Main Review
With a new name and a deeper appreciation for God, Gungor launches their second album on February
16, 2010. The music, self-described as “liturgical post-rock,” is filled with a love for God, a desire for unity
in with other Christians, and a call for the people of God to worship. Even the name change of the band
from “The Michael Gungor Band” to just “Gungor,” was done because Michael felt it would take the focus
on himself and let it be known that this band is about more than just one person.
The songs throughout the album blend together so seamlessly that it can be unclear where one song
stops and the next beings. However, despite the beautiful blending, each song possesses its own
unique theme and sense. The over-all tone is reverent, but joyful. Words full of hope take the focus off the
singer and even off oneself, placing it where it belongs: on the Creator. With a few fast-paced tracks,
such as “Brighter Day,” woven in between the calmer forms, this album offers a well-balance portion of
musicality and lyrical quality. The lighthearted personalities of the performers also come out in some of
the pauses in between songs, and drawn-out cords of vocal gymnastics, such as a few of the high notes
in “Heaven” (in which Israel Houghton performs as a guest).
My favorite tracks on the album are the first two: “Dry Bones,” and the title track, “Beautiful Things.” “Dry
Bones” is a direct reference to the story in Ezekiel 37, where God tells the prophet to prophesy to the dry
bones and tell them that God will make life enter them again. “11 Then he said to me: "Son of man, these
bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut
off.' 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am
going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.” (NIV)
God can take our dry bones, or our lives before we know Christ, breathe life into our dust again, and
make us new and alive. Our lives in Christ, indeed, are totally revitalized, just like the dry bones.
“Beautiful Things” is a song filled with encouragement, and thankfulness to a Savior who can take dust
and make something beautiful out of it. He can take our barren ground and turn us into a garden, and we
give back to Him the life He has given us. On top of that, the music is graceful and captivating, which
serves to add emphasis to the beauty described in the words.
Gungor’s previous release, Ancient Skies, was also a hit. However, Michael has previously made a name
for himself, already being well known for his co-writing of the song “Friend of God,” with Israel Houghton.
Michael and his wife Lisa run a community focused church based out of their home in Denver. This
includes a focus on local outreach programs for the poor and hungry in their area. In a press release,
Michael said, “If leading worship is just about bringing a group of people into a room so we can get
goosebumps and sing songs together, there’s not much value in that. But if leading worship is a means
to an end, that we leave this place as a different kind of people, as part of a new humanity that God wants
to create – the people that are caring for the widows and orphans, that aren’t bound by the systems of
this world but becoming free, becoming fully engaged in our world – then that matters.”
The Gungor team members includes Michael Gungor, his wife Lisa, Brad Waller on guitar, and Josh
Harvey playing bass.
Closing Thoughts
This band is fantastic; you can really hear how much they love the Lord. I would say they are a cross
between Telecast and Tree 63, with vocals sometimes reminding me of Matt T. from Relient K. This
album is made to be an offering of worship to the Lord, and really serves to draw the listener into a sense
of worship as well. The lyrics are filled with scripture, and listening to the word of God is the best way to
uplift a weary soul. This album will not only satisfy loyal fans, but certainly draw in many new ones. Nice
job, Gungor.
Review Written By: Liz Haveman [liz.haveman@christianmusicreview.org] on 2/2/2010
|
|
