The Neverclaim is a six-piece from Portland following a fairly standard Christian music odyssey. They've been signed to Essential Records, moved to Nashville, and will soon release an eponymous album and head out on tour with Sanctus Real. The fairly standard journey begs the question: is this fairly standard Christian music? On The Neverclaim, sometimes it is, with lyrics and musical settings that don't offer much innovation. However, thankfully, most of the time this music is inventive and well worth a listen.

The band's somewhat cumbersome name is drawn from their statement, "We never want to claim God's glory as our own." The majority of their songs feature worship lyrics set to a rock sound reminiscent of Needtobreathe. "Revival" opens the album; the song has had a long gestation, already appearing on a Vineyard release with Cultivation Generation in 2011 and on a movie soundtrack in 2012. It's a good example of the band's sound, and it's very well crafted. Lead single "One Truth One Life" is a drum-driven anthem that unabashedly declares Jesus as the one way to Heaven in a world that grows more and more equivocal on the matter. Another standout is "Burn," a scorcher with pounding drums and distorted guitar. There are pauses in the vocals that give the song an expansive, big sound that will be a particular treat in concert.

There are moments when the songs follow the modern worship template a little too carefully, and some rhymes seem forced. There is musical diversity, but somehow the presence of slide guitar, mandolin, and banjo seem less inventive in a musical landscape saturated with Mumfords, Decemberists and Lumineers. That's not the band's fault, but it does take a little luster off their major-label debut.

It is a bit surprising that a band with such a musical arsenal chose to close with two quieter songs, but the first of them, "Sweet Sweet Mercies," is likely to be a favorite for many fans. It's confessional, speaking truth into our doubt and light into dark captivity.

The production by Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Third Day, Matt Maher) and Jason Ingram (Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Building 429), is solid, and the album fits nicely in the collection of fans of Third Day and Needtobreathe. There is strong potential here, and The Neverclaim is a band to watch for the future.