For Risk, Ten Shekel Shirt has refused to dig in its heels. Instead of following the path of the safe and familiar, Lamont Hiebert and his pals have jumped out of their comfort zones and recorded an album that's all about taking chances -- from the music to the lyrics, right down to that very descriptive title.

Expanding on the acoustic rock sound of their debut, Risk incorporates a wider range of instrumentation and influences, but still maintains that Ten Shekel Shirt sound that's already so identifiable. In the end, Risk is all about stepping out in faith and taking risks. It's as much a chronicle of this band's recent experiences, as it is an exhortation to the Body of Christ to walk outside of its comfort zone. It's also a rocking good time, which may come as a surprise to many who would expect such somber subject matter to have equally sublime music. But that only makes it all the more creative and surprising. Risk is one of the most creatively satisfying albums of the year.