Reviewed by Doug Holland

This double CD is the follow-up offering to the Kentucky-based band's 2010 debut and offers a collection of songs (15 tracks, approximately 60 minutes of music) with a similarly solid rock feel. Interestingly and unusually the two discs are labelled separately; the first ('Rock Disc') showcases the performance aspect of the band and majors on the rock anthem feel that for many people will largely define the band, while the second (the 'Worship Disc') contains songs designed to be sung in a congregational setting in church (although given the work and resources which go into producing a sound like this, this is likely to remain rather more aspirational than achievable for most churches). Frontman Craig Felker has a voice which does full justice to the grand setting of many of the tracks - especially those on the first CD - and the guitar, bass and drums are combined behind him to provide a sound and setting which provides a high-octane drive to the collection. We are not short of guitar-based bands aspiring to write music of this genre, but Hearts Of Saints do stand out from many in the crowd with their ability to combine succinct and insightful lyrics with hooky tunes and riffs, and this offering is well worth a listen.

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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