Fresh Sounds

Here's a couple of new records that I'm really loving right now.

First is the new one from Rend Collective Experiment: Homemade Worship By Handmade People. RCE consists of a core of five people from Ireland who collaborate with many others. As a result the sounds and songs are many and varied. Accordians and acoustic guitars to toy piano, brass instruments, banjo and various unconventional percussion instruments (garbage cans and more), sit alongside the usual rock band instruments to produce some very compelling orchestration.

At the heart of it all though is a real heart for worship. Honest lyrics that aren't afraid to say things in unexpected ways, fresh arrangements that range from gentle and intimate to soaring declarations and raucous celebrations, this is really interesting music that rings with authenticity. I love it!

Here's a short video that introduces what they are about.


The second is Be Lifted High - Live Worship from Bethel Church. What I love about the Bethel team is that they take us into the presence of God and are in no hurry to leave. The production is big and clean, but the songs are mostly very simple and singable, inviting you to get lost in the moment, to linger and to love on God.

 

There are five different lead vocalists on this record and they are all amazing. While they all "perform" flawlessly, I truly get the impression through the music that their singing is an extension of who they are as real life worshipers.

There is a real prophetic edge to this music (these people, this church!) that stirs up faith in me. Let's face it - we all need that!