Nashville’s Finding Favor entered the Christian music major leagues with the endorsement of TobyMac, who signed the quartet. On its own merits, the band’s self-titled debut EP makes a strong impression thanks to its crisp, uplifting sound and Spirit-informed lyrics. Blake NeeSmith handles his lead vocalist duties with an easy confidence, combining John Mayer–like soulful charm with a believer’s spiritual passion. His way with a narrative story-song comes through on “Slip on By,” a bittersweet tune about family ties drawn from the memories of NeeSmith’s grandfather. Finding Favor shows its folk leanings in the boisterous “Shake the World" and an ability to combine pop balladry with a worship message in the stirring “Hallelujah We Shall Rise.” The redemptive content of the band’s message is best revealed in “Love Stepped In” (the album’s most R&B-steeped number) and “Hero” (a pop-rocker with a slight country accent). NeeSmith, guitarist Allen Dukes, bassist Dustin Daniels, and drummer Josh Duckworth interact with an unforced chemistry, enhanced by producer Rod Hawkins’ clean-edged sonics and tasteful use of strings.