NEW MUSIC
INFLUENCE MUSIC
Rebels
hymn that is wrapped around a cheery and
“Honest” is a creatively written performance
inviting arrangement.
type song that explores a side of faith that we
all struggle with; doubt. Led by Melody Noel,
Rice’s rendition of “Were You There” is
this intimate prayer examines the idea that
somewhat unexpected mostly because of the
having a faith in a God you cannot see and one
increased tempo and almost Southern Gospel
whom the world says is no longer relevant, is
feel. The piano, B3 organ and gospel choir
often difficult but we are called to stand firm in
backing actually make this song stand out
our faith and to remember what He did for us.
while still paying homage to the original.
The title track features some slick EDM-type
Other album highlights include a striking
beats and synth with a distinct Southern
rendition of "Fairest Lord Jesus”, the string-
California vibe while worship leader, Michael
laden "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing"
Ketterer triumphantly sings about how Jesus
and "Hallelujah What a Savior" which features 1. Rebels a very appropriate children’s choir inserted into came for the lost and those who society has
2. Redeemed the mix. deemed as undesirable.
3. Honest 4. (Responsum A Patre) Instrumental The lone newly penned song is the closing Honest songs of praise and worship like
5. Over and Over track “Too Much I Love” which is a poetic look “Over and Over” and “Right Here” will appeal
6. Abandoned at how this world will never compare to the one to millennial audiences with their modern
7. Soil and Sky we have waiting for us in heaven. Rice’s voice techno arrangements and gritty lyrical content.
8. City on A Hill sounds eerily close to a young James Taylor 9. Right Here and the piano sets the mood perfectly. This was a really nice debut album from
10. Rebels Finale the folks at Influence Music. Their writing is
Untitled Hymn is a very thoughtful and sincere Los Angeles-based worship group, Influence album. I was impressed at the honor and respect Music is a worship collective that is based that he gives to these classic hymns instead of out of Influence Church in Anaheim, CA. Their trying to “modernize” them to the point where debut album, Rebels boasts ten new tracks of they almost become unrecognizable like so hope written for anyone who has ever felt lost many other current artists have done. and far from God. This collection is mostly stripped down as The main theme of Rebels is that the Kingdom most tracks just feature Rice’s vocals paired of God is not just given to a select few, but with a piano or acoustic guitar and a few other that Jesus came to forgive and redeem every instruments which seems to fit perfectly given soul regardless of their sinfulness. This theme his selected setlist. I had forgotten how truly is clearly communicated on the ready for radio expressive and wonderful his voice is and I play, “Redeemed” which calls all people to think we can all be thankful that Mr. Rice has ‘drink from the fountain of life’ no matter who made a triumphant return in a very subtle, they are or what they have done.
humble kind of way.
June 2019
scripturally rich and theologically strong. A
few of the song arrangements tended to run
together as the album wore on but this is a
vocally and thematically strong first collection.
Most of the songs were melodically easy to
pick up and I loved their out-of-the-box writing
style. This album will connect with every person
who listens to it.
Gerod Bass
Worship leader in Tacoma, WA. Mentor with Worship
Catalyst. Singer, songwriter, guitarist with a passion
for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel.
oslc.com
Subscribe for Free...
73