"You are much more to me, the God I thought You to be." exclaims Jason Foust, Exit East's lead singer. This new Atlanta-based Christian pop/rock band, consists of Chris Lindsey on drums, Jason Foust on lead vocals, Mitch Brooks on bass, and Jon Stanley on guitar. Signed with Fervent Records, Exit East's debut self-titled album is a mixture of many different elements drawn from other bands to form an interesting, yet common, sound. Produced by Otto Price (Out of Eden, BarlowGirl, and Grits), Exit East possesses those traits evident in most new pop/rock bands today.

While their sound isn't too original or exciting, Exit East has a few profound moments on the album. The intro to "All of This" is a fun piano/jazz/synthesizer combination that draws you into the different genres that Exit East explores on their album. Exit East draws influences from Lifehouse, Steven Curtis Chapman, and secular bands Train and Incubus.

Exit East starts off with the fast pop/rock generic sound of "I Will Save You," followed by "All of This." Later you find the slower songs "In Spite of Me" and "Me From Here." "Holy" is a more worshipful song, which puts a nice touch to the end of the album, focusing on "You are holy, holy, the God of my will and my salvation." With catchy lyrics, this album can grow on you after awhile even if you don't like it at first.

Those who like the generic sound of most of the newer Christian pop/rock bands would appreciate the sound of Exit East. Although not offering too much new to the genre, their debut does offer a glimmer of hope for future recordings.

- Review date: 1/8/05, written by Jessica Vander Loop