Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Ember Days are an alternative/indie worship band from New Zealand who've been around and touring since 2006 and have previously released a couple of albums and a couple of EPs. But it's this release, a five-song EP recorded at the renowned Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California, which seems to be getting a big push. I kind of wish it wasn't. Although the band's instrumental prowess is excellent and with guest writers Ed Cash and Zach Farrow ensuring that these songs are memorable, the sound quality is poor with everything enveloped in muddy layers of reverb making it difficult to hear the words. No doubt others will hear this differently, suggesting that the lack of aural definition is compensated by a tangible worshipful "atmosphere". But for me the poor sound and the rather screechy quality of Janell Belcher on "Awake" ensured that this particular time of passionate worship left me untouched.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.