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Sovereign Productions have been on the cutting edge of Christian contemporary music in recent years, with innovative releases
from the likes of Violet Burning, Rock'n'Roll Worship Circus and Kate Miner; but this is their first local-church worship venture. The creative energy of Inland Vineyard, Corona, CA, Water releases some fresh new songs from within the fellowship, along with a few impressive newies
drawn from other sources.
What immediately strikes me is the lyrical and melodic simplicity of most songs - the album as a
whole carrying a nostalgic feel that is strangely reminiscent of those early Vineyard releases from the mid-late eighties! Another notable feature is the overall absence of full throttle pop/rock praise tunes, an
essential aspect to virtually all modern worship recordings! Certainly there are upbeat moments; the rousing 'I see Your glory' being wonderfully anthemic, and both 'All I need' and the opening title-track
having a warm, steady flow, enriched by fine group vocals - all three set to become highly popular in congregational settings! Further, 'Be glorified', sung here - though not composed - by Kate Miner and aided by
husband David, holds a rootsy rock edge, though, like the closing bonus track taken from Kate's Live From the Strip album, moves at an intense, moderate pace (the Miner's lead worship at nearby Malibu Vineyard,
but are often guest leaders at Inland events).
Other tracks - usually overlying infectious loops / programming from Sovereign's Scott Mallone and Tim White - are decidedly ambient, relating profound
spiritual expressions of brokenness and humility. Most incisive among these are Keimi Wilson's gorgeous harmonies on Cindy Rethmeir's 'I bow down' and again on the stilling 'Who is like you', written by
Maranatha's Carla White (and part-recorded in Northern Ireland, oddly enough!).
Mallone and White excellently produce the job, the two also providing most of the guitar sounds. And, despite the variety of
writers and musical contributors to the disc, things all come marvellously together as a deeply inspiring and unified whole. You'll love these truly cool, refreshing sounds - it's Water to quench thirsty hearts!
Review by tom lennie
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