Review

The Uillean pipes transport you right away to far-off land. The drone of the bass and majestic organ evoke images of misty isles, of dreamy possibilities. Out of this ethereal swirl comes the familiar- a rhythmic guitar, a thumping bass drum, a voice calling out to put on the garments of praise; calling out words of Life and Truth; timeless, matchless words that have encouraged and exhorted for centuries and millennia.

So begins “Revival in Belfast” by Robin Mark. The first track, “Garments of Praise”, continues to please our auditory senses with a bridge of fiddles and whistles and shouts of hallelujah. This project is an Irish delight. To these All-American ears, caught up like many the past few years with the hypnotic appeal of the Celts, Robin’s songs take me to places I’ve only dreamed of.

This album is unlike any I’ve ever heard! I can’t recommend it more highly! I’m not trying to overkill the Irish element (because, hey, to you Irish readers, you’ve always enjoyed this, right?) and there is so much to enjoy here. Robin Mark reminds me a lot of Van Morrison. His voice is rich, passionate and unashamed. He is a storyteller par excellence. Just listen to “Revival”. In very slow, arrhythmic fashion he sings “I hear the voice of one crying…prepare ye the way of the Lord”. Then come a steady rock beat and a tale of normal day-to-day living. After setting the table with images of rush hour traffic and dead end jobs, he inspires us with the hope and assurance that revival’s a’comin’. You will NOT be able to sit still during this song, I guarantee it!

That’s the thing with this album. It just keeps getting you up out of your seat. The pacing is excellent, though, with the right mix of softer, more intimate songs to balance the energy. “How Great Are You Lord” is a good example. Here Mark takes the Lynn DeShazo penned song and, giving it his own touch, settles us back into a reverent posture, declaring God’s glory. After a brief prayer we are again treated to the strains of strings. “There Is No Other Name” is Robin’s own composition. The simplicity of the lyrics, again words straight from the Book of Life, are rendered in such a way that you feel as if you’ve been privileged to hear a man’s own prayers from his closet.

But, let’s be honest. The eleven songs he gives us are all worthy of exclamation. But none compare to his the last song, “Days of Elijah”. This is a song for today, and it is always today. It is timeless, it is unforgettable.

“These are the days of Elijah, declaring the Word of the Lord; and these are the days of your servant Moses, righteousness being restored; and though these are the days of great trials, of famine and darkness and sword, still we are the voice in the desert crying ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord’. Behold He comes riding on the clouds, shining like the sun at the trumpet call; lift your voice, it’s the year of jubilee, out of Zion’s hill salvation comes”.

You can’t imagine by just reading those words the incredible power of this song. It will grab you in the same way “Shout to the Lord” grabs you. It is an anthem that will be sung everywhere people worship the true and living God. You will play this song over and over again!

Usually in my reviews I qualify a CD by saying who I think would enjoy it and want to buy it. In this case I can’t. I just can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like it. So, who buys this album? Everyone! As a matter of fact, and I know I say this often, but it’s especially true here, buy one for a friend… give this one away. It emulates what we are to do… be a blessing.

Review by John Ausmus