Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Rise + Awaken EP

mikemurphyband
Rise + Awaken EP

Street Date: February 21, 2012
Style: Modern Worship
Artist Website: mikemurphyband.com
Buy It: AmazonMP3

In February of 2011, a group of college kids leading worship for their campus' outreach program decided to make more of the situation and start recording some of their songs. Exactly a year later, mikemurphyband released their debut worship EP, Rise + Awaken. The band's mission with this album, according to their bio: "Musically, Rise + Awaken offers a new take on worship music, that they hope will be used to glorify God in the local church as well as the global church to impact generations." From the opening guitar riffs of "Forevermore," it becomes very apparent that, as admirable as their attempts were, Rise + Awaken does not offer anything new. The band takes numerous cues from modern day radio worship bands like Hillsong, Starfield, Chris Tomlin, and the like. Whether it's the quasi-rocker "Forevermore," the intimate balladry of "Your Love Goes On," or the powerpop song "He's Alive," Rise + Awaken can easily get lost in the endless number of bands producing worship music today. While the music has little to speak of, I'd like to give some credit to the band's vocalist, Mike Murphy. His singing voice isn't terribly strong, but he makes efforts to change his styling up on occasion. In "He's Alive," there are parts where he does a half-scream, like something you might hear in a folky southern rock song. It fits the music pretty well, and it's one of the better moments of the EP. Murphy would do well to incorporate that into more of the band's songs. Lyrically, you can't get much closer to an accurate description than "worship band." The lyrics point to Jesus with pure love and passion, while Murphy sings about our God who will reign forever and who is always there to help us in our troubles. A beautiful message indeed, and one that we just can't get enough of as followers of Jesus. If you enjoy the sounds of modern day praise and worship bands, this would be a good EP for you to check out.

- Review date: 4/4/12, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture (independent)
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images