Reviewed by Paul Kerslake

Jesus Culture are no strangers to Cross Rhythms readers, and this, their fourth release, continues along the strong vein of worship they have demonstrated on their previous albums. Captured live at Redding, California's historic Cascade Theatre, 'Consumed' is again a collaborative effort with self-penned songs and well chosen covers by the likes of Delirious?, Keith Green and Misty Edwards. "Heaven Is Here", the storming opening song is a rousing call to worship, lead ably by worship leader Kim Walker-Smith. Jesus Culture's other key worship leaders, Chris Quilala and Melissa How continue to share vocal duties backed by an extremely able worship band. The instrumental style is along the lines of U2 and Coldplay, with lots of guitars and syncopated drumming. "Revelation Song" brings it all down a step, although the intensity of worship remains and the attendant crowd are clearly bathing in the spirit that is present. The second half of the album continues at this slower pace. This release is a CD/DVD, and for me personally, I didn't initially find the album stood out as being anything special. However, watching the DVD and absorbing the complete experience impacted me in a completely new way, the songs moved from being an album to being a worship experience. The DVD has the same 10 songs as the album, as well as an informative behind the scenes featurette with each of the three worship leaders and a bonus song lead by another Jesus Culture artist, Kristene Mueller. The production of the DVD is exemplary, some great camera angles and editing capture the excitement and passion of the event from the stage and the audience. Their version of Misty Edwards' "Light Of Your Face" is beautifully realised, and the closing song, "Obsession", takes an already well known song and projects it to a majestic, spirit rousing time of worship that goes on for over eight minutes. While this could be a criticism, again when taken in the context of seeing it on the DVD, you understand that Jesus Culture were not being extravagant but were recording the worship they were caught up in. An excellent release that showcases a worship team that are at their peak.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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