Gungor - formerly known as the Michael Gungor Band - matches spiritual passion with artistic ambition on their sophomore release Beautiful Things. This eclectic Christian quartet revives the praise music genre with an unusually broad sonic palette, often building from quiet acoustic meditations to dramatic rock flourishes within a single track. Michael Gungor's wonder-struck vocals are equal to the reverent themes of his lyrics - on songs like Dry Bones and the title number he rises from soft murmurs to full-throated declarations of faith. Dynamic arrangements make the folk-tinged You Have Me and The Earth Is Yours into mood-shifting symphonic experiences. Heaven features the vocals of Israel Houghton to help underscore its simmering blues feel. The album's most affecting moment is Late Have I Loved You, a subdued yet intense hosanna carried by Gungor's voice and piano. More than a heartfelt worship offering, Beautiful Things is a work of art, rendered with sensitivity and imagination. - itunes
