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Capital Lights This Is an Outrage! (Tooth & Nail Records)

For all the bands introduced through Tooth & Nail over the years, the record label has developed a reputation for finding sound-alike bands offering more of the same. But when they occasionally bring one to attention that's a step above the norm—such as MxPx, P.O.D., Anberlin, and Underoath—then it's certainly worth taking notice, right? It's in that spirit that we introduce Capital Lights from Tulsa, their sound being a little emo-pop like Anberlin and Jimmy Eat World, and a lot punk-pop like Relient K and Green Day, with some Fall Out Boy thrown in for good measure. True, other Tooth & Nail bands have touched on those same influences, but this one stands out with catchier songs, stronger melodies, punchier musicianship, and an instantly recognizable lead vocalist in Bryson Phillips. Admittedly, Capital Lights doesn't delve very deeply into faith-based subjects here, but they do at least make their beliefs apparent with songs about Christ's second coming ("Return") and pursuing purity rather than sin ("Night of Your Life Is When You Die"). More of the same, perhaps, but Capital Lights is definitely a cut above the majority of their peers.
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Children 18:3 Children 18:3 (Tooth & Nail Records)

Children 18:3 edged into our list of the Best Christian Albums of 2008 with their debut, which is reason enough to make this list as well. Don't be put off by the cover—as our reviewer put it, the photo and design looks homemade and borders on self-parody (though it admittedly grabs the attention). The truth is this trio of brothers and sister has successfully reinvigorated a genre that has been overplayed at least a hundred times in the last decade. Kudos to Children 18:3 (and Tooth & Nail) for bringing a fresh spin on punk rock that's rowdy and melodic—raw enough for the purists, yet melodic enough for more casual fans. And unlike many of their contemporaries, Children 18:3 avoid burying their faith or making it sound trite. On the contrary, their heart for the Church comes through loud and clear (emphasis on loud) for those with ears to hear in songs like "All My Balloons" and "Final." Our Reader's Choice survey for 2008 indicated that this band already has a strong following, so you can bet this won't be the last we've heard from the Hostetter siblings.
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