilbanks (
Third Day,
NewSong) and
Pete Kipley (
MercyMe,
Rebecca St. James) preserve the quintet's raw grit and powerhouse energy, laying toe-tappers like "Let Go" alongside power ballads like the buoyant "Coming Back to Life." Volume-wise, the boys crank it up on the album's best track, "Living Inside of Me." The captivating title track was the album's first single; it features delicate guitar work and a simple affirmation of devotion. Other tracks with staying power include "Rise Up," "Make It Better," and "Free."
You Alone lays the foundation for a solid career with a musical approach similar to
Lifehouse,
Matchbox Twenty, and
Tonic. Overall, it is a welcome introduction to a band that shows plenty of potential. You can't help but root for these guys. ~ Jared Johnson