Last year, Abandon landed a deal with Forefront and released their five-song Abandon EP. The understanding was that a full-length release would follow this year. Well, apparently that didn't work out. Instead, they are releasing another Abandon EP which is exactly the same as the previous one plus one new song. Simultaneously, they are releasing Abandon II, which features six brand new tracks. This strange approach is beyond me to explain.

If you have already heard last year's Abandon EP, then you will want to check out Abandon II, since it contains the new material. The EP starts off with "Song For the Broken," a mildly upbeat alternative rock track about a desire to influence the world for good. This song bears similarities to "Providence," the opener on the Abandon EP, although it is not as good. Next is "Give Me Love," which is catchy but unfortunately somewhat cliché. It could definitely do without the tired line "Jesus, your love lifts me up." "City Lights" is probably the strongest track, with a simple chorus and lyrics addressing apathy in a relationship with Christ.

The second half of Abandon II is much mellower than what we've heard so far. "Gold" is a melancholy song about hopelessness and a need for God. "If I Could Write A Song" is a very heartfelt song about the singer's desire to bring hope to a depressed world, with an honesty that definitely resonates. The final track, "Hero," is a simple song about the life of Christ. These three tracks are all very sensitive and nicely done.

Abandon II is a different side to Abandon than what we heard on the Abandon EP. These guys can clearly do both upbeat, radio-friendly songs and slow, honest reflections. Despite the confusing release strategy from Forefront, Abandon II is definitely worth getting.

- Reviewed: 4/20/09 written by Timothy Estabrooks of Jesusfreakhideout.com