Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Though formed in 1999, this is the debut album from this Illinois-based band. Nathan and co play melodic, ear-pleasing pop rock interlaced with a few slower ballads. The band gel together well, influenced as they are by the likes of U2 and Coldplay. Peterson has a strong, pleasant voice, leading on all tracks, each of which he authored. Lyrics are thoughtful, non-cliched and overtly spiritual. You could easily form the impression that they're too negative - one song is titled "Judas", another (the powerful title track) relates a conversation with the Devil and yet another a convo with the flesh. But this is simply a reflection of NPB's openness; their desire to tackle real-life issues. Thus, track nine opens; "I love you with half of my heart, with half of my soul/I serve you with some of my strength, and part of my all". How many of us, in all honesty, can relate to that! A couple of tracks, namely "Our King Has Come" and more especially "Our God Is Amazing", are pure worship - and how. Another track is a reflection on the sacrifice of Christ, spoken in the first person singular - "It's For You".

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