Now winnowed down to a trio, Inhabited makes more with less on 2008’s Love. This sharply-played and -produced album surges in the same direction as 2005’s The Revolution, though it rocks harder and bristles with sharper hooks. Singer Sara Acker is a galvanizing advocate for Christian faith and life-affirming morality, blending the sincere concern of a youth pastor with the stage-stomping fervor of a punk diva. Her vocal debt to the likes of Gwen Stefani and Shirley Manson seems clear on “We Will Live,” “Hush,” and “Respect,” but Acker brings so much verve to her performances that any similarities are forgivable. Her brother Marcus serves up tasty crunch ‘n’ chop guitar lines on “Are You With Me” and “Old School” and sustains a credible reggae skank on “One Show.” While the band seems to delight in rocking for its own sake, it doesn’t neglect its spiritual calling, particularly on the prayerful “I Want to Know” and the title number. Inhabited is especially effective in wrapping positive messages around celebratory, in-your-face tunes — “Hush” in particular is almost impossible not to shout along with.
- Stellar Kart
- Press Play
- Everyday Sunday
- Brooke Barrettsmith
- The Turning
- Jessie Daniels