STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 178134-29028 LABEL: Bethel Music FORMAT: CD EP RELEASE DATE: 2019-10-25
Reviewed by Tim Holden
Kalley Heiligenthal is well-known as an integral part of the Bethel Music collective but this is her first solo outing. This collection of six tracks are the outcome of processing the disaster of the wildfires that struck the Redding area of California and are in reality modern day psalms dealing with the pain of loss - where is God when disaster strikes - and thankfulness for surviving. These are not corporate worship but heartfelt outpourings to which the listener can add their amen. Musically, this is not the usual Bethel faire, with a very strong alt-pop/electronic vibe used to great advantage to highlight the lyrics and give the point a punch. All six tracks have a unique and individual feel but are held together by Kalley's beautiful voice, alternatively breathy, then soaring then just plain powerful as the lyrics and arrangements demand. The multi-layered and often chilled instrumentation is used effectively throughout, highlighting the lyrical punch of choruses, or slowing things down to allow space to process what is being sung. This album sounds great on the first listen but even better after a few and will still be touching the listeners heart and soul after many years.
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