It was only a year and a half ago when Word Records introduced the world to Arkansas rock band Jackson Waters with their debut effort, Come Undone. The record offered CCM-friendly rock n roll with a kiss of southern flavor, introducing us to memorable songs like "Center Of Attention," "Jamie's Song," and the album's title cut. Looking back, it's no surprise the band and Word decided to go their separate ways as their newer material is a significant enough shift in direction to not fit into your typical Christian radio formatting. In fact, their new independently released EP, Supply, seems to incorporate more of the band's roots as it bears a more distinct southern influence than before. It's raw, a little catchy, and exactly where the band wants to be musically.

It's no secret that vocalist David Leonard's soulful pipes are comparable to that of Maroon 5's Adam Levine, sadly enough. It hasn't done Leonard much justice, and with the more southern flare on Supply, the band gets a chance to distance themselves from any previous comparisons. Supply opens with a series of infectious "oh oh oh-oh's" in "Our Ways," before taking the song into a more modest direction. Lyrically, much of the project seems to touch on relationships without any real spiritual references. While we certainly didn't need another "Give Me Amazing Grace" on here, the EP seems to lack lyrical depth because of it. "Stay" talks about sticking with a relationship for the long haul while "Complete" assures a loved one that they're beautiful just the way they are. But the EP highlight is arguably the shamelessly soulful "Stuck On A Feeling," a style that fits the band - especially with Leonard's leads - like a glove. The song serves as a simple confession of infatuation, while doubling as also the most fun song on the EP. "Blame It On Anything" wraps up the EP in under 20 minutes, albeit somewhat underwhelmingly when compared to the track that precedes it as it returns the band to their more usual form.

Supply is a great sampler of where Jackson Waters is at musically, as well as a nice prelude for what's to come. It may not be the band's best batch of songs - especially when stacked against the highlights from their debut - but Supply is a fine treat to tide over fans, displaying a promising new direction for the rock band.

- Review date: 10/13/08, written by John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com