One of the hardest parts about this review has been picking just a couple of songs to highlight in this review. I, Cry, the first single from album (and the first video) has some of the most honest lyrics on the album and The One To Hurt You is overall one of my favorite tracks on the album as a whole. Vol I is a very spiritually deep album, from the first two songs listed, to songs like Our First Sunrise, and The Night That Has No Morning (which alludes itself to the end times). Lyrically, the album can get a little vague sometimes, often using the word “girl”, alluding to a romantic interest. But then the next verse down, the lead singer is speaking directly to God. I dont feel like it takes that much away from the album honestly, but I did feel like it was worth mentioning.

If you can get past the huge disparity that is their style/look, then I have no doubt that you will enjoy listening to The Becoming’s debut on Tooth&Nail, Vol I. I know that I enjoyed listening to it immensely and that The Becoming has joined bands like Anberlin, Demon Hunter, and others on my list of favorite bands. Check out Vol I, you wont be disappointed.

The “boys from Revive”, as they often refer to themselves in the various videos and blogs that they post, have quite the sense of humor and spontenatity, as evidenced in the afore mentioned videos. They also have an honesty about them that comes through each song. They are bold and straight-forward on each track about who they are and they give credit to God for being their inspiration. They don’t water down who they are to appeal to a broader crowd, which is a rare trait in todays “mainstream” Christian music industry.

The album opens with the title track, Chorus of the Saints, which is one of the “rocking-est” openers that I have heard in a long time. In fact, after the brief 10-15 second lead up to the track that is much lower volume than the rest of the song, you might want to check the volume on your music player of choice. I nearly scared myself to death when the guitars and drums kicked in full force on this track. Out of the entire album, Chorus is probably the most energetic of them all. Following up is Can’t Change Yesterday, another upbeat track with powerful guitars and an equally as powerful message. After this, the album sinks into an uncomfortable funk. With two hard hitting tracks right off, you expect the rest of the album to be the same way. Its not, although there are a few high points, including Stay and You Know featuring guest vocals from Mac Powell of Third Day. Revive closes out their major label debut with Promise of Tomorrow. Again, its not the rousing anthem that Chrous is, but it does what its meant to do.

If you haven’t checked out this album, you should. You will find yourself singing along everytime that it comes on. And while no huge musical ground is broken on the album, it is a solid release that poises Revive to continue to do great things in the American and International music industries. One last thing, be sure to check out their site, http://www.reviveband.com, as they have some pretty funny blog videos on it.