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It Has Its Ups and Downs | Posted November 21, 2011
“Abide in Me… for apart from Me, you can do nothing.” - John 15:5.
This is the key scripture upon which one of CCM’s latest up-and-comers, Branch, is founded. The group, made up of husband/wife team Steven and Rachael Patterson, as well as Josh Jones (drums) and Levi Bradford (guitar), formed as they attended college in Abilene, Texas, leading worship for small Bible study gatherings. It wasn’t long however, before the vision of the band expanded, and they found themselves traveling around the world, sharing their message of hope and faith in Jesus through worship and song.
Having already produced a handful of projects over the years, the group’s latest effort, Up Down and Inbetween, comes as a fresh drink of water—not only because it’s their first project in several years, but also, because it bears a message unlike anything they’ve had before.
“This record speaks of joyful truths,” says the group about the project, “anthems that desperately cry out for help, and songs that remind me of my smallness and God’s greatness.”
Truthful anthems and desperate praise—those statements describe this record in a nutshell.
The plain yet dramatic “Come Alive” starts the album on an airy and honest note. It comes as a stirring challenge to a hardened church to awaken as the bride of Christ, and will leave the listener fully engulfed in worship. The lively “Louder” sings of God’s praise literally surrounding us, both in nature and in our own lives.
Lone female member Rachel Patterson takes the reigns of lead vocals next on a cover of Fee‘s “Glory To God Forever,“ taking a song which has become an instant classic in the Church and transforming it into something spectacular and completely their own.
“Victory,” while a moving worship song, is also a beautiful reminder to the believer that all guilt and shame was removed the day Jesus died for us, taking us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. Acoustic and folk driven “Sing Along” comes as a song of promise for all those who place their trust in God. This style of music suits lead vocalist Steven Patterson’s voice well, and it’s a style I hope to see them pursue more in future music.
“Eternity,” co-penned by singer/songwriter Josh Wilson (as are a majority of songs on this album), serves as a simple thought: We try to gain so much on Earth, knowing we can’t take it with us, while all along, the treasures we sore up in Heaven are worth far more, a complex and gripping thought to say the least.
The namesake of the project, “Up Down And Inbetween,” takes from Ecclesiastes 3, talking about how in every season of our lives, both up, down, and in between, there is always a reason to praise God. The melodic and moving “Here” comes as an honest cry to God, telling Him of our loneliness and despair, asking Him if He is even there for us as we walk through the valleys of life. As raw of a song as it is, it leaves the listener with hope in the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us, those tough times giving us the opportunity to stretch our trust in Him.
“The Lord’s Prayer” comes as just that. With the lyrics are taken straight from scripture, this is undeniably the highlight of this record. Piano driven on the front end and built up with perfectly seasoned strings and drums, this is a song that will leave you speechless. “O Sink My Heart” and “More” are both very simplistic, coming as straightforward songs of surrender unto God, and once more, show you the heart behind this band.
The album comes to a close with the powerful tune, “Returning,” which speaks of the return of a prodigal son or daughter, and how the tender heart of their forgiving Father leads them to stay surrendered at His feet forevermore. It’s an outstanding song, and a wonderful way to end a wholly abandoned album of praise and worship to our almighty Creator.
Closing Thoughts:
For a number of years in Christian music, it almost looked as if worship artists were becoming an “endangered species,” with our being left primarily with large congregational albums. As amazing as many of those large congregational albums are however, in the last several years, not only has worship music made a comeback, but beyond that, we’ve seen a number of bands and artists rise up and create powerful and innovative songs of praise that shake heavens and move the hearts of believers globally. Among many of these bands and artists still emerging, Branch is one of them, and one that is undoubtedly going to make a large splash in the genre.
Up Down And In Between is a well-crafted and beautifully themed record with a powerful and evident heart behind it. Honestly, there aren’t too many bells and whistles to be found; it’s very simple and straightforward. That might come as a turn-off to some faced-paced, high-energy worship fans, but for those of you who are looking for project filled with sweet moments of intimate worship, this is the album for you. Branch is a band I would most definitely keep my eye on in 2012. Big things lie ahead for them, and if this is just the beginning, I expect what comes next to be nothing short of brilliant.
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