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With three highly acclaimed recordings behind them (plus a fine conference 'collection'), expectations for Vineyard UK to
come up with the goods once again are high, and the pressure on them intense. Do they rise to the challenge? Yes indeed - and by a subtle change of direction. The first two albums were radical and exciting; Surrender, though
still hot, lost a touch of that early flair. But by a progression in style Holy
again holds true cutting edge dynamism, capturing sharp, edgier sounds by way of state-of-the-art programming and bringing into play fresh artistic crop from the Vineyard fold, while yet retaining much vintage fare!
With 14 new songs and 70 minutes running time, this disc is bursting with energy and innovation (in fact, writers, worship leaders and musicians from
no less than 10 Vineyard churches took part in the project)! Co-producer, Brenton Brown kicks off with some Brit-rock praise (ala Soul Survivor) via his focus on the Cross, vitalised by Andrew Philips' creative loops and keyboard
atmospherics, a vibrant presence on numerous tracks. 'What a love' is a tasty, upbeat forerunner to the blistering title cut, a simple anthem (inspired by a Brenton dream) with stacked guitars and an irresistible,
give-it-all praise-chorus. We're gonna be hearing many covers of this one in months to come! The raw, gritty vocals of guitarist Marc James take prominence here and again on the desperate heart-cries of his beautiful 'Shine'
and 'Don't want to grieve you', while 'New day' gives further airing to Brown's song-writing/vocal innovation, being a slice of joyful funk with beatmaster scratching and popadom drum effects!
Indeed it's this experiment with textures and styles that gives Holy its vibrant edge. Guitars and synth are used to remarkable effect on Vicky Beeching's 'Awesome God', while gentler synth-accordion and
baritone guitar attend Wendy O Connel's gorgeously meditational 'Redeemed', her slightly quaky voice also leading on the adorational and totally acoustic 'Above all else'. The equally unplugged 'What love is this'
holds a tender shuffle rhythm and brings Vineyard newcomer Dan Chadney to lead vocals, also writing and fronting the mesmerising 'You are my shelter', a forceful guitar-soaked declaration of security in God. Not to be
outdone, Sam Lane - another new name - closes the set with the driving thrust of 'So near', which youth-oriented thrash proves beyond doubt that the Vineyard crew have no fear of casting their worship nets into wider seas.
While rehearsals included playing in a country barn during a thunderstorm(!), the actual night of recording was equally exciting, with God's fearful presence being strongly sensed by the 400 worshippers who came from
all over the UK. If you want to use these songs in your own church, a CD-ROM gives printable guitar chords, tablature and overhead masters. If you want to catch the energetic pulse of the Holy team live, they will be touring
in Britain over the next few months. Then again, if what you seek is a permanent account of this team's passionate creativity, then all is signed and sealed on this worthy disc. Be invigorated, be impressed - Holy
is a blaster!
Review by tom lennie |
