"Open"

  North of England worship group YFriday began causing quite a stir in Britain with the release of their debut album "Rainmaker" in 1999. This anticipated follow-up has a more rounded feel than it's rawer-edged predecessor - and with stirring hook-lines that are wonderfully infectious, the band purvey an accessible pop-rock sound that truly rocks'n'rolls!
  Lead vocalist Ken Riley wrote all songs, unleashing them here with a gutsy passion. So follows the captivating punch of tunes like 'Creator', 'At the cross' and 'Head over heels', which reveals a sound similar to the delightful pop-frenzy of All Star United. Tracks like 'Praise', with it's evocative syths, and the vibey 'Joy' continue in a quirky vein, the latter ably displaying Ken's vocal range. Then there's the exalting 'Glory', a stirring anthem of worship, as is also the flowing 'Shelter'; while the acoustic-based 'I love you' and 'Carry me' are deeply sensitive ballads, spiritually poignant both.
  There's no question that YFriday are as talented as any of the rock-worship bands currently in vogue - perhaps most comparable to the melodic praise-tones of MercyMe - and in my opinion this is the best album of it's genre to emerge within the UK. The band's popularity is growing week-by-week, as can be readily seen from their increasingly busy touring
schedule. Given the strength of "Open", it not hard to see why!

Review by tom lennie

“Take Me There” 

  How does a worship event end up not being just a “rock concert?”  This has to be the question asked by the many bands now moving into progressive rock worship. Delirious? , Sonic Flood and Third Day have managed to successfully accomplish this and the band FOUND can also add themselves to this esteemed list, with their live aggressive worship release “take me there.”
  So turn up the system loud folks it’s a wild ride if you are ready!  From the opening intro we are launched into “Destination praise.”  A dynamic opening song about being created “to praise God.”  Richy Clark, singer and writer of most of the tracks, has a powerful, emotive voice.  His songs avoid falling into any Christian cliché’s. He squeezes the praise for God from every inch of these tunes and is supported by a tight dynamic band with some early U2 sounding guitars; brooding keyboards and solid drum work.
  This album could easily fit into the Ardent Worship series, closely resembling the Skillet offering.  Youth worship bandleaders could find some good songs to cover here, although they will need good rock n’ roll hearted musician’s to carry them!  Some of the strongest tracks are Waken,  Take me there, You are my God and Prepare the way.  Their website reports that on the last tour this band of young enthusiastic worshippers changed 700 lives!  This CD will give you a window into what is happening in many churches as young people realize they can praise God loudly and with sincerity.
  “Praise from a passionate people, a love sick people!” cries Richy Clark and FOUND make you wish you had been right there in the front row!

Review by Bill Mason

Never Looking Back-Live worship from a Burn Service

  In 1999 the release of HUNGRY from Vineyard UK raised the bar for the many Vineyard worship bands throughout North America.  Since then there has been some noticeable changes in the quest to produce a live worship experience with consistent and strong songs and component musicianship throughout. Even to the point of revamping the artwork on many of the covers, all of these things are a bonus to us listeners! This new CD following on from the original Burn service has taken the baton and run the race.

  The CD opens with “How we love You.”  a Neil Young type of laid back rock song with some fine harmonica work. We then go through a number of medium tempo songs. A noteworthy tune is, “Safe in Your hands,” filled with attractive guitar hooks, radiating throughout the song and complimenting the worship leaders voices as they stand in awe of the Father’s love. They are strong songs that set a typical Vineyard feel to the project and grow on you with repeated listening.

  I felt that the CD reached a highpoint with “You are Wonderful.”  This slow, thoughtful worship song features the audience in strength, “raising their voices in worship.”  The musician’s have pulled back allowing piano and guitar to lead the song, “I adore You, bow before You, how I love You, Jesus, Jesus.”  “Precious Sacrifice,” is a classic Vineyard. Enjoy the beautiful guitar work and worshipful lyrics, the dynamics of the song, building and falling, making your heart of worship beat faster. “Go on loving You.” credits Brenton Brown, with Brian and Joyce Doerkson  plus the inclusion of a Jeff Searles song adds a change of style to the record.

  Two older songs are included. I particularly enjoyed the slowed down version of “Hosanna.” So often this worship song is speeded up, even launched into techno land, but this one has a majestic feel, as it speaks of the grandeur of our God who we all worship.  In the past I have listened to Vineyard CD’s and felt that there were many mediocre “B” songs yet hidden among them were three or four diamonds! This offering from the Burn service gives me much hope that things are getting a lot better!  The CD may not be a fully fledged blaze, but indeed is a slow, smoldering fire. Worth checking out!

Review by Bill Mason

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