Rend Collective Experiment [Campfire]
Posted January 20, 2013
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, 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. Several standout songs reflect the brilliance of Campfire, my favorite live worship album since Cornerstone by Hillsong LIVE. After opening track, “Kumbaya,” “Come On My Soul” grabs listeners with the gang vocals and musical style which crescendos to a worshipful chorus and call to worship. "Desert Soul” and “Build Your Kingdom Here” compare favorably to the hit GRAMMY nominated worship song "Beautiful Things" by Gungor, including harmonious male and female vocals and incredible musicianship. “Movements” is an amazing song. 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 Are My Vision" is a gorgeous re-write of the classic hymn, "Be Thou My Vision," and will have you singing at the top of your lungs. "You Bled" is a stunning re-write of the classic hymn, "I Stand Amazed." "Second Chance" 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—"Oh Your Cross it changes everything, there my world begins again with You, Oh Your Cross it's where my hope re-starts, A second chance is Heaven's Heart." Amen! This album displays plenty of vertical corporate worship choruses and reflective worshipful songs similar to The City Harmonic, Hillsong UNITED and Gungor. The worship experience climaxes with gorgeous versions of “10,000 Reasons” and “Praise like Fireworks.”
"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
Campfire is the kind of unique worship album I've only dreamed was possible and is an incredible follow-up to Rend Collective Experiment’s stellar studio albums. Themes of redemption, devotion and celebration make this a complete worship experience with musical soundscapes that span from The City Harmonic and Gungor to Mumford & Sons and Snow Patrol. There are several standout songs including "Come On,” "Desert Soul," "Build Your Kingdom Here," "Movements," "You Are My Vision," "Second Chance” and “Praise Like Fireworks." This album perfectly balances the energy of seeing this band live with a worshipful musical ambience. This is surely one of the top worship albums ever made. Campfire is truly a memorable worship experience. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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