NEW MUSIC
SELECTIVE HEARING | Robert Berman
JOHN MARK MCMILLAN SIERRA HULL FLAME
Peopled with Dreams 25 Trips Extra Nox
It’s another home run for the rugged-voiced poet Her latest collection finds this three-time national Did Flame begin the year 2019 expecting his
McMillan. Coming off a previous album which champion mandolinist splitting the difference copyright infringement lawsuit against Katy Perry
he now describes as “a crisis of faith,” the newly between virtuoso instrumental bits and catchy to catapult his name into broad public awareness?
resolute McMillan delivers a punchy yet thoughtful singer/songwriter fare. A regular member of Either way, the year 2020 finds him taking several
collection of earthly rock inquisitions concerning Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” simultaneous unexpected turns on his hip-hop
man’s place in God’s universe. Heavy drums, band and a graduate of Berklee College of odyssey. He’s stripped arrangements way back
complex splashing piano chords, and choral Music, Hull has been turning ears with her music from the bombastic, guest-star laden 2018 “God
backing are the order of the day. Running through since childhood. Like restless fellow newgrass/ Knows” album. His lyrics take a radical dive into
an album whose title comes from Scottish poet progressive folk child prodigies Chris Thile and extended discourse, unfolding a single thought
Robert Bain, one finds the repeated notion that Sarah Jarosz, Hull casts a wide stylistic net; live in over the course of many lines. Those thoughts have
we originate in the mind of God; Earth therefore is concert (the best way to hear such improvisational been profoundly shaped by his recently concluded
peopled with God’s dreams-made-real. First track masters) you’re as likely to hear a cover of Tears studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, with
“Christ Jesus” opens with the “Who are we?” for Fears or Curtis Mayfield as of Bill Monroe. five tracks on the unlikely theme of “Let’s compare
theme of Psalm 8. “Juggernaut” follows up with a That same eclectic ethos powers this set of and contrast Lutheran and Calvinist soteriology.”
celebration of Spring’s affirmation of unstoppable original songs, aided by songwriting friends like The album title sets the mood; “Extra Nos” is
new life. “Cousin John” imagines Jesus writing a Cindy Morgan and Mindy Smith. Album opener Latin for “outside of ourselves,” meaning that God
letter to his imprisoned, dejected relative; forgive “Beautifully out of Place” starts things off right saves us not because of who we are but because
the “Don’t lose your head” pun. “Bright Abyss” with a hopeful lyric about imperfection, a hooky of who Christ is, as expanded on the track “Good
applies that same theme of encouragement to refrain, and the first (but not last) musical surprises Works.” Two spoken word tracks (without beats,
a contemporary friend and looks toward the along the way. The title track, one of her several that is) walk through recent events in Flame’s life
Advent of better things, as do the slightly mellower explorations of twentysomething life (25 trips and his passion for understanding the plan of
“Pilgrim” and guitar-driven “Everything New.” “God around the sun, referring to her age), rides a salvation more deeply. “2KR” reviews the three
Is Young” expands on G.K. Chesterton’s famous funky start-stop groove through Phrygian chord uses of God’s law in the lives of men (showing
thought that sin leaves men jaded and capable changes. “Envy” calls out one of the seven deadly us our sin, giving the ideal of holiness toward
of a boredom foreign to God’s eternal delight. sins for special caution; “Everybody’s Talkin’” takes which Christians aspire, and protecting men from
McMillan doesn’t flinch from the hard questions: aim at gossip and worry. “Father Time” gently calls harm). Heard of Coram Deo living? Listen to “Ordo
“I've got no answers for hurt knees or cancers, but us to special care for the elderly, closing with the Salutis” to get schooled in Coram Mundo. One
a Savior who suffers them with me.” There’s not a Westminster chimes. Instrumental selection “The can debate how fairly Flame represents some
bad track among the eleven here, but “Hammering Last Minute” is eminently hummable, not just theological details he no longer embraces, but
Heart” may be the highlight, punctuated by falsetto blazingly impressive. Vocals clearly recall but do credit him with contributing to a yet higher level of
cries and synth horns in honor of God’s terrifying not copy Alison Krauss. The Orchardist, Nickel CHH discourse. Until somebody organizes a rap-
sovereignty over nature. Creek, and Arcadian Wild fans, take note of this off between Flame and Shai Linne, this will do.
new favorite. Robert Berman
Robert is a Sunday School teacher, music nerd,
and acoustic guitar enthusiast. He lives in rural
Tennessee with his wife and three boys.
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April 2020
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