In a world where musicians are so willing to compromise, Houston-based rock band Inhabited remains accountable to its original vision—making innovative music that serves listeners on a higher level.

This may seem risky given today’s competitive music climate and pressure to conform artistically for commercialism’s sake, but these have become risks worth taking as Inhabited returns to the music scene with LOVE, its first record on burgeoning indie label 7 Spin Music.

“This new record is genuinely heartfelt,” says lead singer Sara Acker. “We have risked a lot to stay true to the music and have fought for our artistic freedom! We started working with 7 Spin because they think outside the box. They do things a little differently, and so do we.”

Inhabited once more reinvents itself on LOVE, featuring pop/rock grooves pouring through the band’s straight-ahead rock. Working again with producer Monroe Jones (Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Third Day), Inhabited cements its place among modern pioneers of both sound and style.

Funneling heartfelt passion into the words as well as rhythms on LOVE, Sara, her brother Marcus (guitars), and Charlie Harper (drums) will certainly engage their audience with this project. LOVE takes listeners on an emotional ride through real life experiences, ranging from the tragedy of love lost to the trials that accompany following one’s dreams. “Inhabited is about being honest and discussing struggles,” Sara says “but we also aim to move people toward that light at end of the tunnel.”

High-energy numbers “We Will Live” and “I Want to Know” deal with the search for meaning, while “Hush” and “Respect” shred fashion magazines, redefining the essence of true beauty. The slower “Song to the Fatherless” and “I Miss You” sweep aside the hurt of losing a loved one and replace it with God’s promise of unconditional love. Bold and raucous, anthems “Are You With Me,” “One Show” and “Old School” send Inhabited’s message to stand united in the face of intimidation.

The album’s first single, “Hush,” written and produced by Marcus and Sara, speaks directly to Inhabited’s young female audience. “Girls are constantly under pressure to measure up to unrealistic standards,” Sara says. “Our culture dictates that if we don’t look a certain way we should ‘fix ourselves’ with surgery or by other unnatural means. I believe there is a priceless beauty in individuality, no matter what that looks like.”

She continues, “our fans might not realize the impact they have on us. Many times their stories inspire our songwriting.” For example, “Song to the Fatherless” tells the true story of a boy who came from an abusive home with no father figure, while his mother was strung out on drugs. “This song is written to kids who have experienced a parent walking out on them. The music carries the lyrics ‘God will never walk out on you! He’ll be the father that you never knew.’”

Offstage Sara keeps in contact with Inhabited’s fans through blogs on its website, giving encouragement and often telling their stories through the band’s music. To further involve fans in its work, Inhabited took a photo booth out on tour to collect pictures for use on the cover of LOVE. “We took the pictures we collected of fans to be used in the artwork. Rather than putting our picture on the cover, we wanted to show our fans the love – that’s who this record is for.”

“We love music and live for that moment on stage when we exchange musical passion with the audience. There is something about connecting to someone’s soul through music – something that’s not coming from us but from the spirit behind our music.”

And that spirit of love in Christ is evident to everyone Inhabited meets. “While some Christians are quick to point the finger, we want to come alongside people and show them love. We are all on a journey of sorts. The important thing is that when we stumble and fall, we get up and keep walking. Yes, Christ came to save us all from our sins, but people will also know Christ by our LOVE.”