Passion, piano, praise
Posted September 12, 2014
By MarcusHathcock_NRT,
In football, there are some quarterbacks who like to take over a game, stealing the show by having fancy footwork, big deep-ball plays or otherwise making good things happen. Then, there are the equally important game managers, who rely on the strength of the team by distributing the ball to various members of the team, staying out of the spotlight but still serving a crucial role.
Oklahoma worship leader Kacey Walkingstick would be the first to tell you that her calling in Christian music is that of a distributor rather than a "worship rock star," penning praises to God that she hopes will go beyond her CD, her community and her church, to edify and strengthen the "capital C" Church. Her own projects serve as a demo of sorts to get her scripturally inspired tunes out there.
With her latest effort, The Depths, Walkingstick explores the various facets of God's love as she has experienced it. Driven by piano but garnished with a number of other instruments, Walkingstick presents an alternative to the largely guitar-driven worship projects of the day.
Vocally, Walkingstick shines the most on slower jams--which provides more of a home for her indie-friendly voice--as well as some of the more harmony-rich songs. Album highlights include the poppy, Ingrid Michaelson-esque "Beauty in the Vine," as well as the emotive, Wilson-Phillips-style tunes "Sea of Glass" and "The Way You Love," which all deploy some rich, immersive harmonies.
Listeners expecting a polished, CCM-style aren't going to find it here. Walkingstick certainly has some vocal support issues at times on this record, and the production value isn't at industry standards. But at its core is a worshipful heart, scriptural truth, and a whole lot of potential--both for Walkingstick herself, and for the churches that may adopt her songs.
I really enjoy the Wilson-Phillips type of songs she has on The Depths, and I can't wait to hear more of the harmony-rich ballads that really propel her songs.
Song to Download Now:
"Sea of Glass" (Get it on iTunes here.) View All Music And Book Reviews By MarcusHathcock_NRT | View MarcusHathcock_NRT's Profile
|