Michael James Band “The Anthem of a Desperate Heart” EP Review

Prime Cuts: Call Me, Just as You Are, Father's Hands

Many Christian rock bands have a notoriety of hiding behind the wall of wailing guitar riffs and recycled lyrical clichés.  These records are so slick and smooth that it's challenge to distinguish between what's professionalism and what's the articulation of the heart in worship.  This is not so with Michael James Band.  They are not into becoming the next Rush of Fools or the next Chris Tomlin.  Rather, as the title of their EP "The Anthem of a Desperate Heart" suggests, these 4 songs are about pouring out their hearts with warts and all before our Heavenly Father.  As a result, there's a refreshing zest of honesty and passion as this quartet offers such intimate renderings of worship before Jesus.

Hailed from East Texas, Michael James Band brings a fresh sound to Adult Contemporary Christian rock.  Prior to the band's formation, lead singer Michael James was the winner to KLTY's 2010 "Find Your Voice" Contest. 2012 & 2013 saw a whirlwind of accomplishments by the group including performing at KLTY's "Celebrate Freedom" at historic South Fork Ranch and releasing the group's debut album "Fearlessly" which featured their debut radio release "The Father's Hands." "The Anthem of a Desperate Heart" is their latest EP which opens with a difference.  While most Christian rock albums opt for a loud explosive blast, "Call Me" eases our way in comfortably on a soft pedaling pop feel that allowing the quartet to give expression of what it means to be redeemed by the Lord.

One thing to note about this EP is that no two songs sound alike. With a rousing chorus that invites us to return back to the Father, "Just as You Are" rusticates with a country careening charm that makes our spiritual home going even more intimate and sweet.  Calling to mind MercyMe's "Shake" with its roiling electric percussion, "Father's Hands" is on the other hand an anthem of trust in our Sovereign God.  "Hold On," on the other hand, is more or less straight ahead pop-rock with that stately build-up.   Nevertheless, the charm of "The Anthem of a Desperate Heart" lies in the sheer honesty of James' delivery coupled with songs that lay bear the soul and its cry for more of God.  Such combinations by themselves make this EP a powerful record.

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