Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Already a prolific experimenter in the realms of both electronic and acoustic music, Glasgow-based singer/songwriter Tim Kwant has released his first worship album following an encounter with God that radically changed his previously lukewarm feelings towards praise music. Refreshingly, Kwant has resisted the temptation to attempt to fit into the current stereotypical worship sound and has recorded and self-produced a piece of work that stretches the boundaries of worship music whilst remaining totally focussed on glorifying God. The first part of the album lands squarely in electronica territory with tracks such as "You Make All Things Right" and "Upon This Rock I Will Stand" showcasing Kwant's ability to turn out an inventive and accessibly intense ode to God and the inclusion of lyrics borrowed from hymn writer Robert Grant in "Worship The King" help give an air of authority to proceedings. Elsewhere, Kwant's deeply captivating vocal performance defies his mere 24 years -especially evidenced in acoustic songs such as "Glory Glory" and the deft "Two Souls", which form the latter part of this release - but it is the album's title track that ultimately steals the show. Described by Kwant as an "11 and a half minute electronic symphonic cacophony", this accomplished instrumental piece not only typifies the meaning of the word raqad ("to skip about, to dance, to leap" in Hebrew) but also the non-conformist, progressive and God-focussed nature of this stunning release.

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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