If there's one word you wouldn't normally associate with Three Cord Wonder, it's "hype."

In fact, it's just the opposite. You won't find any crazy light shows, explosive pyrotechnics or other rock 'n roll indulgences. With Three Cord Wonder, what you see is what you get. Four guys, delivering a high energy show on a bare stage and without any unnecessary props. Their uncluttered approach to performing spills over into the music as well. Simple, straightforward and unpretentious songs that are easy to sing along to but hard to forget. In spite of - or maybe because of - the lack of frills, you'll feel the same inspiration that countless fans from the Rocky Mountain region and beyond have felt. There is something special about Three Cord Wonder and the music they share. There's something a little different, something a little unique, something a little unexpected.

For the lack of synthetic elements, it's amazing just how much is packed into a performance. Splice a rock concert with spontaneous comedic bits and a quick Bible study, and you've only begun to come close to what Three Cord Wonder does live. Perhaps best of all, they do it with the same refreshing sincerity and informality that you would expect from going to see your best friend's band practice in the garage. It's the reason you feel like you could just go up and talk to one of the guys like you could any other friend. It's who they are. It's what they do.

It's the same way with the music.

The new album, "The Jesus Rock Show," is a perfect reflection of what Three Cord Wonder is known for. They avoid the genre game by delivering an album covering a broad spectrum of sounds, fusing elements of alternative rock, punk, pop and even acoustic ballads, coupled with thought-provoking lyrics that challenge as much as they encourage. And as they dance the line between the deep and the obvious, the band remains true to its calling. Three Cord Wonder exists to present Christ. Those simple words capture the essence of the band. They neither force Christ on you like a militant zealot nor present the choice of accepting or rejecting Christ as something less significant than what it really is.

No big sales pitch. No big push. Just simple truth through simple songs from a simple band.

So, while many artists are spending a lot of time trying to get your attention but not offering much else, it's nice to see that Three Cord Wonder is something a little different. And when most artists are just trying to be whatever is popular right now, it's nice to see that Three Cord Wonder is something a little unique. And while so many artists are striving to create a complex and mature sound, Three Cord Wonder decided instead to grow up a little.

And the result? Something a little unexpected.