Seven Places

“Hear Us Say Jesus”

BEC Recordings

12 tracks @ 46:54 TRT

This is the second record from the Oregon-based band. Based on some of the things that I've reviewed over the past year that wear the “Christian” label, this is a refreshing record from a band that literally is nor afraid to “Say Jesus.”

In the group's PR materials, Seven Places' lead singer/song writer Seth Gilbert says, “ “Sometimes bands want to be poetic, so they take the word ‘Jesus' out and just symbolically paint the picture of Jesus. But when they do that, you have to decode it to see it that way.” We wanted to be creative and say the name of Jesus at the same time. Hopefully we got there.”

Amen to that and yes, Seven Places “got there” on this record.

This is a straight-ahead rock record, with many mid-tempo numbers, closer to Sanctus Real in sound than Skillet or Reliant K. “Even When,” the first single, tells us that “its not about how I feel, oh Lord, I am here for You.”

The most compelling songs are the contemplative “I Look Upon Your Hill” and “Holes in His Hands,” both of which are centered on the crucifixion. “Hill” recognizes that “you've worn the crown that I placed on your head, Oh Lord, I've pierced your hands, yet Your blood declares my innocence.”

Recommended.

- Rob S.