Redeemer is the second release this year from Rocklin, Calif. based worship group Kingdom. These are songs that have grown out of their ministry, worship tunes tested on and affirmed by the family that is their local church. The fact that this release only holds one track in common with their self-titled release earlier this year shows that the group is both dedicated and prolific.

As on the last album, a variety of styles and approaches are present on this release. "Until the Whole World Hears" and "What I've Found" take a fairly conventional contemporary worship approach, utilizing the big chorus sound and sweeping instrumentation characteristic of acts like Chris Tomlin and Jesus Culture. These songs make use of each member of the 6-person ensemble, filling out the musical atmosphere with the steady throb of guitars, drum fills, and the interplay between Jordan and Veronica's vocals. 

Other songs take the slightly more stripped back, indie sound recently embraced by groups like Hillsong United and Rend Collective Experiment. "All for Love" is both a good example of this and a highlight of the album. Pairing soft piano with clean, clear vocals, the song is a very personal reflection on God's love: "The hands that made the stars / now they bear the scars / and hold my ransomed heart." 

"Made Alive" is another song employing a strong piano presence. This song also brings in some of the electronic elements that were strong in places on the group's self-titled release, adding a more unique texture to the track. "Chorus of the Saints" is particularly reminiscent of Rend Collective Experiment with its joyful, unpolished group vocal sound over simple acoustic guitar.

Lyrically, this album focuses on foundational elements of the character of God. Title and opening track "Redeemer" sets the stage well, brightly declaring truths about the way God relates to His people. "Unbreakable" focuses on His unbreaking, unchanging nature in the face of the shifting world surrounding us. 

Although previously released, "God of Fire" is still a welcome inclusion on this collection with its soaring choruses and raw-edged guitar. This track is deeply passionate and instantly memorable.

Closing Thoughts:
This album shows yet again that the group has solid musicianship and a deep grounding in scripture that enables them to express well the identities of both Christ and His followers. It is thematically consistent with their self-titled release, showing that their ministry and their hearts continue to stay focused on making Jesus known. 

The unfortunate downside to the small space between the two releases is that it does not leave much time for musical maturing to occur on this new release, which marks it with the same sense of still trying to find its own unique foothold. The songs might have been better served by releasing an EP featuring a few of the stand-out tracks, with other selections saved and refined for release later.

That aside, this is a grounded album that will invite listeners to join their hearts with Kingdom in declaring the identity of our redeeming God. Experiments with a variety of sounds show that this band is capable of pulling off an impressive array of stylistic approaches, making them definitely a group to watch.

Song to Download Now:
"God of Fire" (Get it on iTunes here.)