It's been a while since I've been excited about seeing a new band play a show, but I couldn't wait to see The Wrecking on Friday night. They've been together about 2 years but I've only just recently discovered them, thanks to my friend Amber.
The band opened with "Breakthrough," from their first album, A New Abolition, followed by "Sound of the Resistance", off of the Catalyst EP. I've heard this song on Air One...sure wish I'd been hearing it on some local Chicago radio too (hint hint!). There were also a few new songs from their upcoming CD, including "Fire" and "About To Fall." (You can find these tunes on their myspace (myspace.com/thewrecking) until the CD hits shelves later this year.)
The moment that captured me during this show was when the band moved into an instrumental segment. I noticed that drummer Darren Elder had slipped quietly out from behind his kit, and was in prayer on his knees off to the side. At first I simply enjoyed the beautiful instrumentation, but then something began to change. I felt there was something more than just music happening; I sensed God's presence in the room, being poured out on each note that was played.
There was a beautiful synergy as they all worked together, building the energy and power in this song. At various times the guys were moving about the stage, switching instruments without missing a beat, working together to create some amazing sounds.
When I discovered the song was called Prayer Language, I knew that the presence of God that I had felt was what they intended with this song. God calls us to deep relationship with Him that requires more than just words; sometimes He calls us to simply be in His presence and listen.
It was so appropriate that they followed this holy time with their song "Breathe," currently the most played song on my iTunes. "Breathe in, breathe out, touch the words that leave my mouth/Breathe in, breathe out, speak to me without a sound" is exactly what the previous song had called me to. "Breathe in, breathe out, hold me closer to your heart/ I gave you breath right from the start, so breathe in, breathe out, breathe" is a great reminder to take time to simply be in God's presence.
Before the show, I had been fortunate to spend a portion of the day with the guys, getting to know them and their hearts for ministry. It was a privilege to see how that came through in their performance. Yes, they were playing a show, but they were worshiping and enjoying themselves in the process.
They shared from the stage about Love 146, an organization that combats child sex slavery and exploitation with the desire to protect, defend, restore and empower those who have been hurt by these crimes. (Check out Love146.org)
I'm already planning when I can see these guys again. (I think I'm going to have to go to Cornerstone Festival once more!) This night was special. God was present, and He used the music to call me to sit at His feet, to breathe Him in, to draw closer to Him.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
ABANDON rocks Chicagoland
February 4 didn't end like a normal school day at Covenant Christian High School in DeMotte, Indiana. Instead, the students, along with the junior high classes of DeMotte Christian School, were treated to a concert by Christian band Abandon.
The band came out ready to rock, and the kids were immediately on their feet. They opened the set with "Be Alive In Me," from their CD Searchlights. "Safe In Your Arms," which has received lots of airplay on Shine.fm (89.7 fm) was familiar to many of the kids. Always a hit with the crowd is "Atmosphere," a song that features drummer Dave Vela moving to the front of the stage to showcase his skills. Bass player Bryan Fowler picks up drum duties, guitarist Stevan Vela takes on the bass, and no one misses a beat, even when lead singer Josh Engler launches himself off one of his bandmates.
Allowing everyone to catch their breath, the band slowed it down with "Hero." Josh reminded the kids that "the hero is our savior, who came to give all He had."
The band started "Hold On" with the familiar keyboard phrase, and a few energetic sophomores took it upon themselves to be "hype men" and get the crowd worked up. And the band appreciated the crowd's reaction. "This was a great group to play for, and the kids were really enthusiastic," said Bryan Fowler.
The students also clearly enjoyed the band's performance. According to one, "I think this concert was a great opportunity because it was something different from a normal day of school. And the music was awesome!"
The band left DeMotte for a quick trip to Minneapolis to play an Acquire the Fire conference on Friday, then hustled back to Chicago for an outreach event at The Underground in Naperville on Saturday. Thank goodness for no snow delays!
The Saturday night show included several youth bands opening for Abandon, with the hope that their friends and fans who might never have been in church before would enjoy Abandon and be inclined to return again on Sunday morning as the band led worship.
As expected, the Saturday night show was great, and Sunday offered us a peek at another side of the band. The guys have hearts for worship and story-telling, but they don't always get the chance to at regular concerts. Besides leading the congregation in some standard worship tunes, like "Mighty to Save," they also played some of their original songs and shared the stories behind them. Josh Engler told how the song "Providence," (my personal favorite!) emerged from Dave Vela's thoughts and journals about the story of Peter's denial.
Abandon will continue to travel the US with "Acquire the Fire" as they also gear up for what will surely be a busy summer festival season. Rumor has it that we may see them at Ignite Chicago. Stay tuned!
The band came out ready to rock, and the kids were immediately on their feet. They opened the set with "Be Alive In Me," from their CD Searchlights. "Safe In Your Arms," which has received lots of airplay on Shine.fm (89.7 fm) was familiar to many of the kids. Always a hit with the crowd is "Atmosphere," a song that features drummer Dave Vela moving to the front of the stage to showcase his skills. Bass player Bryan Fowler picks up drum duties, guitarist Stevan Vela takes on the bass, and no one misses a beat, even when lead singer Josh Engler launches himself off one of his bandmates.
Allowing everyone to catch their breath, the band slowed it down with "Hero." Josh reminded the kids that "the hero is our savior, who came to give all He had."
The band started "Hold On" with the familiar keyboard phrase, and a few energetic sophomores took it upon themselves to be "hype men" and get the crowd worked up. And the band appreciated the crowd's reaction. "This was a great group to play for, and the kids were really enthusiastic," said Bryan Fowler.
The students also clearly enjoyed the band's performance. According to one, "I think this concert was a great opportunity because it was something different from a normal day of school. And the music was awesome!"
The band left DeMotte for a quick trip to Minneapolis to play an Acquire the Fire conference on Friday, then hustled back to Chicago for an outreach event at The Underground in Naperville on Saturday. Thank goodness for no snow delays!
The Saturday night show included several youth bands opening for Abandon, with the hope that their friends and fans who might never have been in church before would enjoy Abandon and be inclined to return again on Sunday morning as the band led worship.
As expected, the Saturday night show was great, and Sunday offered us a peek at another side of the band. The guys have hearts for worship and story-telling, but they don't always get the chance to at regular concerts. Besides leading the congregation in some standard worship tunes, like "Mighty to Save," they also played some of their original songs and shared the stories behind them. Josh Engler told how the song "Providence," (my personal favorite!) emerged from Dave Vela's thoughts and journals about the story of Peter's denial.
Abandon will continue to travel the US with "Acquire the Fire" as they also gear up for what will surely be a busy summer festival season. Rumor has it that we may see them at Ignite Chicago. Stay tuned!
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