Worship Musician September 2018 | Page 127

MATTHEW SMITH LUNA WAVE Quiet Hymns Luna Wave EP The Indelible Grace collective has been cranking and electric flourishes by his producer, longtime Following up his techno-pop Real Life album out terrific new tunes for old hymns for almost Andrew Peterson collaborator Cason Cooley. and the indie rock Blank Books EP from last 20 years with the help of contributors from Dan Some tracks (“How Firm a Foundation” in 12/8 year, the ever-busy Aaron Sprinkle returns in Haseltine to Sandra McCracken, but one of the time, “I Need Thee Every Hour” in 4/4, “Be Still collaboration with vocalist Jessie Villa for this consistent MVPs of Kevin Twit’s club has been My Soul,” and more) show how to spruce up five song set of EDM. Sometimes it grooves; Matthew Smith, whose warm baritone powered an old melody with a fresh orchestration and sometimes it floats. “Chasing Forever” weds an luminous re-imaginings of worship songs rhythm section. Others (including “Thy Love to acoustic guitar hook to a heavily harmonized like “Jesus I Come (Out of My Bondage) and Me” and “God Himself”) bring new melodies vocal “Father Long Before Creation.” Along the way and novel refrains to the original strophic backgrounds. Villa’s vocals fit the genre well, his own albums in the same vein have provided (verse-only) texts. Smith’s text choices show sliding between the rhythms. If “BPM” is your plenty of opportunities to renovate their music a special sympathy and affinity for the hurting channel, then this is your jam. without sacrificing the thoughtful, pastoral lyrics and downtrodden, preparing us for hope in our that have long served the church well. Smith’s suffering and even demise. Special mention recent Quiet Hymns project is no exception. Its goes to the late 19 th century hymn “Here Is title should not be read as “boring old songs.” Love (Vast as the Ocean)” which sounds as Rather, this collection offers acoustic-based fresh today as it did back then. arrangements seasoned with studio effects September 2018 refrain and ever-mutating synth 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. WorshipMusician.com 127