I guess the similarities between the Passion Band and Chris Clayton shouldn’t be surprising. They’re all Texas rockers who love to worship.
Clayton's sound is not derivative at all, but 2 out of 5 songs on his new EP, "Breathing Air Again," are covers of worship classics, Charlie Hall's "One Thing" and "Nothing But the Blood," by Matt Redman. Both are done enthusiastically and well, and it is quickly clear that Clayton himself is a worshipper.
Joel Houston's "Salvation is Here" is another rocker that fits the Passion mold, and the final two cuts are Clayton's own, including the title track into which Clayton ardently pours his heart. His guitar is joined by a tight band of four (drummer Jon Webb, bassist Stephen Boutwell, guitarist Ryan Cecil, and Clayton's wife Kara does backup vocals), and they support him very well indeed. Their presence is strong on "Nothing But the Blood," and tight all the way through. Clayton's "All to You" is a understated acoustic song, thick with adoration, presented perfectly with a quiet sincerity. Standout track has to be Charlie Hall's "One Thing," again performed with subdued reverence. Chris Clayton travels extensively as a worship leader and his expertise serves him well on "Breathing Air Again," if you can use the word in this context. You get the idea: he's a worshipper, and it shows up nicely on "Breathing Air Again."
