(2.5 Out of 5)

Strive prides itself on the uplifting messages in their songs, and the truth of that is immediately apparent.  Derick Thompson; Strive’s frontman, pianist, vocalist, and songwriter; draws inspiration from seemingly nothing but good, positive sources: friendship, forgiveness, love for his wife, and his relationship with Christ.  There are times, listening to Strive’s music, one wonders how long they will be able to keep it up.  They manage it all the way through their album, Fire.

On the GoDigitial Records label, the songs on Fire are well-crafted.  Thompson uses the piano mostly to good effect, and the rest of the band supports it well.  The first song on the album, “Smallest Things,” is a strong opening song, employing a piano riff like something from a cheerful The Cure.  That feel is muted almost immediately once the song starts in earnest, but the song keeps a good bounce to it.  Thompson has a pleasant, strong voice, and uses it to good effect on songs like “Silent Like a Secret.”

However, as a cross between a Third Day and a clean-cut, positive Ben Folds, Strive’s appeal may be limited.  Their music is pleasant, but not very original; their sound is piano-heavy; and in combination with Thompson’s subject matter, composition-style, and vocal timbre; Fire often has the feel of a worship album, which it is, in a sense. 

By: Brad Archer - Contributing Writer