“Integreality”

  You may not have heard of this outfit before, but with a sound as intriguing as their debut-album title, and as artistic as it's cover design, there's a fair chance we're going to be hearing more of them. Capstone hail from Ontario, Canada, and have a 'love for making music, and....for offering the gifts we've been given, back to God, who gave them to us'. They
accomplish this by presenting a worship album of true pop ingenuity. I know of no comparable worship medium anywhere, making this reviewer's task all the more difficult!
  Their youthful good looks and fresh innocent pop sounds may lead to comparisons with the plethora of 'boy-bands' rocketing the secular music charts. But hey - these guys write their own highly creative songs (they even did the artwork and graphics), they also play their own instruments, and best of all, they offer songs of worship, not to the god of materialism or success, but to the great Jehovah, the one true God.
  Capstone members claim to be influenced by artists such as Kevin Prosch, Darrell Evans and Lincoln Brewster. (Are there echoes of Evan's 'Freedom' song on Capstone's 'Proclaim'?). Indeed one can detect a similar vein of inventiveness, as these lads seek to open up new musical avenues of worship. But whatever the feeble comparisons, the truth is that this output is unique. The music is not as up-front and rock-oriented as Evans, and not as racy and slick-sounding as Brewster. Rather, their style is more of a med-paced pop nature (with several slower exceptions), and this is sure to give them an even wider appeal than some of their Vertical Record's associates.
  Every track is strong in it's own right, and there's a fair diversity, providing constant interest. Consistently delightful piano fluency, good guitar-playing and tight percussion undergird Joel Auge's tender but highly competent vocals. Some songs are quirky and relatively upbeat, others are gentle and intimate ballads of devotion to the Lord. 'Better' is an outstanding performance, proclaiming the benefits of God's grace. 'Invention' is an unusual piece of creative melodrama. Oh - and there's a short hidden track - sung in French!
  An accomplished debut which is bound to accredit the team high praise. But with 'T-shirts, frisbees, and everything else capstone' already on it's way, lets hope and pray that these guys don't become pop-worship icons, (and that we don't make them so!) but that they remain constantly humble, looking not to their own success or abilities, but ever to the Lord. After all, it is He who is the true original Capstone.

Review by tom lennie

"elements"

  Named after a weekly youth gathering in Calgary, Alberta, Tehilla Monday are a talented bunch of young musicians with a longing, almost a compulsion, to share the faith with which they've been so richly blessed. With the production expertise of one Kent Henry, "Elements" 'encapsulates a touch of what our awesome God is doing among us'.
  The set rockets into action with the 'Wind Song', a stirring anthem which is followed by probably the most beautiful version of the highly popular charismatic cry 'Send the Fire' that I know (words incidentally by William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army). Then, suddenly, the mood turns - and thus remains for the rest of the album - into a more subdued but equally intense expression of worship. Included is a spontaneous piece from the lips of Kent Henry, and 'Burst', with backing from the FA Church Choir. Any one of these songs - all written by members of the band - could be highlighted.
The song titles alone reveal something of the passion contained within each; 'As I Am', 'Beautiful Grace', (delicately sung by the song's writer Cammie Thomas) 'Where You Are', 'My Portion' (with gentle harmonica accompaniment) - all are tender, flowing, and profound.
  The tone of surrender is perhaps best summed up in 'The Vow'; "All I have is you. I give it all away. I've nothing anyway. Move through my veins. You make me breathe. I'm sanctified. Surrendered. I know you love me. It's all I need to know". Simply and beautifully, this says it all.

Review by tom lennie

"Look"

  MercyMe's music has earned the 5-piece team a wide and loyal respect over the last half-decade - a scan through their voluminous web-site guest book is ample evidence of that! - and their 'I can only imagine' hit has received massive radio airplay on Christian stations across the country and beyond. Their new album "Look" is already set to give this tireless band increased prominence, it's song's being promoted by their hugely successful live performances.
  In a similar melodic-pop worship vein to "The Worship Project", this venture carries a truly worshipful atmosphere throughout it's fifty-minute duration. Included are ten new songs (plus a short bonus track) - all written by lead vocalist Bart Millard along with other band members, and an unusual though beautifully pensive rendition of the familiar 'When I survey the wondrous cross'. Original standouts are many and include the catchy opening 'It's alright' and the punchy 'Mighty mighty wind' with it's frenzied synth overlays; along with the shuffle-delicacy of 'Look to the heavens' and the soulful piano-based 'In You' - and that's only to mention the first four tracks! Indeed the good music continues all the way.
  "Look" is an engrossing spiritual experience from start to finish. If you were impressed by the worship tones of their previous release then one thing's for sure - you're certainly going to love this!

"The Worship Project"

  Texas-based Mercyme have been around since 1994, and carry four previous recordings to their collective belt. They are extremely busy as a live act, ministering the love of God in music form to predominantly student audiences throughout America and beyond, and playing over 200 dates a year. Indeed, they have shared stage with the likes of Sixpence None the Richer, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Jars of Clay, Jennifer Knapp and a host more! This however is their first truly worship-centred venture, and to be honest, my first hearing of this talented 5-piece combo. One listen and I can't help
wishing I'd encountered them years ago!
  You may get the impression from hearing the gutsy rock-praise of the opening 'Here for You' that this is a loud, racy album, especially when this is followed by the equally punchy guitar and percussion-driven 'Happy little love song'. That isn't the overall mood though. 'It's my Joy' is a funky slice of organ-backed rejoicing, while 'Cannot say enough' is a gorgeously delicate-flowing worship ballad, deeply moving. There are two Psalms interpretations, but the album's highlight has to be the outstanding 'I can only imagine', based on mind-boggling thoughts of one day meeting God face-to-face. The song begins as a gentle shuffle and rises to an emotional crescendo with powerful vocals, as always, care of lead singer Bart Millard, who in fact wrote all songs featured here bar one. That exception is the closing 'Beautiful' (words by bassist Nathan Cochran), which, like it's predecessor, 'Jesus come quickly' is a deeply reflective piece of worship, totally Christ-focused.
  This is a most accomplished performance, perhaps more similar in style to Canadian Capstone than to other youth-oriented worship groups, yet with a sound fully their own. With original packaging and the provision of guitar chords to all tracks, this is an album with a great, full sound, and I very much recommend it.

Reviews by tom lennie

FLOORED, the premier release from Unimpressed Music, is the first in a series of modern worship recordings from the new Atlanta based label.  John Poitevent, road pastor for the Christian band Third Day, founded the label along with friend Michael Stiles with a vision to serve musicians in their calling.  "The name Unimpressed Music came out of a desire to escape the hype that so often comes with this industry." says Poitevent.  "We just want to help people who are gifted to make music.  We're not here to try to convince anybody of how anointed it is.  If God's in it, people will know.  And if he's not, they don't need to.  The bottom line is, it's not about us.  Don't be impressed with us, be impressed with God."   The idea gained more momentum while he was studying a verse in Revelations.  "At this I fell at his feet to worship him.  But he said to me, "Do not do it!  I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus.  Worship God!  For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10).

An eclectic blend of original worship, the sounds on FLOORED range from acoustic and earthy to modern rock. All of the songs were written and sung by Billy Somerville, worship leader of Vineyard Sunday Night, a genx church based out of the Atlanta Vineyard Christian Fellowship.  "Come and Meet Me", the opening track, sums up the heart of the record best:  "Gathering up my dusty garments I will make the effort, I will run to You the best I know how...Stepping along from stone to stone I will trust you, breathing hard I throw my hands up crying out...Come and meet me once again, come and make your presence known...Come and meet me once again, show me I'm not all alone".

The production duties were taken on by Third Day's David Carr.  It was Carr's second opportunity behind the board, the first being the band's '93 demo tape "Long Time Forgotten".  He also played drums on the project giving his usual solid performance.  "David was a perfect match for what we're trying to do." says Poitevent.  "He has a heart for missions and loves worship.  He was attending Vineyard Sunday Night at the time so he already knew some of the songs."  Carr, Poitevent and Somerville have all served with Youth With A Mission.

Thanks to the exposure from FLOORED, Billy Somerville and others from Vineyard Sunday Night are to record a full-length live album for Vineyard Music’s “Y Worship” series. Look for that release in mid-to-late 2001.

"Live In The Spirit"

  This live worship experience comes over with a vibrancy and sense of immediacy that almost shocks you. This is 'now' music, Generation X sounds with such a compelling quality that you'd really better not listen to the recording unless you're prepared to be seriously challenged, and seriously drawn into a 'deeper' place with God. For such is power of "The Well".
  Two worship acts participate - Mel Thiessen and members of Strangely Dim (including Paul Hiebert who wrote one song and did the arrangements for another) - and Flood, headed by Mike Larson, who also composed some of the material utilized by the group here. Each team's music is interspersed throughout rather than split into two distinct sections; thus coherence and unity are obtained.
  Mel's ethereal vocals (reminiscent somewhat of Jamie Eichler) make poignant expression of Cindy Rethemier's 'Great is the Lord's Love' and Mel's own 'All Will Rise', the delicate 'Take Me Now' and her atmospheric 'I Know'. Flood, on the other hand, shower in with the rock-based sounds of Here We Stand' (great guitars from Scott Rogers), but also deliver the soulful groove of 'More of You' and the sensitive 'You're All I Want', both written by Scott.
  This is demanding music with equally demanding lyrics. The recording is, we are told, reflective of the intimacy and passion that the Lord has showered on The Well service since it began in 1997. You too, will be both challenged and blessed as you quench your spiritual thirst at this wellspring of delights.

Review by tom lennie

"Among Thorns"

  The last few years have seen the appearance of a proliferation of rock-worship albums from the likes of Sonic Flood, Tree, Yfriday, Jim Stern, Seth Peterson and many others. Among Thorns are also firmly within this category, though rather than seeking fame and fortune by jumping on the rock-worship bandwagon, the heart's desire of these guys is to glorify God by leading a new generation into worship and praise. Indeed, although this is their debut recording, they have been together for over four years, playing at summer camps, youth conferences etc.
  This self-titled debut sees the group perform a collection of their own material, all songs in fact written by lead vocalist Jason Harrison and guitarist Darin Slesser (Jason Parish co-writing the heart-cry 'I will call'). There are some gutsy rock cuts at the start, as well as pop sounds in the delightful 'Rise up'. The team then lead into more intimate expressions of worship on the second part of the album. 'Embrace this place' is an endearing delight, and 'Holy Spirit' too is a sincere statement of availability to God. A couple of sensitive bonus tunes are also on offer.
  The music here (especially those latter tracks) is truly worshipful. With good production care of Jay Hall, "Among Thorns" is an accomplished debut recording.

Review by tom lennie

“The Burn Service”

  Take a weekly worship event aimed mainly at 18-30 year olds, located in central coastal California. Choose three talented young worship leaders by the names of Darren Clarke, Ryan Delmore and Jessie Lane. Capture on disc the electrifying 'live' sound that emerges, and you have one hot potato of an album by the name of "The Burn Service". Part of the Five Cities Vineyard, Arroyo Grande, CA, and released on the Y Worship label, a subsidiary of the Vineyard Music Group, this 'service' comprises in main the lyrical output of that creative trio, Clarke, Delmore and Lane. Though nearly all new songs, a couple of tracks here were first featured on 'Touching the Father's Heart' Vol. 37 at the beginning of '99, Vineyard's boldest release to date in that series.
  This project is perhaps even more 'raw' still, rocketing into action with a couple of fiery numbers, with more to follow (for example the delightful upbeat 'Shepherd'). But it's not all powerful rock-worship; numerous musical forms are served up. For example, there's a country-esque piece in 'Real Love', the enigmatic style of 'Friend', and several slower and more intimate expressions as in 'Father' and 'I Will Praise You'.
  These fresh sounds are obviously aimed at the under 30-somethings. But with deep, uncompromising lyrics, passionate vocals, and an overall edgy feel, this is designed to shake each of us from any spiritual complacency, whatever our age. It is indeed most encouraging to hear Christian youth producing not just such innovative and competent music, but also showing such a deep yearning for the purposes of God. I recommend this disc.

Review by tom lennie

"Worship from the Waterfall"

  Things certainly seem to be stirring on the worship music front in Canada; there's an incredible array of talented worship musicians in evidence; some have been well known for years, others are relative newcomers. I'm thinking of artists such as Brian Doerksen, Andrew Smith, Dan Thiessen, John Finnochio, and youth groups like Capstone and Tehilla Monday.
  The youthful Joshua Mills can also be added to the list, seen here showcasing a lengthy collection from his song-writing repertoire. While Josh also plays keyboards throughout (and with great ability), lead vocals on all tracks are sensitively performed by Kate Tamburo. What a beautiful voice this woman has. The songs are generally gentle and deeply inspiring, though 'I've come expecting' and 'Rejoice..' have more of a joyful bounce. Songs like 'Waterfall of Love' and 'The One' move along in gorgeous characteristic flow. 'Surrender my heart' is, as it's title suggests, of an even deeper nature and really speaks to the heart.
  Numerous other tracks could be highlighted, especially those towards the close of the album - tender inspiring worship, aimed at soothing and encouraging and challenging the heart and soul. For me this recording well achieves it's aim.

Review by tom lennie