July
27
Author
David Ash
Album Review - The Art of Celebration


The Art of Celebration
Rend Collective
Released: March 2014

Rend Collective is a celebration band, collectively wondering how to make sense of the conundrum of life, God and community. This movement of Irish 20-somethings, grew into a collective of musicians and artists re-imagining worship music, or as they call it “The Art of Celebration.” Using a bewildering array of children's toys, whimsical handmade oddities and folk/rock instruments, the collective have crafted a sound as unique and organic as their message. Rend have recorded three critically acclaimed projects (Organic Family Hymnal, Homemade Worship By Handmade People, and the iTunes No. 1 album, Campfire). The new album is titled "The Art of Celebration". The band is known for their raucous, foot-stomping style and for songs such as the Christian radio hit “Build Your Kingdom Here” along with “My Lighthouse” (the first single from this new album), “Movements,” and “Come On My Soul.”

Review
We loved this album from the first play - such a great mix of songs about finding joy in God's presence rather than in our circumstances. Choosing to celebrate rather than mourn. We love the song "My Lighthouse" talking about God's faithfulness and being our peace in times of trouble. A lot of this album is fast paced but there are some slower more reflective songs which are also excellent including "All That I Am" & "Finally Free". The title track for me is a real highlight, Boldly I Approach - a wonderful mix of reverence, amazement at the grace of God and joy in knowing we can boldly approach his throne! We're looking forward to their next release later in 2015 - watch this space...

Other Reviews
Every song is your favourite- on your first listen. Then they grow on you!
This album would be worth it for the lyrics alone then stick on the funky, folky fusion-
You'll be singing it all day.
Just buy it!

Critical Reception
The Art of Celebration garnered critical acclaim from the ratings and reviews of music critics. At CCM Magazine, Matt Conner rated the album four stars out of five, calling this "Another passionate and powerful worship release from RCE."[1] Tony Cummings of Cross Rhythms rated the album a perfect ten squares, remarking how this release "is quite simply a classic and the first three tracks alone will surely produce huge radio exposure and international popularity."[2] At Worship Leader, Jeremy Armstrong rated the album a perfect five stars, and according to him "Passion meets emotion in this wonderful example of a scripturally rich, highly affecting collection of worship anthems that will serve churches around the globe."[3] In addition, Armstrong states that "Everything matters in music designed for worship, and Rend Collective is not just aware of this, they deftly reveal the art of it."[3]

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You can buy this album now on amazon.

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