CD Review – Revelation – Across The Lands
“Across The Lands” is the aptly titled, debut release for Revelation under the Crossroads Music label. After two projects that included mostly cover versions of hit southern gospel songs, it was encouraging to see a Northern Irish group push the envelope in terms os style, song selection and sound.
Drawing upon the celtic connection was a given for Revelation for this project. The entire CD is not saturated with celtic sounds however. This allows the album to have the key element of variety as well as having a clear hit-tip to its roots. This celtic feel is most evident on songs like, “Be Thou My Vision”, “Across The Lands” and “He looked Beyond My Fault”.
Vocally the trio have a refreshing blend, which has elements of Paid in Full, Greater Vision in the mix, yet avoid the effect of being a carbon copy. Revelation draw upon the strengths of various groups and incorporate their own, dynamic blend. I think what helps to cultivate such a fresh sound is the accents. Northern Ireland has the variety when it comes to regional dialects!
Technically speaking, Revelation have the key elements for a close blending trio, a tenor that has a beautiful, defining tone, a strong lead singer and underpinned with a blending baritone to make the sound fuller. Andy Calderwood sings baritone, Thomas McCalmont sings tenor and David Strange keeps everyone right with the lead part.
Song selection was one of the strongest elements of this project, fresh material that has never really been touched by a southern gospel group helped to make this project really strong. The Keith & Kristen Getty influence is clear to see on the album. (Keith Getty was born in my hometown, Lisburn and also attended the same High School as me, Friends School Lisburn!)
I will openly admit that I was not a huge fan of Getty music, not for any particular reason, I simply prefer my music in a quartet style if possible, trio will also do! In this situation you have a great fusing together of incredible lyrics, with a great melody and sung in a uniquely Revelation style.
Naturally, as I’m also from the great wee country of Northern Ireland, I have much to be proud of concerning Revelation.
However more than the music, more than sounding great every time they sing and no matter how much product they sell, Revelation have always been and will remain, focused upon using music to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
Keep up to speed with Revelation on Facebook.
CD available from Revelation website here.
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Great music!
Love the sound of this Irish Celtic Christian getty music!