Music. Sing a New Song.

Homemade Worship by Handmade People

By Rend Collective Experiment

A bad taste is sometimes left in the mouths of music enthusiasts at the mere mention of any band’s sophomore album. Not so with Rend Collective Experiment’s second full-length release, Homemade Worship by Handmade People, especially since their first album dropped just a little more than a year ago. And, in keeping with their devotion to produce a true live sound with a Holy Spirit-led feel, the band presents a recording that was fused together in church halls and in homes during their latest tour.

The album’s opening song, “Praise Like Fireworks”—striking a key difference from their first album’s introduction—is upbeat with a lot of energy that does justice to its title. Exploding with a variety of musical color and vocal dynamic, bandleader Gareth Gilkenson jumps into the verses and choruses with an unmistakable celebratory declaration of God’s goodness. This track is packed with cymbals and driving toms that help to encourage energetic worship.

The vivacity continues into the next two songs, “You Are My Vision” and “The Cost,” with the same level of vibrancy. Highlighted with intricate guitar riffs and banjo plucking, both are a good marriage that paves the way for “Second Chance,” at which the album takes a turn toward a mellower mood. “Second Chance” declares the core redemptive message of Jesus, declaring that humanity is broken and God’s grace is ready for the taking.

With similar messages, songs such as “Christ Has Set Me Free” and “Keep Me Near” remind the listener that humanity’s freedom is at their fingertips. The songs are anchored by an acoustic guitar and piano, respectively, and pave the way for the album’s finale.

“Shining Star” introduces a horn section that gives a majestic feel—a perfect way to end the musical journey. The song declares God’s magnificent love and never-ending guiding light.

Homemade Worship by Handmade People is a great change among the typical worship fare. Worship leaders looking to find new songs and new sounds to introduce to their churches will find this album to be a great resource. Most important, the lyrics are theologically rooted, communicating Christian doctrine in a memorable way.

Reviewed by: Derrick Engoy, creative arts pastor at New Life Center (Harbor City Foursquare Church) in Harbor City, Calif.