New band An Epic, No Less has an interesting story, not unlike their name, but those experiences are what's lead them to where they are today. Releasing their debut album Echo Of Love, has been a culmination of several paths coming together with one goal in mind – to help people in worship and prayer. 

 

Frontman Todd Larson explains, "When it comes to my time on Earth, I know that I want to be seeking after the Kingdom of God. I want to help people in worship and prayer." This album does just that, but in a unique and refreshing way.

 

Opening track "We Need You" introduces the listener to a variety of electronic beats and symphonic sounds, reminiscent of Owl City. Both the music and lyrics are extremely upbeat and hopeful as Larson sings, "If You're hope for the broken, we are shattered glass, but there's a light that glows between the cracks… we need You, oh we need You!" Sometimes the simplest of truths is also the most impactful.

 

Lead single "Mercy Light" contains the same electronic drum beats, keyboards, and guitars as other songs on the album, but has a more reflective feel with less music and more vocals. Larson sings, "You're my mercy light in the darkest night, all I ask, don't hide Yourself from me." We've all felt those times when God seems distant and we plead with Him to reveal Himself. This song speaks directly to those feelings and the truth that God is always near.

 

"Echo Of Love" is the title track of the album, reiterating that as Christians, we are the "Echo Of Love," to the world. In one of the first lines of the song, Larson sings, "We are the hands, we are the feet, we are the love of God that people will meet." 

 

As examples of God's love, we are responsible for making sure the love we show the world is one God would be proud of. What we do as Christians, should be an echo of what Jesus did for us on the cross. With reverberating drums and keyboard plunks, this song ebbs and flows as an anthem encouraging the church to live lives of love.

 

Fans of Owl City need to add An Epic, No Less to their list of new favorites. Combining an interesting and refreshing sound with simple yet profound lyrics, Echo Of Love is a shining example of worship that doesn't fit into a neat and tidy box. For this I am thankful and hope that more artists will follow An Epic, No Less in refusing to conform to what most consider, "normal worship music." 

 

As long as there are unique and individual worshippers in the world, there will always be a need for a variety of worship music. Luckily for us, An Epic, No Less isn't your average worship band!