The thing I love most about LTTM is when we get the chance to tell people about unsigned and independent artists who are working their socks off to produce incredible music. Often these artists get overlooked, so opening their music to a new audience is incredibly satisfying. Jeff Abercrombie is a perfect case in point. Brought to my attention through a personal recommendation, Jeff is not someone I'd heard of before, but after receiving his Everything Grace EP, I'm certainly glad I know about him now.
"The basis for creating this particular project was to capture a few songs I've played... Read More The thing I love most about LTTM is when we get the chance to tell people about unsigned and independent artists who are working their socks off to produce incredible music. Often these artists get overlooked, so opening their music to a new audience is incredibly satisfying. Jeff Abercrombie is a perfect case in point. Brought to my attention through a personal recommendation, Jeff is not someone I'd heard of before, but after receiving his Everything Grace EP, I'm certainly glad I know about him now.
"The basis for creating this particular project was to capture a few songs I've played live, share them with friends, as well as to document certain truths and perspectives that I've encountered on my journey. I wrote these songs purposely to be simple. They are reminders of who God is and who I am (we are), and I like to keep them close", explains Jeff.
Title track 'Everything Grace' features a catchy guitar riff throughout, with Jeff's gentle vocal style helping the track to meander along, with its soothing chorus of "Rain down, rain down, Your loving grace. Rain down, rain down, as I seek Your face". Musically it is extremely pleasing to the ear and wouldn't feel out of place as a church worship song.
'Journey Into You' is another very gentle song, again accompanied by some nice atmospheric guitar work and soft drumming. Lyrically it describes a relationship with God. 'Rest' also starts gently but builds later in the track as the drum beat becomes more pronounced and the backing vocals emphasize the singing further.
The opening verse of 'You Are Love' instantly reminds me of a Tree63 song, before the superb chorus comes along with a notably similar sound to Snow Patrol. "I love the way You talk, love the way You are, love when You whisper in the dark..." sings Jeff. It's the most upbeat song on the album and easily the stand out track. A real stunner which is right up there with the best in Christian music.
'Overflow' opens with a clapping style drum beat that for a moment made me think I was about to hear a cover version of Queen's 'We Will Rock You'. The beat continues throughout the song but once the vocals kick in it takes on its own style with a live feel to it. Mid tempo, and a good example of Jeff's creativity, but not quite on the same level as the album highlight 'You Are Love'.
With a musical style described as 'ministry', Jeff's lyrics don't shy away from his beliefs. But it never feels in your face or overbearing. This five song EP begins with an easy mellow feel, and there are no raucous rock guitars to be found here. What you get through all five tracks is mature music oozing quality and sophistication. A full length album must surely follow as Jeff's talents are too great not to be showcased further.
