Moving on Faith

Sounds like … acoustic pop/rock (in the vein of Howie Day, Ari Hest, Bebo Norman or Jeremy Camp) coming from a college aged/young adult perspectiveAt a glance … the former Saddleback Church intern blossoms with introspective ballads and praise-oriented rock that indicate a promising future for LavikTrack ListingFollowing YouWhat IfSearchingSaved By GraceLet It GoRedeeming KingMoving On FaithTodayHow MajesticThis DayNothing But the Blood

Jadon Lavik's two big interests in college were business and baseball, but he never made it to the major leagues, nor did he become a commercial realtor. Instead, a meeting with worship leader Rick Muchow not only gave him some post-graduation advice, but also an offer for a music internship at Saddleback Church in California. The position allowed Lavik to develop his singing and guitar skills, and after two years, he was courted by BEC Recordings to release his debut, Moving on Faith.

Unlike many other BEC artists, Lavik is not an aggressive or alternative rocker. He's mostly an acoustic guy along the lines of Jeremy Camp, Bebo Norman, Howie Day or Ari Hest. Lavik's trademark is his provocative, faith-centered lyrics that point to both praise ("Redeeming King," "Saved By Grace") and personal experiences ("Searching," "Let It Go"). Additionally attractive are "Following You," a lively band-driven composition about living a godly life, and "Today," which celebrates the beauty of life through subdued finger picking.

Only a few instances are less inspiring, including a simplistic "How Majestic" and a droned, dirge-like take on "Nothing But the Blood" (despite guest soloing by Phil Keaggy). Lavik is best at cranking out originals filled with his welcoming vocal scruff and acoustic ambience, which could find an equal home in a coffeehouse or church setting. Chances are he'll be playing plenty of both places, as a subsequent tour is likely to expand his fan base well beyond the West Coast.