Review

Tree63 has been one of my favorite rock-worship bands for a while now. Every time they release a new CD I inevitably end up getting hooked on it and listening to it beginning to end for months. Much like Delirious, Tree63 albums combine songs of direct, literal worship to God and songs that use metaphor and self examination to challenge the listener into a deeper life of worship and service to God. So not every song of theirs may be a congregational song, but they are unmistakably a worship band through and through.

With Tree63's latest release "Sunday!" we once again find a band that is creative, energetic, passionate and relatable. Their music has always been, and remains some of the most unique in worship music. Combining post-punk rock and hopped-up reggae, this trio has always had an apparent affinity for the band The Police. "Sunday!" is a specimen of relevant, tasteful, intelligent modern rock for the 20 and 30 something crowd.

As impressive as Tree63's musical prowess is, the heart of their music lies in the lyrics. The songs on "Sunday!" touch on themes of the Kingdom, hope and justice. It's a challenge to take a journey of relying on the unseen and committing to walking in this "invisible" kingdom. This challenge doesn't come to us as a big stick over the head, but as an invitation. As we listen to lead singer John Ellis singing as one who wants to take this journey himself, we become empathetic and adopt the words and prayers in the songs as our own.

What a fantastic CD. The worship leader in me wishes there were more congregational/Sunday morning songs on "Sunday!", but the father/husband/guy-trying-to-live-the-life in me is grateful to have this very personal worship CD in my player.

Review by Jeremy Dunn