Released: August 28th, 2012
Genre: Pop Rock
Rating: 4/5
Ever since the release of their debut album Come Home back in 2011, Luminate have grown to become one of my favourite Christian bands. The Texas rock quartet comprised of Samuel Hancock (lead vocals/guitar/piano), Cody Clark (guitar/keys), Dusty Jakubik (bass) and Aaron Matthew (drums) have garnered much attention for their rich guitar work, smooth electronic melodies and instantly recognisable vocals. While their sound is not a big departure from the typical pop rock genre, this band is able to produce memorable, upbeat tunes that are sure to bring a smile to your face! Their debut album boasted singles such as the title track "Come Home", "Healing In Your Arms" and "Innocent" that helped the guys to establish themselves as a band to watch in the coming years. Now the band returns on August 28 with their highly anticipated sophomore release, Welcome To Daylight. Already being compared to polished CCM acts such as Tenth Avenue North, Leeland and The Afters, there was immense pressure for Luminate to make an album that would be just as good, if not better, than their brilliant debut.
Produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Britt Nicole) and Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Phil Wickham), Welcome To Daylight is an album filled with enjoyable, memorable pop/rock anthems. Sonically, I expected this album to be a continuation of their debut, but the band has stretched themselves to create an epic, grander sound. This album promotes a sense of energy and liveliness, as it encourages the listener to leave their past regrets behind and embrace the life of hope and purpose that God has given us. Welcome To Daylight opens up with the title track, an uplifting song with an easily singable chorus about making the most of every moment in our lives. It encourages us to live life to the full, and welcome the daylight into our hearts; "When the light breaks out like a midnight sun, blazing right in front of you, life is here and now, and it's just begun, your destiny is breaking through." Featuring arena ready guitar riffs, electronic keyboard samples and clapping, I can only imagine how amazing this track must sound live!
"Banner of Love", the lead single from Welcome To Daylight, is one of my favourite songs of the year! It comes as a passionate battle cry for Christians to rise up and share the love of Christ. This electronic infused anthem encourages the listener to show the true power of God's love, as Sam passionately cries out in the bridge: "I wanna show Your love, I wanna lift You higher, I wanna reach out and touch this world... raise a banner of love up high on these city streets". "Heal This Home" talks about a broken marriage but then points out that no matter how damaged the relationship, God is able to make it new again. This inspiring ballad is one of my favourites from the album, and I can definitely see this one as the next radio single.
"The Only Thing That Matters" is a groovy and worshipful tune that features a soaring vocal performance from Samuel Hancock, as he sings about how Jesus' love is more important than anything else in the world. The catchy melody and nice instrumental bridge in this song are very enjoyable, and they provide a nice transition into the edgy rock anthem "Never Give Up". This song is sure to appeal to rock music lovers, as it's powerful lyrics really get you pumped up. While it speaks of how life is always going to be tough, it also offers a message of hope in the midst of suffering by reminding the listener that God encourages us to never give up. While some may choose to run away, we as fellow believers will "...never give up when it all falls down..." because we have God by our side. This is a thought provoking and experimental track that also comes in as one of my favourites from the album.
The 2nd half of the album features another experimental track called "This Ends Tonight". Written and directed towards the devil, Samuel sings about how the devil will never be able to take us down; "...the fight is here and now, I can see that you're simply masquerading, there's no way you're ever gonna take me out." It's a personal statement from the band where they declare that the devil has no possible way of removing them from what God has called them to do. With a twangy guitar riff and 80's rock ballad vibe, this song is just another example of how Luminate has stretched their musical boundaries on this album. "Love Is Loud" opens with a David Crowder Band-esque synthesizer effect as it reminds us of the beauty of God's creation and how we can see His love in everything around us. The album closes on a wonderful note with "Holds Us All Together", a worshipful tune that continues the theme of how nothing in the world is more important than God's love. The beautiful synthesisers and guitar solos paint an incredible picture of the love that God has for us!
There was a ton of pressure on Luminate to deliver after the success of their debut album, and they have! There is so much that I loved about this album; from the thought provoking lyrics to the memorable hooks and soaring vocals. There is really not a bad track on this album, as they are all incredibly enjoyable and flow well together. Luminate have definitely surpassed my expectations and produced an album that is just as good as their debut! Sure, it's not the release of the year, but it will certainly help these talented group of guys further cement their place as a band to watch in the coming years. I can't wait to see what Luminate can do on their next release. Do yourself a favour and pick up Welcome To Daylight!
Top 3 Songs:
1. Welcome To Daylight
2. Heal This Home
3. Banner of Love
Track Listing
1. Welcome To Daylight
2. Wake Up
3. Banner of Love
4. Heal This Home
5. The Only Thing That Matters
6. Never Give Up
7. Battle For Peace
8. This Ends Tonight
9. Love Is Loud
10. Living In A Memory
11. Holds Us All Together
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