The Neverclaim Has Claimed a New Fan

The Neverclaim- Self-Title Album Review

     For six down to earth Oregon folk September 24, 2013 marks the start of a life changing adventure. Their self-titled Essential Records debut is also bound to change the lives of those who hear it as well.

     The Neverclaim, was formed out of the Vineyard church worship movement through the penmanship of lead singer Jeremiah Carlson.

With a heart of worship this diverse team of people unified for the purpose to enable others to have a rich encounter with God. Their first EP was produced by the Vineyard Music label in 2010 titled “Quiet down”

     Gaining a fan base before signing with Essential, this group recognizes they were not brought together by chance but have a higher calling on their lives spreading revival through music. Along their journey they won a talent contest held by the national radio network, Spirit FM. This brought about an opportunity to open for many bands on tour such as Kutless, Third Day and Shawn McDonald. Mac Powell introduced them toEssential and the rest is creation in motion.

     There latest single, One Truth, One Life (official video below) which was released toward the end of July, 2013 has gotten rave reviews from listeners. This song is a feel good anthem around the truth and life that we find in Christ.

 

 “His love lights the way, His truth will break down every lie, as His children proclaim His name.”

     Revival, is a genuine heartfelt cry to stir the saints of God to rise and shout proclaiming the gospel of Christ. “We were made for such a time as this. When every knee will bow and tongue confess, Jesus Christ for who He really is.” A Hook laden melody and outstanding message that awakens the spirit of the believer, this song is certain to be on repeat in your heart and in your car.

     I believe as the band continues to go out on tour, fans will truly enjoy hearing certain songs live. Burn ranks up there in my books as being one of those corporately anointed worship songs that is just going to illuminate the presence of God in people’s lives across the Nations. I could listen to this song over and over and never get tired of it because it’s a longing for God to burn inside your heart and it stirs that fire inside your soul.

     I have had a difficult time selecting a favorite song on this album simply because they are all fantastic. However, the first one that brought tears to my eyes, Steal Their Hearts has got to be up there somewhere.

 

“I’ll try to lead them by your truth. I’ll tell them life is found in you. But even that won’t be enough, because only you can reveal your love.”

 

  

     I am certain if you have loved ones who you know could be healed of their brokenness only if they would surrender this song will have the same effect on you.

     One of the reasons why we desire loved ones and friends to know theLord is because we long to share Eternity with them. My Soul Longs, is a celebration of that desire that we know one day we will see come to pass.

“He’s coming back for His Bride, Hallelujah!”

 

     I can see this being incorporated into many worship services and guaranteed to be a live favorite by the band on tour. God’s children love to celebrate truth and this is a corporate anointed party in the spirit.

     Sweet Sweet Mercies is another song that could be easily incorporated into a worship service, it is tender enough to melt your heart, but is powerful enough to have a Jesus and I jam session in your car not caring who is watching you. Not like I did that personally or anything just saying; Ok, yeah maybe I did.   Jeremiah (lead singer), who has struggled in the past with issues of anxiety, penned this phenomenal tune with those memories in mind. “I’m letting go of what I can’t control. I’m giving up this desperate life, Lord I’m letting go. Down on my knees; so I can see that you are here, and now I know. Your sweet, sweet mercies come and overflow.”

     The mercy of Christ comes with an intense price that was paid by His sacrifice. Pearl of Great Price, will immerse you in the depths of the sovereignty that we are covered by. I cannot listen to this song without crying. My heart is awakened to the untouchable love that He displayed that day for you and I and how nothing compares to the treasure of His life.

     Sometimes people are unable to see the gift of life in Christ because they won’t open the door to Him, instead they try to stand on their own. Mighty Jesus, is a poetic transformation of a heart that no longer depends on anything but Christ. “Upon this solid rock I will stand. On you and you alone I will stand. When everything around falls apart, I will stand.”This anthem for Christ is passionate and impeccable.

     Be Lifted Higher, is probably the song I enjoy listening to the most on the album. Though it has been extremely difficult to narrow it down to a favorite, this song just fills my spirit to the brim overflowing with adoration of the King of Kings. This CD should have a warning label on the side of it that reads, “Be careful while operating a vehicle under the influence of The Neverclaim.”

     The last song to mention is Enthroned on High. Worshiping the Lord, God above all with everything that is within’ is what this song encompasses. “I’m going to bring all that I am to the one who makes me whole. There you are enthroned on high, here I am lay myself down low. I give these hands, stretched out to the sky. I will bring praise to the Lord God above all.” The blessed trinity of God valiant, humble, omnipotent and merciful, our friend and our Master none can compare.

     Produced by Paul Moak and Jason Ingram, who combined have some of the greatest Christian artists to date on their lists of gifts to the body. The Neverclaim, have no problem carrying their God given mantle, and plan to never claim the glory of that; hence their chosen name. However, it is relevant to say if you like Matt Kearney, Third Day, Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North and Building 429 I’m pretty certain The Neverclaim CD should be on the top of your to do list come September 24, 2013.

     As an avid music reviewer I always enter into an impartial relationship with each album. Since I was unfamiliar with The Neverclaim, I had no expectations either. I can tell you openly now this CD has not come out of my car for two weeks. The last time that happened was when I reviewed Sidewalk Prophets last album. Mind you, they are one of my favorite bands, The Neverclaim, are also now on that list.

     This album touched my heart so much I felt led to create a video that includes three of my favorites songs off the album.  I decided to include it in this review so that you can enjoy more of their music!

     It’s hard to find music that combines talented artistry,along with spirit stirring lyrics and sounds produced through the spirit of the deliverer that come together like a tapestry of magnificence. I am sure you can ascertain by now that I am totally biased toward this group because they have my unfailing respect and have touched my heart in a way few groups can or ever will. The Neverclaim, have forever claimed me as true believer and supporter of their music ministry.

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7eventh Time Down "Just Say Jesus" Review

     On September 3, 2013 the Kentucky based Christian rock band, 7eventh Time Down will kick open the barn doors, musically speaking and deliver their powerful sophomore album through BEC Recordings. They are out to feed the flock that want to rock. Some of you may have already pre-ordered their album or picked it up at a show, but those of you who have not yet had the chance you are in for a treat!

     This album is filled with radio friendly rock melodies akin to a Skillet and Kutless fusion. However, if you are geared more toward the softer rock ballads you will be pleasantly surprised by the symphonious nature of the entire album.

Lead singer Mikey Howard delivers spot on and carries a very similar sound to that of ex-American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry, who has since been 4X certified platinum.

     These four longtime friends brought this album together in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. Produced in the basement studio of front man Howard, the same place they recorded their first song together as teenagers. Though the majority of the album was a unified effort by the band they did join with respected songwriters like Ian Eskelin, Jeff Pardo and Tony Wood on two of the tracks.

     Just Say Jesus speaks to the hearts that continually hurt and long for comfort. When people are at a loss, whatever the circumstances may be, they can find peace and comfort in knowing that He is there for them if they call out to Him. “When you don’t know what to say just say Jesus, there is power in the name.”

     As a Christian, sometimes it’s difficult to get others to see the life changing relationship caused by being bought by the Blood of Christ. Wait for You, is a powerful stance on being loyal regardless of what others think, waiting to be called home. After all is said and done, we win according to the scriptures.

     Good Life, addresses the conflict that we face as Christians through the attacks of the enemy. With a riveting guitar and powerful lyrics like “You cannot stop us now, we won’t give up the fight. We’re swinging from the fence, when the lights go out tonight. So give us all you got, we’re never gonna stop. And when we hit bottom we’ll be climbing to the top of the good life.” I would love to see a video of this in a boxing ring for some reason, showing someone boxing visual attacks of the enemy with a KO at the end. Or course the person would have to tap out and let Jesus take the ring.

     Renegade, is a guitar treat. This song looks in the rearview mirror at the previous life before Christ never hitting the brakes and running toward the finish line. One of the things most Christian’s have in common is remembering what it was like to live in bondage before being delivered through the truth in Christ.

     Free illuminates the desire to walk in that peace. Trusting He is in control of your future, and what is behind you has been erased. “I’m begging for the Lord to come, I’m in a war for my soul but I aint got a gun. I need a cure from a disease that I suffer from.” Lyrically and musically a stand out, I can say that this song is a favorite of mine. I absolutely love the unexpected rap in the middle of a throw down rock song.

     Being broken and shaped into the vessel God intended us to be makes it easier for us to follow Him wholly. Many people pick up the salvation mantel but continue to slip into their old ways not really consecrated to Christ. Shadow is a declaration of dependence upon the leading of God stating, “I don’t need you to tell me the next step we take toward the enemy. I’ll follow you blindly where you go, I’ll go. I will be a shadow.”



      Nothing To Give, is one of the most passionate songs on the album. The cry of a heart in need of being filled with God, or it will be left empty with nothing to give. One of the powerful lines in the song expresses how everyone you encounter is in need of something from you.  If we continue trying to pour into others our cup begins to empty out. We are desperate for the refreshing times that we spend with God on a daily basis. “I will stand strong, I will press on. You are my hope, I’m never alone. So when I stand strong and when I press on, I know it’s your strength and not my own”.

 

Lyric Video For Nothing To Give

 

    
     A formative adjective in melodic formation comes forth in Religious and Famous. Band members Mikey,Cliff, Eric and Austin grew up playing music together and view the opportunity to be used by God doing what they love as a privilege.
Encompassing their southern nature this song brings up where they have come from and how they take no glory in what they are doing now, it’s all about God and what His Son Jesus Christ did on the cross for each person’s freedom.

     Not necessarily saving the best for last, because each person has their own personal tastes, but I have two that I instantly clicked with. One I Am Running To, is such a relatable song on so many different levels with just about every single person that is striving to live for Christ. For those who do not know the personal experience with Christ, it would be difficult to understand that peace that surpasses all understanding. “So much I don’t understand in the middle of the circumstance. But I know my life is in your hands. Tonight, I’m gonna fix my eyes on the only hope that satisfies my heart. You are everything that’s good and right and true. Jesus, I’m coming after you.”

 

  Hurricanes is pretty much what you would expect. Echoing the previous message, placing all your trust in His provision, in His time when He sees fit. “When it rains; when it pours; when the sky falls down; when the waves crash ashore; God I know somehow, you’re gonna get me through. Every storm that I face; every rising tide; you’re love never fails, I know your by my side.” That is undeniable faith. In that statement you trust God with everything that is within’ you, so that no matter what might be surrounding you presently, you know He is the Master of the sea.

Eric Van Zant (lead guitar), sums it up when he says, “There’s a lot of hope in this record, because nothing can trump the name of Jesus ever.”

      One thing is for certain, Just Say Jesus is bound to touch the hearts and lives of those who open their spirit up to the message these southern boys are cultivating in the soul of hearers. Hosea 10:12 “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

     In an effort to offer hope to others outside of music the band partners with Cure International, operating in 27 different countries providing surgeries and sharing the Gospel with those in need. Recently the band was featured on Air 1's Club Awesome Tour. These four talented gospel rockers who are road warriors will be on tour officially, September through October of 2013.

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Kutless Interview/Show Review

     The One True God Tour led by Newsong kicked off in Adrian, Michigan September 30, 2011. Kutless joined them on stage along with fellow musicians Dara Maclean and Anthem Lights. Each group brought humble ambition to their performances, which led to a night of many people responding for the first time to accept Christ or rededicate their lives.

     Dara opened the show with grace and beauty and recognition to the wonderful freedom we have available through Christ. Anthem Lights followed opening with a fantastic a cappella version of the Hymn, My Jesus, I love thee.

     NewSong took the stage next with several great performances. Matt Butler testified how Christ came through with His healing power for their daughter that was born premature. He performed their next release, The Same God after sharing the victory he and his wife received in their daughter, who has since grown into a healthy toddler. Russ Lee, the lead singer and songwriter followed up with a wonderful altar call after a very powerful performance of their anthem hit Arise My Love.

     Kutless took to the stage to close out the evening with an influential performance of several of their hits like Pride Away along with beautiful renditions of their more recent worship chart toppers Everything I Need and What Faith Can Do. My personal favorite of the evening was the heartfelt performance of Amazed. God has done some amazing things in my life lately and I just allowed myself to soak that particular moment in.

     As a Christian, we are not immune to trying times or situations and often times we will find other people who face similar challenges and circumstances. Over a decade of music ministry Kutless has been able to reach so many people spiritually, by touching on deep matters of the heart through song. With the release of their latest album It Is Well, the spiritual maturity of this band communicates a stronger realm of faith to their listeners.  

     The power of Christ has always been the driving force that keeps the lyrical aspect of these fist pumping performers motivated and cultivating the hearts of thousands of us. Band members include Jon Micah Sumrall (lead vocals), Dave Luetkenhoelter (Bass), Nick De Partee (Guitar), Jeffrey Gilbert (Drums) and James Mead on Guitar.

     Before the events for the evening started Dave, Nick and Jeff met with me to briefly to discuss a few important topics to them. They shared about their desire to reach as many people as they can for Christ, their upcoming album release and the importance of family.

Question - So, if I am not mistaken this is the first night of the One True God Tour is that correct?

     Nick - "Yes, and so far it’s been great. We have toured with NewSong before and we are looking forward to this tour as well."

Question - So you guys just got back from a trip over to the Philippines, can you tell me a little bit about that experience?

     Jeff - "Oh yeah it was a really great experience, we played for three days there and over the three days we saw thousands of people come to Christ."

     Nick - "Yeah, we are still recovering from that trip. It really takes a lot out of you traveling like that sometimes both physically and emotionally."

     Dave - "Yes, that is true and we have the Winter Jam Tour directly following the One True God Tour. Right after that we will be going on the Very Merry Christmas Tour."

Question - Not to mention you have a new album, that is going to be released coming up next year right?

     Nick - "Yes, and that is hopefully going to be available in February."

Question - So how do you learn to balance your schedules with life and family and the trials and exhaustion that comes with traveling?

     Jeff - "Well, it’s definitely not easy. Thankfully, we all have wonderful women that support us and love us and see us when we come home and we are exhausted and they know and understand what we go through out here. It’s a lot of different things combined with just the emotion that pours out and the physical aspects of it. So, it’s great to have the support of our families and hear the wonderful stories that people come up and share with us.
     We read email after email of how their lives have been effected through our music. As long as God continues to move us in this direction it is the way we will go. It’s just different now. When we first started we were young and out of high school and just ready to jump in a van and go wherever. Now, we have families and kids and responsibilities and you know we want to give our family 100 percent not just 50/50"

      Kutless originated their name through the scripture Romans 6:23 in regards to Jesus Christ for taking our cuts for us. Therefore we become cut-less for the blood that He shed on Calvary for our redemption through His grace and mercy.

Question - Personally I am a very lyrically moved person and your songs over the years seem to have tapped into my private time with God in prayer.

I was curious who is behind the lyrical make up of your music and if you guys write about your personal experiences or if it’s experiences you have heard from other people?

     Nick - "It’s sort of a combination of all those things. Really we all have been a big part of the music that we write, and a situation will strike with us and we will find something in scripture that goes along with that circumstance and we just flow with what God leads us to write and incorporate that together. I heard a great quote one time, 'If you write a song from your brain it will reach someone’s brain. If you sing a song from your heart you are going to move someone’s heart.' "
    

     Dave - "You know there are a lot of really great songs out there. There are some people out there that just write from the heart, even if it’s not Christian based if they can connect with people on an emotional level that is what people respond to."

     Jeff - "Yeah, a lot of people will ask us what our next album is going to be about. Is it going to be rock or worship? Then they will ask what our favorite song is to play on tour. Most the time I will say one that rocks out. However there are times when we will be playing certain sets and I will look around and see how different songs are ministering to certain people. There are other times like with the latest album, It Is Well when we will be playing I’m Still Yours, that God will just really start dealing with me in my spirit about things. That is our goal as a band, to impress that power of God in their hearts. We really have one purpose and we just incorporated all of that into the new album."

     These humble young men have exuberant stage presence that fills auditoriums. With the authority we have in Christ to shout His victories or the honest submission of their hearts for His glory to be revealed. You are guaranteed to be moved physically, spiritually and emotionally if you are able to catch them live.

 

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