Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, Rend Collective Experiment’s acclaim began at home as a movement of 20-somethings that has now begun to spread across Europe to the Americas and beyond. The modern worship sounds of this band are receiving praise as the debut album, Organic Family Hymnal, hits stores.
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Rend Collective Experiment [Organic Family Hymnal]| Posted February 08, 2011
Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, Rend Collective Experiment?s acclaim began at home as a movement of 20-somethings that has now begun to spread across Europe to the Americas and beyond. Charting a unique course, Rend Collective Experiment is a group of friends collectively wondering how to make sense of the conundrum of life, God and community. What Rend Collective Experiment?s 15-plus members add to the conversation are melodies, harmonic progression and lyrics that are Scriptural and contemporary, fresh and ancient. I grew up without a personal relationship with Jesus and only listened to mainstream music. When Ireland's U2 released "Where The Streets Have No Name" from The Joshua Tree in 1987, I didn't have an eternal perspective on life but I fell in love with Brit-Rock music. As a new believer in 1999, Delirious? hooked me with "Deeper" and now having retired the torch is passed to Rend Collective Experiment.
Several standout songs reflect the brilliance of this incredible album, my favorite worship album since Church Music by David Crowder*Band. The opening track ?Come On My Soul? grabbed me with the gang vocals and musical style which crescendos to a worshipful chorus. The album just captivates me with every song, as it flows into ?Faithful,? which features a guest vocal by David Crowder. First single ?Movements? is one of the best worship songs I?ve ever heard. I?m completely convicted by the strong lyrics and find immense comfort in this song filled with biblical truth. I am especially comforted by the truth of the lyrics of the song which comes straight from Isaiah 40:30-31. ?You Bled? is a gorgeous re-write of the classic hymn, ?I Stand Amazed,? and will have you singing at the top of your lungs. "Above Everything Else? reminds me of a Snow Patrol song, and is one of the other rocking songs on the album before it closes with several reflective worshipful songs. This album is truly a worship experience and is very sincere.
?Everything we do is growing in a natural, non-manufactured environment,? band leader Gareth Gilkeson shares. ?Rend was a student movement representing numerous churches, and the ?collective? grew out of that. The songs came from an organic environment, searching after the heart of God. We wanted to reflect what God was doing and teaching us, and offer that up for the rest of the world to hear.? As for the group?s unusual moniker, Rend Collective Experiment is a nod to the places in Scripture where it says to ?rend your hearts? and not your garments,? a bold call to be genuine."
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This is the kind of unique worship album I've only dreamed was possible. If you like "God of this City" by Bluetree, this album is for you. There are several standout songs, "Come On My Soul," "Faithful," "You Bled," "Exalt," "Above Everything Else," "Too Much" and "Movements," which is one of my all time favorite worship songs.
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