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Now here's a most intriguing case of East meets West! (viz. Eastern Europe/Western Canada), the result of young families Lang and Biech
moving from Abbotsford, BC to engage in missions work in the town of Navodari, Romania. Steve Lang and Mark Biech, who make up the vocal duo Lu-mi-nos, would regularly lead worship in a small local house group,
aided by Romanian friends from the group Miercuri si Vineri (Wednesday & Friday). Worship would rise up spontaneously; 'Steve would sing out something that he needed to say to God, or Mark would start singing a prayer
that was deep within his spirit. The two of us would start to echo each other or sing two songs simultaneously and before we knew it, a new song was being written from the Lord'.
Take off Your Shoes captures some
of this spontaneous worship, albeit in a home-made studio setting, and I must say, the quality of both individual songs and overall sound captured is of surprisingly impressive standard. Eight simple melodies, with occasional added
verse, and all purely focused on Jesus, are unhurriedly and most effectively delivered, often drawn out timewise (most tracks last 6 mins+), as musicians are carried along in a sensitive wave of adoration (in their home-worship
times, 'hours would often pass and we would still not have finished the same song'!). Tunes may sound a touch repetitive or samey to some, but it's very difficult not to sense that these songs are indeed Spirit-led, each
piece further enhanced by wonderful (layered) vocal harmonies from Mark, Steve and daughter Stephanie Lang, and by utterly stunning lead guitar solos from Daris Mangal and Tudor Toropoc.
The totally impromptu
'Take me away' is the most ethereal and breathtaking piece on the set, with it's haunting guitar supplications and rise in emotional intensity; while the simple, closing 'Jesus' carries Eastern Orthodox chant-like tones
overlying a striking contemporary rock rhythm.
Inspiring sounds that are thoughtful, heart-felt and innovative. The cover pic too holds a similar intrigue and charm to the music it represents, depicting the main
entrance to a 14th Century Lutheran church in Brasov, Transylvania. Why not take off your shoes and enter in - without a doubt you'll find yourself standing on holy ground.
Review by tom lennie
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