Since being discovered by Michael W. Smith at a gospel music festival in Lukenbach, Texas, Salvador has always been one of Christian music's most unique and exciting bands. Their ability to transition between jazz, pop, and worship while all the while giving a Latin flavor to it all is a talent no other band can match. On their latest album, Dismiss the Mystery, they do this more than ever, but the assortment of sounds on the album works in their favor, as they pull off every style they play with ease.

The album starts out with two fast, fun tracks of praise in "Now That I Have You" and "Find the Reason" before moving to the band's new single, the radio-friendly track "Shine." The following song, "Te Enaltezco Dios," is the only song on the album sung entirely in Spanish, but still fits in well. The band slows it down with "Waterfall" before picking it back up for the next two songs. "Trying to Be the Sun" is next, and is perhaps the one song that feels out of place on the album. The band does better with the smooth, jazzy "Always a Whisper" and finger-snapping "Neighbor." The album wraps up well with "The Simple Things" and "Child of the King."

One of the most fun aspects of the album is Salvador's use of horns as well as some very creative percussion. The brass is featured on nearly every track, while the congas, bongos, and timbales were all recorded separately to create an impressive medley of sounds. Even in slower-moving songs, the band's use of horns and percussion really makes the songs stand out.

Salvador tries a few new things on Dismiss the Mystery, but for the most part sticks with the sound that has made them so successful over the past seven years. What makes the album quite possibly their best yet is the polish of their sound and excellent use of brass and percussion. The album's lyrics, while nothing unusual, are sincere, encouraging, and worshipful. If you're looking for an album that's exciting, positive, and distinctive, take the disc Dismiss the Mystery for a spin.

- Review date: 8/26/06, written by Spencer Priest