Press Play - Press Play

Producer:  Tony Palacios
Record Label:  Dream Records
Website:  http://www.dreammusicgroup.com

Press Play was birthed out of Los Angeles’ Dream Center - an outreach center that not only feeds the hungry and clothes the homeless - but also ministers the Gospel to each person that walks through its doors.  The Dream Center has been so successful that the non-profit organization now has satellite locations all throughout the nation.  Press Play was formed by six people who have dedicated their lives to the call of service at the Dream Center.  In fact, all proceeds from the sales of the album go directly back into the Dream Center.  Press Play, the album, is both infectious and obnoxious.  There are several songs that deliver catchy melodic hooks and striking lyrics - like the first single “Life Is Beautiful,” Spanish-flavored “I Love Who You Are,” and the worship-focused “Angels Sing.”  Elsewhere, the album really starts to fall apart - becoming a hodge podge of musical styles that really don’t fit well with once another.  The band tries everything on for size - like 90’s boy-band pop (“Break It Out” and “I Give My Love”), hip hop (“Say Say”), and alternative rock (“Fixation” and “Sound of Love”).  Overall, it just feels like Press Play doesn’t know where they fit musically.  Lyrically, the band focuses mostly on themes of restoration, hope, and change (most specifically cuts like “One Life,” “Fixation,” and “Unashamed”) - and they aren’t bad lyricists.  Unfortunately, the schizophrenic musical themes and a real lack of identity makes this album hard to recommend.  The band’s intentions are spectacular, and they’ve got a real heart for reaching the lost - unfortunately they don’t bring that same passion to their music.