Reviewed by James Richard Morris

If you heard the 'We Shine' debut from Steve Fee's worship band you'll know that Fee make loud, expansive, cinematic music. By the frontman's own admission, the Georgia-based outfit are "not a subtle band". Before the anthemic chanting of "Rise And Sing", the listener is treated to 32 seconds of instrumental bliss. Harking back to a generation of '80s rock, the album opener would not sound out of place alongside the likes of The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" or Simple Mind's "Don't You Forget About Me". When the hook kicks in a minute later, Steve Fee has no hesitation in loudly declaring that "Our God is risen and reigning" while "elevating [his] glory". "Rise And Sing" is perfect stadium-fodder, employing an effective call and response in which the "Redeemed of the Lord" sing "Halleluia. . . our God reigns". While Fee's sound is especially reminiscent of The Newsboys, fans of Delirious?, YFriday or Hillsong United will not be disappointed. These are contemporary-sounding songs with a worship focus which are sure to encourage any Christian with even a faint penchant for modern rock. Most of the 11 tracks on 'Hope Rising', have been written by Steve Fee. However, both Eddie Kirkland, worship leader at North Point Community Church and fellow worship artist Vicky Beeching also have writing credits on this project. Fee close the album with the outreach-focused "Send Me Out" ("Jesus, Lord of my salvation. . . send me out into the world to make you known"). This album cannot but kindle or fan into flame a deeper appreciation within the listener of the great God to whom Steve and the band are singing and certainly meets with this reviewer's approval.

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