New five-piece pop/rock worship band, Cadence, releases their first EP, Awake, in hopes that listeners will be drawn into God's presence, and as a result, can't help but worship Him. Made up of family members with a variety of musical talents, the band got their start and still remains active at Victory Christian Center in Boca Raton, Fla., where lead singer Donny Karpinen is the worship leader. If Awake is any sign of things to come, this talented group of young musicians could be around for a long time.

 

First song and title track "Awake" starts out with quiet piano, but quickly progresses with added guitars and drums as Karpinen's pop tenor vocals gain energy with each verse. The chorus rings out as Karpinen sings: "Awake, awake my soul / Pour down like a waterfall / Come play the music loud / Of your heart, heart beating now." This is a great opening track, preparing listener's hearts for God's presence.

 

"Closer" was co-written with Tenth Avenue North's Michael Donehey and describes our desire to be closer to God. With high-energy guitars and electronic keyboard, the chorus says, "I wanna be closer to the edge / Closer to falling into You / Closer to the truth / There's no life apart from You." This is a great worship song that gets us in the right mindset.

 

First single, "Forgiveness," begins with strings, but as the chorus approaches, electric guitars and drums are added and the energy builds. Karpinen sings: "I just need forgiveness / I just need assurance / To know that you haven't given up / I'm begging for forgiveness / This is my confession / Can you take this burden?" We all have a hard time truly understanding what it means to be forgiven and living as if we are. This song helps to remind listeners that it's all been taken care of and we have no reason to doubt that.

 

With a pop-rock sound and lead vocals reminiscent of The Rocket Summer's Bryce Avary, Cadence enters the music scene ready to show the world what they've been missing. Each song has a specific purpose and doesn't beat around the bush lyrically. With high-energy and a hopeful vibe, Awake draws listeners into the presence of God without being overtly worshipful. This EP is a great start to what will most likely be a long musical career for this young band.