Review

Robin Mark follows up his highly acclaimed 'Revival in Belfast' with another excellent set of songs that capture the heartfelt worship coming out of Northern Ireland. Recorded at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Mark delivers 13 contemporary hymns of praise; songs that cry out to the Lord for understanding, for forgiveness, and for healing. Again employing the rich, haunting sounds of the Ullian pipes and the delightful whistles, both low and high, Mark gives us an album that continues where he left off last year.

His songs are infinitely singable. After a few listens you'll be humming 'Take us to the river.' or 'Come heal this land.'. Robin's songs definitely communicate the war-torn brokenness that is everyday life in Ireland. His anthemic title track is incredible! It begins with a soft exhortation that bids the exile, the stranger, the weary and homeless, all to come and find mercy at the table of the Father. You will not be able to sit still as the song flows into the second section. I guarantee you will play this song over and over. It has the same feel as 'Revive Us' from his last album.

'Take Us to the River' captures the ironic tug of desiring mercy and forgiveness from the Father, praying for it to be poured out on others, and yet, inwardly struggling when it is given to those who have wronged us.

Robin has a special ability to turn scripture into illuminative songs that we can grasp and sing. His songs truly are modern day hymns. They convey much about the nature of God and teach us as we sing them. 'Everything Cries Holy' makes Revelation 4 and 5 come alive.

A little something about the recording itself: Armagh, Northern Ireland, was the home base for the ministry of St. Patrick. The cathedral has been there for 1500 years. Strange and unsettling events led up to the night of the recording, with part of the church catching fire, a death in a band member's family and a suicide by a church official. Armagh, while a landmark in terms of the connection with St. Patrick, is purported to be spiritually dark as a result of decades of conflict and fighting.

However much spiritual warfare was present, God's name was lifted up by more than 600 people, along with a team of prayer warriors sequestered off in a side room, interceding for the event. For those that loved 'Revival in Belfast' and have wanted more, this is your album. For those that didn't ever hear Mark's last one, you need to get them both. This is Ireland at it's best.

Review by John Ausmus