Press Play is arguably one of the most overlooked pop acts in Christian music. Getting their start under the helm of singer Dave Hanley as a worship band based out of Angelus Temple in Los Angeles (at the famous L.A. Dream Center), the group has gone on to achieve international fame with their blend of infectious pop/rock melodies and Christ-centered lyrics.

 

Keeping up with recording, touring, various media spots, and the undertaking of self-launched label DREAM Records certainly has kept them busy these last several years, yet through it all, they've never lost sight of their mission, which is that of Jesus' great commission to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. 

 

Although the group has shuffled through several lead vocalists since their debut in 2008, their musical core has remained consistent—modern, with a worshipful twist. With the inclusion of two new members out front, female vocalist Nicole Croteau and recent #1 hit artist Jonathan Thulin, aided by the ever present Hanley, their latest effort, #LITO, promises to be their strongest effort yet.

 

The playfully hashtagged title comes from the phrase "love in the open," a theme you'll see touched on through all 10 cuts on the album. "Being a Christian is not just about knowing love, but about being love," says Thulin, "Love Himself has led by example... I pray [that] this music can reach beyond just good music and become love in the open."

 

The album's title track "#LITO" sets the tone for the rest of the album nicely. All three lead vocalist take turns trading off the mic, and display how each voice, though unique, blends together to create something intriguing. 

 

"Force Of Nature" continues with the electronic elements presented at the start, and unambiguously leads to praise that is sure to get you off your feet. 

 

Synth driven "Love Audio" brings to mind the attitude-kissed stylings of Group 1 Crew, as both Dave Hanley and Nicole Croteau's back-and-forth vocals sit against a beat that is sure to leave any pop music fan salivating.

 

"Song For The Broken" slightly breaks away from the bubbly mold for a moment, as the empowering tune rallies the lost and hurting to run to God and find peace. While everyone's voice shines, Jonathan Thulin's vocals are flawless on this eerie tune, almost sounding like a piece you'd hear on one of his solo records. Perhaps that's what makes the song so attractive: "You don't have to look any farther, you don't have to search any longer / Come sit at His table and just believe."

 

"Snap A Picture" is a bombastic EDM track that gives anyone in the genre a good run for their money. The song carries no significant meaning, playing on our nature to share every moment of our lives thanks to social media, but once you're drawn into the infectious, auto-tuned beat, the zany message will be the last thing on your mind. No doubt this will be a favorite to hear live (and coincidentally, snap a few pictures).

 

Radio friendly "Top Of The World" takes the rapid pulse of the album down a few notches and becomes a tenderhearted prayer for the Creator to use us a conduit of selfless light: "Lord, let me be Your light and give it away, give it away / I'm on top of the world right now with You."

 

Dubstep appears front and center on the aptly named "Android." The song likens the world's conformist nature to mindless droids feeding a machine of apathy, and encourages the listener to break the cycle and take a stand for something greater. Quirky to say the least, it's one of the catchiest songs the group has ever recorded.

 

The beautifully broken ballad "I Can Breathe" serves as a collective reminder of who our God is in the midst of life's turbulence. Nicole Croteau's voice beams as the lyric cries out: "There's no more clouds, I see somehow, I'm rising from the ashes now." 

 

"Wonder Struck" is a meaty peace of pop artistry that combines pristine synth beats with modern rock progressions. Much like "Force Of Nature," the lyrics tell of God's divine nature, and how His unending love continually blows our minds, yet this comes across stronger than the previous. Without a doubt, this is the most solid offering the album has to offer.

 

"I Choose" boasts an aggressive beat that doesn't hold well as the final track on the project, mostly because its fierce nature leaves you ready for a follow-up. Two bonus remixes tacked on the end help settle that a bit, as remix master—and Jonathan's older brother—David Thulin takes the band's hit song "NY2LA," as well as "#LITO," and reboots them into EDM masterpieces that sparkle with a pulsating club vibe.

 

What impressed me right from the beginning of this project, was how much Press Play has matured musically since their last album. Nothing they've released in the past has been terrible, but sorely lacking any sort of cohesive flow. With #LITO, they've completely changed that. An impressive line-up of tunes from beginning to end, it's safe to say that this group of pop worshipers has finally found its niche.

 

It feels as if the subject matter on this newest effort seems more lighthearted in demeanor than albums past, but when it does dive into deeper moments, it manages to present them in an imperfectly human way that anyone can relate to. It makes the more worshipful moments all the more desperately real. #LITO signals big things in the life of one of CCM's rising stars. You'd be wise to pick up a copy and see why. 

 

"Wonder Struck"