Reviewed by Stephen Curry

LuminousCity emanate from Rolling Hills Community Church in Tennessee and are described as a "collective of musicians, songwriters and artists from Music City" and this eponymous release is their debut album. Their sound is very much like the modern worship sound of Hillsong United and hundreds more but provides some fresh approaches. Two of the tracks are short at just over a minute each and ethereal ("Intro" and "Interlude") providing some moments of reflection in a set of powerful anthemic originals and a couple of reworked classics. The best moments are delivered by that exceptional singer Lanae Hale (her 'Back & Forth' solo album of 2009 was a Cross Rhythms turntable hit) who sings lead on two beautiful originals "Your Love Moves" and "Psalm 23" while the memorable Twila Paris oldie "He Is Exalted" is reimagined by singer and guitarist David Curtis in a way which brings it to a new generation with its simple yet powerful proclamation. Another cover "Stand Tall" (titled "Heartbeat" on Bellarive's 'The Heartbeat' album) finishes the project with the rousing chorus "Stand tall for we are daughters/We are sons/Step straight into this love/We bear the mark of our Creator". This set is a very worthy addition to the quality modern worship offerings currently available.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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