Reviewed by Tony Cummings

With no help from multi-nationals or mega churches, a group of worshippers from Knoxville, Tennessee, the United Pursuit Band have over seven years performed and recorded deliciously creative worship music that is now impacting the world Church. This, United Pursuit's latest album, features the songs of one of their founder members, Michael Ketterer (who in 2011 released the critically acclaimed solo album 'Love/War/Solar System') who with his bandmates has now recorded an album which is right up there with the Tennessee troubadours best. It even recently charted in Britain's Christian music chart after United Pursuit played some UK gigs last year. 'The Wild Inside' is an absolute gem, from the short, bluesy declaration of the intro that Michael is a wild one who needs Jesus' help to the powerful closer "One Who Lives", the listener will find songs that speak truth without cliché and arrangements which, through deft use of guitars, both acoustic and electric, elegant piano and '80s synths are inventive rather than formulaic. Highlighting the power of these passionate songs of adoration is Michael's rich, expressive voice with its occasional use of falsetto. Somehow Michael is able to write songs that seem deeply personal yet would work in a congregational setting, such as "Awaken The Child" ("I give you now permission to have your way in/Take me to the place where I can learn to trust you") and, for me, the absolute standout "Real Thing" ("And we try to find our reason/But we can't explain this feeling that we're falling in love"). A beautiful album.

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