If you want proof of the ever-deepening talent level throughout the Christian music world, go no further than southern Oregon's Seven Places. Expectations for Hear Us Say Jesus, the band's sophomore effort, were modest at best, considering the group is a relatively little-known act who garnered some buzz with an initial release (Lonely for the Last Time) and a slot on several big-name summer music festivals (Festival Con Dios and Cornerstone to name a few). Yet listeners will be pleasantly surprised when they encounter this energetic and thoughtful collection of songs that boldly proclaim the gospel. Stylistically many of the release's better numbers ("Fall In Line," "Even When," "Where Almost There," "All In My Head") may remind some of Third Eye Blind, Skillet, or even the Newsboys. But there is a fresh-enough appeal with frontman Seth Gilbert's expansive vocal range to stamp a unique mark on this brand of Christian pop. The group even explores new areas while adding strings and pedal steel guitar to several tracks as they look to grow artistically. As Gilbert sings on the opening song, "Fall In Line," "We've got something to say, We've got something to say." Indeed they do and it's worth a good, long listen. --Michael Lyttle