Smalltown Poets

It’s Later Than It’s Ever Been

Forefront Records

It’s been three years since we last heard from Smalltown Poets, but these Georgia boys are back with a new album on a new label with a couple of new band members — namely Alex Peterson on bass and Troy Stains on guitar. And just in case you may have forgotten what these literate rockers sound like, imagine a slightly more aggressive Jars of Clay feel that falls just shy of Switchfoot’s rock crunch. The propulsive acoustic and electric guitars that drive the catchy melodies on these 10 sparkling new songs are joyful reminders of why Smalltown Poets’ absence has made our hearts grow fonder. “It’s Later Than It’s Ever Been” has arrived at the right time.

Solid hope is the underlying theme for much of this album, beginning with “The Truth Is Out There,” which outlines God’s great plan of salvation. Such optimism is touched upon again with “A New Beginning,” which is a reminder that all things become new with Christ. The album also features a few character study songs, including the (possibly) apostle Paul-inspired “Show Me Who You Are” and “Upside Down,” a song that certainly was inspired by a dating relationship. The album closes with the deeply worshipful “Love So Divine.”

The track that makes the deepest imprint is “We Will Continue.” It’s a song that frames worship (and the Christian life in general) as a long-term life path rather than the mere singing of any particular praise song. “Our whole lives are a song,” they resolutely sing at one point.

Overall, this new release is consistently melodic, undeniably sincere and inescapably uplifting from start to finish; and it will make many hearts glad to hear Smalltown poetry in motion once again.