Album: Live Like We’re Alive
Artist: Nevertheless
Label: Flicker Records
Sounds like: Leeland, By The Tree

Nevertheless play like they’re alive, with their loud drums and guitars, and singer Joshua Pearson, despite sounding at times like he’s been sucking on helium, knows how to weave faith melodically into the trials of everyday living and loving. But like Leeland, By The Tree and the more recent efforts of Relient K, who increasingly sit this side of the pop-punk fence, Live Like We’re Alive sometimes glistens with a sugar-coating. Although they have all the elements in place to adequately match their peers, this can be a problem—it can sound formulaic, if energetic.

Nicks rating: 3/5