NEW MUSIC
SELECTIVE HEARING | Robert Berman
ZACH WILLIAMS HALF-ALIVE Rescue Story Now, Not Yet The eagerly anticipated sequel to 2016’s Like a good book or film, a good album can The album’s lyrics are full of questions. “Will I
breakthrough “Chain Breaker” finds Williams take you on a roller coaster ride. Where have always know this divide?” “God, are you awake
cooking up an economical (35 minute) serving we been? What lies around the next corner? In at night?” “Should I flee to the mountains”
of southern-tinged rock. He’s got the slow-burn the spirit of eclectic bands like The Bird and the (Matthew 24) “Tell me why I feel this way.” “Have
anthems (“Walk With You,”) the gang vocal Bee, twentyone pilots and Vampire Weekend, I misplaced a part of my soul?” “What defines
breakdown (“Less Like Me”), the gospel choir the trio known as Half-Alive blends a delightful and describes your worth?” Good questions.
(“Rescue Story”, “Baptized”, “Heaven Help mish-mash of influences from 70’s soul and Spoken word track “The Notion” finds British
Me”), the Staxy horns (“Stand Up”), and the disco to modern electronica. It’s a fun trip that Gucci model Liz Ord expressing surprise that
blistering guitar solo (“Save to Nothing”). Most leaves the listener eager for the next curve, the “everybody on your tour had faith.” Album
of the time Williams speaks of his “rescue” in next swoop and dip. closer expresses the clearest sentiment of life
general Psalm-like terms of distress, relief, and
surrendered to God, with lines like “Humanity
transformation, but the powerful “Under My The lyrics find lead singer/songwriter Josh is not alone when Jesus Christ sits on the
Feet” rebukes the Accuser with a reminder that Taylor wrestling with fears and faith. “Still Feel” throne.” It’s nothing short of astonishing for
“everything you meant for guilt, the cross has is about “the hand of God gripping me in my work like this to get a hearing in mainstream
met with grace… I think it’s time you meet my darkest hour.” When “Runaway” invites us to hipster culture. So much the better that the
Maker.” Dolly Parton’s always-welcome voice find “truth inside the promise, ‘It Is Well’” refers music is worth such attention.
joins in for “There Was Jesus.” “Baptized” to a classic hymn. “Lord help me; there’s a celebrates one of the central events of Christian thorn in my side… I have faith that the world worship. The organ-drenched “Face to Face” I’m in will be redeemed its place again” he says, closes out the set with a description of the alluding to the Apostle Paul on “TrusT.” “The Blessed Hope awaiting us beyond this life. Fall” finds him wrestling with the vulnerability Encore! inherent in song-smithing. “This page is staring
back at me. I’m afraid to put a mark on its face.”
December 2019
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