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As CMCentral wets its toes at the banks of the indie stream, I thought it wise to start with some of the best offerings available. The Shelly Moore Band, well respected in the industry but a well kept secret outside of it, deserves to be discovered. I first heard them on the superb Wes King tribute, “Life is Precious,” but it won’t be long before they are on the tips of tongues more significant than mine. “Hope and Decay” is their second album, but if you like thoughtful composition, pristine guitars, and lyrics steeped in humility, you’ll enjoy it greatly.
Opening with the timely, rootsy “Scratch,” Shelly Moore’s evocative vocals grab your attention immediately, reminding us that we are not, in fact, the center of the universe but rather a “scratch on a line.” It may take another minute or two to notice the Hammond B3 simmering below the cleverly nuanced track. The fluid standout “Your Light Illumines” features more intuitive writing, and some creative phrasing from Moore. I enjoy the organic sensibilities of the SMB, especially obvious on “Whisper.”
But it’s their humility that stands out on “Grafted,” and for that matter, informs most of the lyrics of “Hope and Decay.” Moore writes with guitarist Mike Passaro, and their reverent and grateful perspective of Christ injects these ten songs with a spiritual richness that goes down deep. It has much to do with the album’s satisfaction; these truths resonate long after the disc stops spinning.
The delicate arrangements of gentle rocker “Solid Ground” give a shine to each measure, also highlighting Passaro’s always sensitive guitar fingerings. The song builds to an unforeseen mid-track crescendo of fervent hope, and there’s that lovely B3 again. The band does a lovely turn with 19th century hymn “Jesus I Come,” layering the luminous vocals beautifully. “Be Exalted,” the longest track, is free-flow worship, and I don’t know that all listeners will enjoy it repeatedly. But the disc ends powerfully with “Without Words,” rejoicing in the way the explosive beauty of nature declares the power of its Creator. Passaro’s nimble guitar illustrates the precision of creation, and Moore’s vocals overflow with reverence as she sings: “I hear the loudest silent praise/ As your creation daily screams out your praise.”
“Hope and Decay” will encourage you to find and know your place in Christ, and treat you to high caliber indie music in the process, a glorious two-fer.... |
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In a world that screams with unending noise, we deliver a message of first importance. Jesus died for our sins once for all, was buried and raised from the dead according to the Scriptures.
Therefore, we refuse to peddle a different message than the Gospel contained in the Bible, but rather seek to announce loudly that Christ paid the penalty so that we might be brought to God.
He is our Joy. He is all of our Hope.
We believe that this message matters, and that the youth of today need to hear it.
The Gospel changes everything.
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We lead worship regularly at our church and have lead for several of our Youth conferences/weekends.
We partner with members of the youth group that desire to share the Gospel through music to help them use their gifts well.
We also meet and correspond with the parents of the youth to answer any questions related to their children being involved and serving in music ministry.
AND, we pray that God would use all of that, in a way that only He can, to bring Himself the most glory.
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