The City Harmonic - Introducing The City Harmonic
Artist:
Title:
Introducing The City Harmonic
Type:
Album
Released:
22 Nov 2010
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Your Rating:
Review
Canadian four-piece worship band The City Harmonic have recently been signed by British based label Kingsway, and to tide us over until a full album is released in the Spring, six-song EP 'Introducing The City Harmonic' has emerged in the US, landing in the UK in the new year. So, what does this self-produced CV tell us about the band?
'I Wonder' opens the EP with some big piano sounds and a crisp drum beat with indie-Brit-pop styled vocals from front man Elias Dummer. Mixed with infectious guitar riffs and backing vocals pitched somewhere between gang vocals meet choir effect for...
Read More Canadian four-piece worship band The City Harmonic have recently been signed by British based label Kingsway, and to tide us over until a full album is released in the Spring, six-song EP 'Introducing The City Harmonic' has emerged in the US, landing in the UK in the new year. So, what does this self-produced CV tell us about the band?
'I Wonder' opens the EP with some big piano sounds and a crisp drum beat with indie-Brit-pop styled vocals from front man Elias Dummer. Mixed with infectious guitar riffs and backing vocals pitched somewhere between gang vocals meet choir effect for the repeated words of the chorus "I wonder". It's instantly warm and familiar sounding, hints of Embrace or Coldplay, layered together in a soaring wall of sound.
Next up is the single 'Manifesto' - a stunner from the moment the opening piano jingle makes way to superb rock guitars and drums. The gang-choir style backing vocals are evident again as the opening verse sings out "We believe in the one true God. We believe in Father Spirit Son. We believe that good has won" which is later followed by one of the simplest choruses you'll ever hear of, "Amen". Yes, just that one single word, but sung brilliantly over and over with such a big sound that you feel it surrounding you. The song skillfully comes to a near standby for the bridge line, "And all of the people of God sing along", sung gently with some emotive vocals, before the all encompassing chorus returns again, complete with crashing drums and guitars. Just, wow. As the song nears an end the Lord's Prayer is sung in a rhythmic manner, building speed and introducing more instruments and sounds until it too gives way to the chorus once more.
Now, I realise I've just dedicated an entire lengthy paragraph to just one song, but trust me, this is a truly excellent five minutes of music. The EP continues with the quietly starting 'My God'. There are hints of an organ in the background against the sound of the hushed vocals. It takes a full 90 seconds for the rolling drums to join in and then, as the song continues, interesting little snippets of sound and bells are mixed in alongside jangling notes, guitars and bass. In the second half the vocals become almost aggressive in their style as another brilliant song really flies.
'Coming My Way' hits another sweet spot for me, as the band unveils some moving strings to back up Elias's husky voice. It's a beautiful song both musically and lyrically. 'I Am' has a moody vocal style with some lavish guitar sounds throughout. The eloquent and brilliant chorus simply states, "My God You are good, You are great, You are love. I am."
The EP ends with 'What I Want', a quieter song with the feel of an eerie REM or Coldplay track. More earnest vocals follow with the chorus: "Sing all of heaven and earth, but don't just sing, be, and be every word. That's what I want. Halleljuah." As the final minute approaches, the song continues to build up with punchy drum beats and hooks, ending the track on a brilliant high.
This is a band who are not afraid to introduce a variety of different instruments, regardless of any stigmas that may be attached to songs laden with piano, organ, strings even the occasional tambourine. This EP is just so difficult to describe, there is so much to love, so much to hear, such brilliant music and amazingly sung lyrics. You really need to check it out for yourself to fully appreciate its stunningness. And trust me, once you do check it out, you will want more. Every track is good enough to be called a standout track and I'm left with little choice but to dish out well deserved full marks for this EP. Consider us highly satisfied with our introduction to The City Harmonic, and more than eager for the next installment.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 5 out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Manifesto
My God
I Wonder
