Tranquil electronic drums and a gentle xylophone open up the album with “We Need You.” The track soon blasts into a powerful track, full of electric guitars, beautiful harmonies, and poetic lyrics. Lyrically, this track is my personal favorite off the album, especially for the chorus: “If You’re hope for the broken, we are shattered glass/ if You’re peace for the lost and the weight that’s on our back/ if You’re love for the faithless, come save us at last/ cause we need You, oh we need You…”  With electronic effects (even the lead singer’s vocals are filtered), “Caught Up In This Moment” is a little more on the contemporary side, but has a wonderful message of being absolutely enthralled with the Lord: “I’m so caught up in this moment/ standing here with You…” Because of the simplicity of their lyrics, yet the rhymes and stunning harmonies, An Epic, No Less has great sing-along songs!

 

A light dance/pop track, “One Word” uses the thought-pondering statement, “If I only had one word that I could say, it would be Your name.” Some may find the lyrics a bit mundane, but the excellent electro elements of the track make it an alternative to Owl City (even Todd’s vocals sound comparable to Adam Young’s!) Another outstanding element of this track is the overlapping of the chorus with the bridge of Psalm 23. It definitely is a very happy worship track!

 

I was very glad to hear An Epic, No Less address the atrocity of human trafficking through their debut single, “Mercy Light.” I was immediately drawn to this song and band after watching the music video, not only for the excellent message of the track of the love of God that finds us just where we are, but also for the superb vocals, electronic effects, and great lyrics: “All I ask is, don’t hide Yourself from me!” All around, “Mercy Light” is a phenomenal song!

 

“We Believe” is just a touch on the mellow side, speaking of how we receive the free gift of God just by believing in Him. But to keep the track from being repetitive, there is a powerful bridge where choirs help enforce the line: “You paid it all and we believe.” In addition, the emphatic drumbeat helps keep the interest of the listener. 

 

The title track isn’t the most upbeat track on the record, but it definitely is a powerhouse! With background choirs, “Echo of Love” speaks both of how we are ambassadors of Christ to this dark world, and how Jesus Christ will always be there in our time of weakness. In a way, it’s the gospel summed up in a heart-captivating way. Very melodic with nice and light piano, “Come to the Cross” is an invitation for the listener to lay their burdens at the feet of Jesus. It could also very well be an altar call at their live shows as it is very touching. 

 

A plea for God to rescue us from the bitter cold nights, “Rescue Me” follows nicely, while “Bright White Light” again taps into An Epic, No Less’ poetic lyrics. It almost sounds like a hymn, except for its synthetic drumbeat, as it speaks of singing praise to God for all eternity and shining your light to the world. It also builds as it goes, almost surprisingly, as it is the last upbeat track on the record. “Your Love is Louder” is the only track that is mostly piano-based on this Echo of Love CD, and is also the only track where the band’s female singer Hannah takes the preeminence in the vocals. With wonderful background vocals, the track speaks of coming home to the sound of God’s voice – a very breathtaking track and a great closing track. 

 

It is surprising to me that this is An Epic, No Less’ debut. Sure, they’ve been an independent band for a few years now, but this BEC Recordings’ debut definitely shows that they know what they are doing! In Echo of Love, the band mixes together heart-felt worship with catchy tunes, either dance pop or other forms of contagious rock. I will definitely be awaiting a sophomore project from these guys. Echo of Love is just that great – the band can only get better from here!