NEW MUSIC
CAIN Honest Offering
Songs like “ Love Light ” bring that distinct youthful Citizens musical energy with electronic reggae rhythms and 80 ’ s-esque keyboards . “ Good Ground ” borrows lyrical imagery from Matthew 13 and is a mature and honest prayer asking God to use us whenever and wherever possible while reminding the believer that we need to shift our focus to see the need people have for Jesus around us and then respond to those needs .
The heartbeat of the album comes with track 2 , “ Everything and More ” as lead singer and writer , Zach Bolen extols the wonder and “ bigness ” of God in all things . Here Bolen reminds the listener that God is much bigger than anything we experience , good and bad , here on earth . We are called to see Him as such and to keep our eyes focused on the big picture of a victory won , a salvation procured for us and to continually remain in His word and in communication with Him .
Even though at first listen the songs in this latest release may seem more on the mainstream side compared to previous Citizens releases , there is a lot going on in these tracks both musically and lyrically . I Can ’ t Find The Edges Of You is a big record that is wonderfully thought out , perfectly mixed and filled with poignant messages of God ’ s majesty , power and love for His creation .
1 . Praise Opens Prison Doors 2 . Honest Offering / I Surrender All 3 . Friend In Jesus 4 . Blessed Assurance 5 . Shine On Us 6 . Awe of You
The award-winning sibling trio , CAIN , is still relatively new on the CCM Worship scene having released their debut album , Rise Up just two years ago with critical acclaim . Their latest EP , Honest Offering , features six new songs and showcases the trio ’ s seamless harmonies , soulful lyrics and rich down-home vibe that has quickly rocketed them to one of the best up and coming worship artists around .
“ Praise Opens Prison Doors ” is a fun toetapping rocker that borrows it ’ s theme from the story of Paul and Silas worshiping God while being persecuted in prison . Here , believers are called to worship day and night as a response to the saving power of Jesus that delivers us from the prisons of life .
In a sudden energy about-face from the first track , the title track features the silky smooth harmonies of the Cain siblings as they offer their entire lives as an outpouring of worship as an honest offering . The bridge features a creatively clever re-write of the classic hymn “ I Surrender
All ” which works amazingly well .
“ Friend in Jesus ” begins with an upright piano and touches on the theme of Jesus as the author of our story and someone we can always approach whenever we are in need .
“ Blessed Assurance ” is a southern jazzy rewrap on the classic hymn that is deep with soulful vocals and razor-sharp harmonies by the Cains . The B3 organ and slide guitars are packed with soul and vibrant energy in what is one of my all-time favorite arrangements .
“ Awe of You ” finishes up the EP with a simple , yet poignant act of honest worship that reminds us that when we come into the throne room of God to worship , we should do so with hearts and minds that are in awe and wonder of what He has done for us .
This album was a pleasure to listen to , sing along with and definitely had a few tracks that I wrote down for use in my Sunday worship set . I only wished it was longer and I look forward to more from this dynamic trio .
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 . www . oslc . com