A Deeper Level: Live

AMG Review of A Deeper Level: Live

Evan C. Gutierrez
All Music Guide

Israel & New Breed's A Deeper Level: Live was recorded at the three-day ~Deeper Level worship conference held in Houghton's home base of Houston, TX. The record is the outfit's second time out with gospel giant Integrity Music, and the difference is significant, as Houghton trades in his aggressive, complex band sound for guitar-driven CCM. There are windows of the stylistic diversity heard on previous projects, like the reggaeton-driven "With Long Life" and the Afro-pop track "Identity." Although the overall musicianship is of a very high level, the stylistic bent of the album is mainstream CCM. Where in the past Houghton partnered with African music legend Jonathan Butler, A Deeper Level features guests like Chris Tomlin and Darlene Zschech. Preceded by a 40-day fast, the concert recordings are strung together with spoken prayers and petitions, and the tone of the record is unapologetically angry conservatism.