Are you after a double-album full of exciting, Christ-centered tunes, the proceeds of which go directly to a worthy cause overseas? I’m not talking about Bob Dylan’s Christmas In The Heart (although I’ll probably get that too) – no, I’m talking about FLOW/OVERFLOW, the latest musical gem out of the Australian Southern Territory College for Officer Training
On FLOW:
My opinion of FLOW/OVERFLOW could be pretty well summed up by the fact that I don’t even like worship music, but love this album.
FLOW/OVERFLOW is put out by the cadets of said Training College. They’re a talented bunch to be sure. Amongst their musical ranks are the likes of Cadets Nathan Rowe and Catherine Mackenroth, those well known and favoured worship leaders; their signature mind-blowing standard sets the tone and their perhaps lesser known peers boldly follow suit.
On FLOW:
“Silently” features the dulcet tones of former MSB soloist Rachel Peterson – this song is like a musical massage. Rachel is accompanied by some type of archangel on piano who lays down an ascending chord progression, each note of which is like an invitation to climb that steep slope to Heaven. Absolutely precious.
Kathleen Pearce gives us a fresh interpretation of the Gowans song, “Someone Cares”. I think someone just improved on perfect. Actually, every new arrangement sounds as if the words were written to be sung the way you hear it – the purists may disagree, but FLOW just may have provided us with new, definitive versions of each song on it.
If you aren’t listening too carefully, Pearce’s track transitions seamlessly to “Living Waters”. Listening to this is like learning to fly. A simple, soaring melody, and steady, driving beat, carried by an organ that would make Billy Preston proud. Fans of the immortal key change will also be well satisfied.
Speaking of iconic rock musicians, is that the pioneer of the New Sound, Brian May, dispensing those wailing guitar licks on “Return”? No! Turns out that it’s just the ineffably cool Captain Rowan Castle – thanks for stopping by.
I’ve merely described a couple of my favourite songs but the fact of the matter is that you won’t find a single weak track. In the words of that clock wearing lyrical mastermind, Flavor Flav, ‘it’s all good’.
OVERFLOW:
The children’s album opens with a crazy cute reading of some of Jesus’ own words: “Let the little children come to me…” The songs and prayers will certainly help you along the way. The Scriptural truths are proclaimed boldly; the prayers are uttered sincerely, like only a child can be sincere; and the songs on this side are just as mind-blowing as on the other. Listen to OVERFLOW and hear children, “every power and thought engaging”. This is exciting stuff.
Much thanks to the cadets for this inspiring project. The proceeds will go to facilitate the training of cadets overseas. God bless them all.
