Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Aaron Rios

Aaron Rios
Hiding Place - EP

Street Date: April 20, 2020
Style: Worship / Rock / Pop / Indie
Official Site: AaronRios.com
Get It: iTunes
Get It: AmazonMP3



Pastor and musician Aaron Rios’ debut EP, Hiding Place, is an eclectic mixture of the electric guitar moments of early Michael Gungor Band, the theatrics of Israel Houghton, and a sprinkling of Deitrick Haddon's soaring vocals. “You Alone Reign” is the biggest standout of the four songs, with its genre mash-up of 2000s-era gospel, worship, and a few dashes of hip-hop thrown in for good measure. The vocal-shredding yelp in the latter half of “King of Glory” is achingly-passionate and the most interesting moment of the song. However, the song ultimately treads a little too closely in melody and lyrics to a previously released praise chorus written by Donna Atkins titled, “Glorify Your Name.” This may or may not have been intentional due to the limited amount of chord progressions available to any songwriter, but it ultimately left this reviewer distracted. “More of You” is a smooth listen, aided by a vocal assist from Leah Thibodeau. While closer “Hiding Place” and its ambient beginning is pleasant, it - and the two songs preceding it - falls short of the heights of “You Alone Reign.” This is primarily due to song length and lyrical repetitiveness, with some of the lyrics falling prey to cliché. “Hiding Place” does come closest with its slow-burn build, and electric guitar flourishes making for a peaceful and encouraging close to the album. Overall, Aaron shows enough flashes to have high hopes of future releases. One would think that the recordings may lose a bit in translation with the live versions packing a more dynamic punch. Ultimately, with his velvety vocals and passionate desire to usher listeners into praise and worship, Rios is off to a good start with Hiding Place being a solid launching pad for additional music.

- Review date: 4/27/20, Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, July 16, 2025
SINGLES
1K Phew Yet - Single [Reach]

This Friday, July 18, 2025
ALBUMS
Justin Gambino Just Like Jesus - EP [Residence Music]
The Inspirations Up Above The World So High [Horizon]
Mary-Clair Enough [Vere]
MotionPlus Improper Decorum [SoulFeeder, Polished Arrow Music]
The Rocky Valentines Music On The Shelf [Velvet Blue]
Emilie Weiss Come Through (Studio Session) - EP [BEC]

SINGLES
Chris Caro OTW - Single [Syntax]
Melvin Crispell III Reason To Dance - Single [Provident]
Crowder STILL (feat. Zach Williams) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Vic Lucas Holy Ghost (ft. Lady Audri) - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Honest Cvlture ft. STIXX aka Conejo) - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Lift Your Name - Single [Syntax]
Speedy the Artist Reach For Elohim - Single [Syntax]
Zane Walls Think About Me - Single [DREAM]

This Sunday, July 20, 2025
VINYL
King's X Manic Moonlight Vinyl [Girder]

Next Wednesday, July 23, 2025
ALBUMS
Eric Roberson Beautifully All Over The Place (independent)

Next Friday, July 25, 2025
ALBUMS
Anchor & Braille New Mexico [Equal Vision]
Bride Scarecrow Messiah CD Re-Release [Girder]
Olivia Lane Songs About Jesus (Deluxe Edition) [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard TASHA [Motown Gospel]
Josh Wright LEAD (independent)

SINGLES
Gracie Binion Easy To Please - Single [BEC]
Andrew Gonoude Closer To You - Single (independent)
Kings Kaleidoscope + Kings Kaleidoscope Hymns Amazing Grace - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Life In Me - Single [BEC]
Hunter Plake Down to Earth - Single [BEC]
Xander Sallows infinite - Single [DREAM]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - Single [DREAM]
Zauntee Jesus Down In Florida - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Bride Scarecrow Messiah Vinyl [Girder]

DVD
Jordan Smith The People's Hymnal DVD [Gaither]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images