Atlantic recording group Needtobreathe makes a powerful homecoming with their eagerly anticipated second album, “The Heat.” The record sees the South Carolina-based rock outfit digging into their down-home roots to create a remarkably passionate and personal new collection. Songs such as the acoustic-tinged “Again” and the rejoiceful “Signature of Divine (Yahweh)” see the band melding warm, organic textures to their powerful brand of skyscraping, heartfelt rock. With “The Heat,” Needtobreathe blazes a new musical trail, revealing not just the depth of its spirit, but the far reaches of its soul.

Raised up in Possum Kingdom, South Carolina, the sons of an Assembly of God pastor, brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart developed an early enthusiasm for music, learning piano from their mom, then moving on to guitar in their teens. As they grew older, the brothers walked different paths – Bear pursued college football, earning several all-time Furman University records and winning the 2002 Banks McFadden trophy, while Bo studied architecture at Clemson. Despite their respective successes, the Rineharts still dreamt of making music. After graduation, Bear and Bo returned home to Seneca, South Carolina, and, with drummer Joe Stillwell and bassist Seth Bolt completing the quartet, devoted their considerable energies to Needtobreathe. Upon signing to Atlantic, Needtobreathe headed to the UK to record their debut album, “Daylight.” The band toured nearly non-stop following the album’s 2006 release, criss-crossing America as headliners as well as supporting such artists as Train, Jars of Clay, Edwin McCain, and Collective Soul.