Before signing with Essential records, the Australian band named Revive first put out Chorus of the Saints, their first album in America. Although Revive's name has been spread mainly by touring with Third Day, the veteran southern rockers' role in Revive's career started back in 2006 when Revive opened for Third Day in Australia.

Setting the table for this Aussie foursome's first debut in America is the title track which although may start with awkward riffs and a rough tune, it eventually turns good with a blend of upbeat pop/rock with a worship flair in the chorus. The one song from Trafalgar Street, the bands actual sophomore project from overseas, is "Can't Change Yesterday," another semi-fast paced medium rock song which follows in the footsteps of "Chorus Of The Saints." After the first two tracks come the lighter songs, but before the album ends, Revive revs up the album with "Stay," an innovative and impressive refreshment from some of the dry songs which occured earlier.

And speaking of the dry pop/worship tunes, the southern influenced "Don't Look Anywhere Else" has an almost annoying pop sound, and while Mac Powell's vocals show up on "You Know," his vocals don't make much of an impact for the guitar-led ballad. When Revive tries their hand at worship ("Power" and "You're All I Need"), their music tends to be simple, unoriginal, and uneventful. In fact, the best on Chorus of the Saints are the more up tempo songs like "Promise Of Tomorrow" and "Distant Memories," with the lone exception belonging to the soft 80's sounding ballad "Sit With Me."

Not only do the harder songs portray the best side of Revive musically, but they tend to be the strong spots of the album lyrically. If you contrast the words and message of "You're All I Need" (I lift up my hands and give You it all My life, my heart/my hope it's all Yours) with "Stay" and it's in-depth look at God being father for the fatherless (Can't forget the day you left and never came back home/How can you turn and run from your daughter and sons?.. Love from the heavens that died on a cross/For the fatherless, for the hopeless), the latter ends up being far more convincing and real.

The album as a whole focuses on glorifying God with the title track (Hallelujah our God is faithful!... And see the beauty of your God/Who has never left your side) leading the way. Although the lyrics may not have very diverse messages, the album does offer insight into the meaning of life ("Wonder Why"), looking forward to eternity ("Distant Memories") and not lingering on past mistakes ("Can't Change Yesterday). Among some uncomplicated songs "You Know" takes a practical look at God' provision: "You keep the sparrow flying in the sky /Why do I question You /The flowers of the field are beautiful/I'm a child in the arms of my Father."

Overall, Chorus of the Saints is a very present release as Revive shows us a variety of skills that the band possesses. But there is still room for improvement, particularly in making their softer pop songs and guitar driven ballads more epic. However, this is a good start for the Aussie boys whom we hope will keep making music for years to come.

JFH Reader Review: written by Nathaniel D. Schexnayder, 3/9/09, for Jesusfreakhideout.com