Sonicflood - Glimpse: Live Recordings From Around The World
STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21287-11897 LABEL: Fair Trade Services 00768401026 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 2 RRP: £9.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
Fans of comedy in rock will smile at vocalist Rick Heil's opening greeting to his crowd, a Spinal Tap-esque "Bonsoir, Switzerland!" which brings to mind that hilarious movie's celebrated "Hello, Cleveland.?!" sequence. Undeterred, with 'Glimpse' Sonicflood (Mk 2) proceed to charge powerfully and professionally through a selection of worship tunes from releases like 'Resonate', 'This Generation' and (most successfully with "Open The Eyes Of My Heart" and "I Want To Know You") the groundbreaking original album. One factor setting this CD apart from the multitude of other live worship releases challenging for your hard-earned is that it was recorded in Northern Ireland, Switzerland and Thailand as well as the US band's home territory. Although this international aspect doesn't really tell in the sounds on offer here - apart from that first multilingual moment, the audiences might just as easily be your average American rock crowd, singing along and responding enthusiastically on cue - it is acknowledged much more on the accompanying DVD. During a 20-minute long 'making of' segment (once we've got past some mutual back-slapping from the band) there's telling footage of Sonicflood (Mk 2) doing more than just sound-checking and lounging on the tour bus. Guitarist Trey Hill and bass player Grant Norsworthy especially are affected by worshipping alongside the children at a Thai orphanage, and generally the five band members show that their hearts and minds are in the right place, genuinely humbled by the opportunity to join in praise with Christians on the other side of the planet. The DVD also includes promo clips for "Everlasting" and "This Generation" (the latter not featured in the CD track list), as well as a slideshow gallery of the band members onstage. The new studio tracks ("Infinite Love" and "Save Me") emphasise once again the Sonicflood (Mk 2) dilemma - it's hard to listen to music bearing that name without judging it against the standards set by one of the most influential Christian music albums ever released. 'Glimpse' is good but not in the same league.
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