For Desperation Band, formed in 2001 as the youth worship band at Colorado Springs-based New Life Church, this season has always been the impetus of their ministry. Thirteen years down the road, leading worship for hundreds of thousands of high school and college students at the annual Desperation Conference, their reach has expanded exponentially. Now known around the globe for songs like "I Am Free," "Overcome," "Yahweh," and "Strong God," this modern worship band--led by worship pastor Jon Egan--has never lost sight of their target or the limitless potential of students to impact their world for Christ.
Set for release in September, the all-new live recording from the July 2014 Desperation Conference captures the spirit and energy of youth at worship while firmly establishing for all who listen that we share a deep-rooted history. The God of ages past is alive and well and moving mightily among people who are desperately committed to Him.
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Raising a Banner of Praise| Posted September 22, 2014
Based out of Colorado Springs megachurch New Life, the worship team known as Desperation Band is credited most notably for the creation of popular songs like "I Am Free" and "Overcome" (made famous by Newsboys and Jeremy Camp, respectively). This fall they are returning once more with their latest full length live worship offering, Banner.
Led primarily by songwriter and vocalist Jon Egan, the 12 song collection features the dual components of soul-stirring moments of praise and high energy songs that are sure to get you out of your seat.
Songs like "Fun" and "Future" show off the rousingly playful side of the group with Egan at the helm, while moments on songs like "Fall Into You" and "With All My Heart" know when to turn the turn down the noise and allow God's presence to creep in through the silence. "More of Your presence, less of our pride" invites the group on the strikingly powerful "We Are Yours," hands down of the most most cutting tunes you'll find here.
The flawless soprano vocals of Gateway church super songstress Kari Jobe make a welcomed appearance on the track "On The Throne," a declarative anthem of our steadfast trust in God's sovereignty: "For the Lord is, He is able, He is faithful, higher than the mountains that I face / Every season, I will press on, for God alone is on the throne."
The title track "Banner" is a strong representation of where the group wants to go, shifting musical gears into more modern sounding melodies and lyrics that stray away from overused praise anthem analogies. Desperation has incredible potential musically, and with their next few releases, I hope to see them tap into it.
Closing Thoughts:
Desperation Band is beyond question one of the most well known acts in the area of congregational worship, and this album is a perfect representation as to why. While they may not find themselves named among the high standing ranks of Passion and Hillsong United as far as innovation, there is something to be said about the authenticity of their worship. Real, raw and moving a few words that come to mind when listening. What Banner lacks in musical originality, it more than makes up for in spiritual substance.
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