Wait a second; didn't Seven Places break up two years ago? Didn't drummer Jeffrey Gilbert and bassist Dave Leutkenhoelter join popular Christian grunge/rock band Kutless shortly after their break-up in 2005? The answer to both of these questions is yes and this is why Seven Places' newest release Glowing is so puzzling. How can a band, especially one that only gained moderate success during its short lifespan, release a new album two years after it has broken up? Is this a contract obligation, or a sign of great things to come? The answer to this question is not as easily found. However, recently this album was mentioned on Seven Places' label, BEC Recordings' website and there is an ad for Glowing before you even get to the home page. Still, not only has it yet to be mentioned on their official myspace (not to mention no one has logged into and updated it in 4 months), but their official website has been down for over a year. Many signs point to Glowing being a record created out of necessity, not passion and yet the finished product is a decent collection of heartfelt worship songs.

Much like what their indie/pop rock counterpart The Swift did with their newest album, Seven Places, already known for their bold lyrics and their outward proclamation of faith, seemingly decided to make a "worship" record. And like The Swift, Seven Places' new album appears to consist of a bunch of slow songs that would have fit perfectly alongside more upbeat ones on multiple records, but instead are all put together here. Yes, Seven Places has never really been known for any type of out-of-control rock, but, considering the tempo of the album, there is really nothing exciting about Glowing. Sure the piano is beautiful, the melodies are pleasing to listen to, and the instrumentation is occasionally innovative, but not much stands out. Still, Glowing is a very pleasing album to worship to, yet the best word to describe it is "different."

Listeners already familiar with Seven Places will be happy to find more of the heartfelt lyrics, such as "Lord, I'm letting go, You are capable, Lord you give and take cause you are unshakable," that they have come to expect from the band, while new listeners alike will not find it hard to appreciate the sincerity and faith found in Seven Places' music. While Glowing may falter musically and creatively compared to its predecessors, the message found is still as strong as ever.

Glowing is not Seven Places' strongest album, but there is definitely something about it that makes it worth a listen. For some people this may be the music, for others the lyrics may touch them deeply, and for others just the fact that Seven Places has a new album will be special enough for them. This album is not bad by any means, it's just okay.

- Review date: 6/24/07, written by Flip Choquette of Jesusfreakhideout.com