The City Harmonic [Introducing The City Harmonic]
Posted December 20, 2010
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
The City Harmonic is what you get when you mix a rock band with sweeping symphonies, captivating anthem-like choruses, concert hall orchestras, Brit-rock influence, scripturally rooted lyrics, and that singing-round-the-campfire-feeling. The Canadian band’s six-song EP debut, Introducing The City Harmonic, is a Brit-rock meets campfire sing-along mix that features raucous, gang vocals along with agile, soaring anthems crafted to include the listener. The band, consisting of front man Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, isn’t as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey. If you collect Christian worship music then you’re probably aware of the most popular musical trends of Coldplay-like guitars and OneRepublic-like synth-pop.
When I read that The City Harmonic was a Brit-rock sounding worship band, I didn’t rush to listen to the album as I’ve heard many artists attempt that style. Then I listened to opening track “I Wonder” and the guitar riff actually does sound like “Yellow” by Coldplay and I was immediately hooked. The song is not only musically captivating, but also lyrically, especially the second verse ”I see it in the pain of the widowed wife, In death defeated where he found true life, I see the love of God and I feel alive, I Wonder.” I knew I was in for a treat when I started digging into the brilliant songwriting and emotional vocals of this “can’t miss” band. “Manifesto” is the current single and is the type of song I wish I was singing at my church right now. The song boldly declares a statement of faith: “We believe in the one true God, We believe in Father Spirit Son, We believe that good has won, And all of the people of God sing along, Amen.” This worship anthem is just the type of infusion that the church needs with its honesty and bold lyrics. The song ends with “The Lord’s Prayer.” What’s most impressive is how these catchy songs will have you singing along at the top of your lungs after just a couple of listens. “My God” keeps the biblical focus and is based on Psalm 121. The song is like listening to David crying out to God with a worshipful chorus: “O, my God. I lift my heart up, whether it’s whole or broken, good God I know You’re gonna work it out, So on my heart beats to a beat that I put my hope in the love of my God pouring out.”
“Coming My Way” has a slower tempo ballad-feel and reflects the cry of my heart as well to live for God everyday. Too often as Christians, we get caught up thinking about living for heaven and God wants us to live for Him while we are waiting for heaven. “I Am” is the most personal and confessional song on the album and I can’t get enough of the vulnerable lyrics and rocking musical style. Elias sings his heart out in a love song celebrating God’s grace. “I Am” reminds me of “Bliss” by Delirious? Closing track “What I Want” lyrically opens with a great thesis statement for the whole album: “May my life speak louder than words, and what I’m saying is “Jesus, I’m sure You’re what I want.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This is the best new worship band I’ve heard since Delirious? which is absolutely incredible. Just like Delirious? I think The City Harmonic has a great opportunity to reach the lost for the Kingdom of God with their transparent lyrics and incredible musical talent. This album completely rocks and is loaded with songs you can proudly share with your friends and family. The themes of this album are trusting God, loving Him and loving others as He loved us. All six songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. This is a nearly perfect worship album and is great for fans of Coldplay, U2, Delirious? and Future of Forestry. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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