Move of Heaven - Awaken Music

 

Electronic elements, a chill vibe and a singular focus on triumph through praise

Move of Heaven
Awaken Music
Distributor: The Fuel Music
Length: 11 songs/1 hour

I wonder if anyone else imagines floating in space when they hear electronic sounds like the ones found here on Move of Heaven. They are particularly prominent on the opening “Isaiah 52,” which includes auto-tune on the lead vocal. Don’t be put off by that because it’s not prevalent on the majority of vocals.

The spacey background fits with mostly mid-tempo tunes that can make for a tranquil listening experience. This despite the subject matter of revival and warfare. Fortunately, in this day of heightened polarization, the latter is of the spiritual kind where listeners are encouraged to take God at his word. It’s not a call to arms in the physical sense.

My appreciation of this recording grew with repeated listens. It bolsters faith, and I give it credit for sounding a little different thanks to the electronics, the chill vibe and the singular focus on triumph through praise.

One minor drawback was not being able to understand the words at times due in part to the pronunciation making it a challenge. Looking up the lyrics increased my enjoyment but it’s a plus when that isn’t necessary.

This is a studio recording with mostly female leads. It sounds current and should appeal to anyone who likes modern worship and the good fight of faith. It all starts with:

How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of those who bring the good news
Hear the watchmen down in Zion
Sing for joy as the wait for you

I’m glad to hear this wonderful announcement in song. How fitting against a dreamy soundscape with the words “Awake! Awake!” following later.

On “By Faith” the guitar sounds like a sitar, enhancing the backdrop. The singer is resolute:

When my circumstance
Feels like sinking sand
I will walk by faith

I’ll walk by faith
And lean on every word you say

The sinking sand reference brings to mind “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”:

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand

“Come What May” has a driving rhythm anchored by a solid drum beat. Synthesized elements gain momentum and on the bridge take center stage creating a magical moment. Again, the lyrics express an unwavering fortitude, “Come what may/Nothing’s gonna stop my praise.”

A male lead is found on “My Amen,” musically perhaps the most muscular track with the drums pounding out the rhythm. The epic title track encapsulates in a couple of lines an overall theme:

My worship is my weapon
My warfare is my praise

So this release might be for you if you are in the thick of battle or are anticipating it. It’s a resource for every follower of Christ.

There is an interesting play on words in “I Am,” which juxtaposes the “Great I Am” with our “I am.” Driven by keyboard and electronic accents in the background, the music meanders like a gentle stream. I like the following line and the ones after it show how the title is used:

There’s no need to pretend
Loved by the Great I Am
I am

It goes on to become even more rooted in the new identity given to us by God.

“Forever the Same” is my favorite. It’s just keyboard and female vocals spotlighting the constancy of God’s love. The relaxed, beautiful melody is enchanting.

“Kings and Priests” has an urban, industrial feel. It’s a change-up from the mellower songs that precede it. It works but the heavier style is not as appealing.

“Babylon” is carried by a hopeful melody, which makes for a fitting ending. Allusions abound to the story in the book of Daniel where three Hebrews are rescued from the flames of the fiery furnace. A male lead sings of taking a stand against idolatry ending this on a victorious note.

I appreciate the moments of beauty on this release. It’s another means of overcoming the world.