Review

Canadian worship leaders David Ruis, Chris Janzen and Iain Lovatt join forces to bring you an admirable live worship disc recorded during the Industrial Revolution youth conference held near Toronto, Canada.

If youre ever attended a youth worship event, you know that passion and energy are two things youll have no trouble experiencing, and "Wash Over Me" doesnt disappoint. Much like the raw sounds of Langley Vineyards "The Well" and "W2" recordings from a few years back, "Wash Over Me" delivers a welcome sense of excitement to the worship arena. Fusing both new and old Vineyard worship songs together, this recording places the emphasis on giving voice to an emerging generation of believers who are hungry to know God and express devotion to His calling.

Perhaps one of the biggest coups on this disc is the inclusion of famed UK electronica artist, DJ Andy Hunter, whose techno-inspired songs have been used in both The Matrix Reloaded and The Italian Job, even though he makes no apology for his love of Christ. Lovatt, producer of previously-mentioned "The Well" and "W2" recordings steps up here and displays a true gift for leading worship in front of the microphone, as opposed to sitting in the producers chair.

Chris Janzen, who appeared on "W2", once again shows why hes one of the more promising new worship leaders on the scene today, in Canada or any other country. Janzens solid, evocative performance is a welcome balance to that of veteran Ruis. The only complaint I have is that there was not a single track devoted to Hunter alone. We found out later, that due to contracts and legal matters, Andy's presence on the album was limited.  Instead, his role here is to provide atmosphere and background effects to the worship songs being performed by Janzen, Ruis and Lovatt. While at least one song allowing Hunter to completely cut loose would have been quite refreshing, his presence on the recording isnt diminished by his supporting role.

Worship leaders will be thrilled to know that this CD features a CD-ROM component that has chord charts and lyric masters and some sweet video segments from the actual Industrial Revolution conference. There is an unmistaken modern edge captured on this live disc, but standards such as "Refiners Fire", "Eternity", and "Resting Place" get serious new life when played before this energetic audience of young worshippers. Lovatts "Can You Hear" kicks things off by asking, "Can you hear the sound of revival?" and by the end of this disc youll have no doubt about your answer.

"Wash Over Me" is another solid effort from Vineyard Music Canada. Dont miss it.

Review by Kieth Giles