Hi Pal,
Welcome to another review where I tell you how I feel about a specific album or EP release. In today’s edition, we will be checking out Weary Hymns Along The Way by Wild Earth.
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Wild Earth is one of those bands that has always been able to blend their indie rock/pop sound with worship sensibilities in interesting ways. My first encounter with the band was with their Holy Fools (2017) album. I have since checked out their debut album — Orchestrate (2015) — and their other releases after 2017. It is quite clear that they have a clear identity and vision for what they want to create.
Five years after the release of Holy Fools, this album begins with “Dark Night Of The Soul” an electropop tune. Micah Bentley (Lead Vocals) and Jason Richard (Lead Guitarist) are no stronger to synth keys or techno-tinged tunes as this has been a feature of their sound right from the beginning. For all intents and purposes, this song is a cry of desperation to God and is reminiscent of many Psalms of lament that we can find in scripture.
“Wake Me Up (Maranatha)” carries on the themes of the last song as a cry for revelation and enlightenment from above. It is a progressive indie rock tune with synth undertones. The subdued post-punk tonal derivations mixed with the pop-rock compositions of “Hope For Me” make it one of the brightest points on the album from an emotional standpoint.
Arguably one of my favourites on the album and certainly one of the best from a lyrical standpoint, “O The Mystery” brings distinct serenity to this album as Bentley sings, ‘…from the ashes of my doubt, hallelujah singing out, all the days of unbelief, hosannah now repeats…’. Being the midpoint of the album, this song pairs nicely with “This Is Glory”, a song that features indie singer-songwriter LOVKN. Although both songs could not be more different in tone, I believe they both mark the highest point of this album.
“Carry It On” is a song that speaks about the perfection of the saints and it reminds me of some of the best soft alternative rock from the early to mid-2000s. “Peace Be With You” runs in the opposite direction, injecting some energy and grit into this album even as we approach the end. It’s a song of encouragement in times of trouble.
The title track and album closer, “Weary Hymns Along The Way” is a soft ballad that reflects the heart of a person who has learnt to trust in the Lord. The lyrics are deep and profound, exposing a kind of vulnerability that is quite rare but very welcome from this band. Bentley’s words, ‘…striving every day to be rooted in the vine, when nothing else is safe, you are my place to hide…’ communicate thoughts that most Christians can connect with on an intimate level. One could not ask for a more perfect end to this album.
I’m usually an advocate for albums with a sizable tracklist — at least 10 — and when I don’t get that, I am fairly disappointed. This is one of those rare occasions where I believe that a shorter tracklist works better.
Weary Hymns Along The Way has a clear theme and as a concept album, these eight tracks are a tight-knit collection of songs that deliver the message of the project with clarity.
I’m not sure if the band worked on these eight tracks alone or if they left some songs on the threshing floor. Whatever the case, I’m glad they were able to put together an album that reflects their maturity and growth as a band in many regards.
If I had to nitpick, my one minor criticism would be that, as a third album, it is quite clear to me now that Wild Earth has a specific sound. In terms of personal taste, I’m usually looking forward to artists/bands trying new things and that is obviously absent on this album. Still, I am mature enough to know that ‘new’ is not always ‘good’ and I can rest, assured that Wild Earth is a band that I can rely on to continually deliver good indie music.
Genre(s): Indie Rock, Synthpop, Electropop
Album Link Here
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RATING
: 4.3/5
That’s it for today.
See you soon!
Talk to me about your favourite songs on the album. Also, let me know of any other albums or EPs you’d like me to review.
Top songs in the album are:
- Wake Me Up (Marantha)
- O The Mystery
- This is Glory
- Dark Night of the Soul
The last track This is Glory is on another level. Also, Dark Night of the Soul is really good.
I'd love to know your views on Clayton Brooks' 2022 album.