Nations

Signaling a creative departure, Above the Golden State changed its name to Nations and moved away from power pop toward a grander, more heroic sound. The band’s musical shift is matched with a fervent message of Christian worship, as its self-titled album makes vividly clear. Singer Michael Watson reaches deeply into Scripture for devotional themes that blend traditional hymn language with more personal expression. The music taps into a wide spectrum of contemporary sounds, suggesting the radio-friendly approach of Charlie Hall and Chris Tomlin filtered through the bubbly electronica of Owl City and the moody post-rock of Gungor. The atmospheric instrumental opener, “Sunset,” gives way to the bracing techno textures of “Higher Than Mine” and “Light-Catechist.” Watson’s ability to paint visionary pictures comes through in “Breathe-Aurora” and “Amen-Doxology”; his sensitive treatment of spiritual hunger is captured in “Awake My Soul” and “From Death to Life.” Throughout, Nations spice up their accessible modern pop with unexpectedly exotic touches (like the airy groove and raga-like guitar sounds on “Awake My Soul”).