With These Gifts, Thicker Than Water (Schmit Bros.)

This Christian rock band made up of brothers from Flint, Mich. has your basic commercial hard rock sound, and for 2012 they've joined the Christmas fray with this extended EP they intend to use to support Toys For Tots. Seven songs, of which three appear to be their own originals, the uptempo "Christmas Bells" and the more reflective "Love Wears a Crown" and the title song. They also render good rock-oriented versions of "Do You Hear What I Hear," "O Come O Come Emanuel," "Away In a Manger," featuring a guest vocal from Tara Philip, and "Joy To the World." A solid collection of tunes for the holiday.