Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Here's a seven piece Minnesota-based worship team with a splendid grasp on melodic pop worship. I first discovered this band on their last album but 'Ascend The Hill' is actually their fourth and sees the band taking their music in a worshipful direction lyrically. Characteristically bright pop music incorporating a number of different influences and fronted by a trio of female singers and guitarist Bruce Burniece's soulful singing, Upward Call peddle their poppy perfection with aplomb. Highlights include "You Are" with its Bruce Hornsby moment in the middle and the gorgeous uplifting ballad "I Offer All" which is a simple but stirring five minutes of devoted worship. The album closes with the uptempo white gospel stomper "Yes He Can" with its smooth harmonies and bouncing groove nicely rounding off 'Ascend The Hill'. With polished pop and a strong ministry focus, Upward Call pull it off again.

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