NEW MUSIC
SELECTIVE HEARING | Robert Berman
OWL CITY JONATHAN GABRIEL MASTERS THE CHOIR
Cinematic The Spirit and the Bride Kissers and Killers (Acoustic)
2018 finds the one-man-band of Adam Young “Hear the echo of the Savior’s loss. It is the As one of the most lauded bands in the world
in a deeply biographical mood. “The 5th of measure of what love can cost.” Fans of Josh of Christian rock since the mid-1980s, The
July” covers his family, birth, and childhood. “Fiji Garrels, The Lumineers, and John Mark Nelson Choir have seen many a music trend come and
Water” recalls moments from his early career. will want to investigate this debut album. go. In 1993 they put away their echo pedals,
Other tracks give a travelog of his journeys and Masters starts with an acoustic guitar base pursuing a distorted noise-rock sound instead
life experiences just in their titles: “Montana,” with double tracked vocals and adds layers of the Cocteau Twins/U2 sonics of their first
“Madeline Island,” “New York City.” A new rasp of lush instrumentation: strings, ambient steel four releases. The result was the independent
colors his vocals, but the overall sound is as guitar (think Rocket Man, not country music), release Kissers and Killers, a meditation on
spritely and hopeful as ever, and as always and horns. And the tunes? This is one of those love, lunacy, and other human imperfections.
there’s plenty to hum along with. The crowd- albums where, on a first listen, I think I’ve heard It became the basis for the economy-sized
pleasing “All My Friends” mixes unexpected my favorite. And then I hear the next song, and Speckled Bird album, which followed soon after.
semi-rap with acoustic guitar textures. And yes, I’m no longer so sure. Scripture runs strong in In 2010 when the De-plumed “acoustic career
he still loves nature (the delightfully metaphorical the album’s themes. “Always Wanting” reflects overview” album remade XX Choral tunes, only
“House Wren.”) Hooks? Yes. Happiness? Yes. on our lack of contentment, based on Matthew one track from K&K was included. That deficit
Owl City? Yes. 6:25-34. “How is it that the birds, they fly up has now been corrected with this acoustic
in the air… and I am always wanting?” Other remake of the entire eight song collection.
topics include the call of Nathaniel, the struggle Some acoustic remakes are known more for
against sin, and the hope of the New Earth. what they remove from the original track, but
Masters shows his mastery of both guitar and this one adds while subtracting. “Gripped” now
Scripture. When your friends ask aloud where features saxophone and Beatlesque harmonies
the good new music is, point them here. to one of Steve Hindalong’s best love songs.
“Amazing” is enhanced by xylophone, while the
title track and “Weather Girl” now sport a cello
line. Derri Daugherty’s vocals are admirably
untouched by the 25 year gap, still ringing
as pure and bright as ever. This is not just an
album for super-fan completists, but for anyone
who appreciates acoustic music and a well-
expressed turn of phrase.
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August 2018
WorshipMusician.com