All Or Nothing

On their first album in three years, MIKESCHAIR reassert their musical prowess with renewed vigor and a sense of mission. All or Nothing spruces up the Dove-nominated Christian unit’s melodic pop/rock sound with a blend of organic and electronic instrumentation. Mike Grayson remains blessed with one of the most pleasing vocal timbres in Christian rock, conveying spiritual yearning with a mixture of awe and humility. Together with his bandmates, he serves up stirring anthems of belief (the title track), hosannas of gratitude (“All I Can Do”), and sweeping expressions of reverence (“Forever Faithful”). Though the album isn’t explicitly a worship project, crowd-rousing numbers like “This Is Our Moment” are invitations for fellow believers to join together in praise. Matthew West blends voices with Grayson on the redemptive ballad “People Like Me.” Most striking is “All to Jesus (I Surrender All),” an updating of the traditional hymn built around Jesse Hale’s luminous piano line. Producer Matt Bronlewee (Jars of Clay, Plumb) emphasizes both the band’s expansive and intimate sides while adding electronica touches and string backdrops.