Book Reviews

Disclaimer:

Information provided in ONCOURSE reviews is so readers can make God-honoring entertainment decisions. Reviews should not be viewed as an endorsement or recommendation of items evaluated by either ONCOURSE or the Assemblies of God.

Reviews

Music

• 

  
  

  Trevor Birch: Trevor Birch

  Wed, 22 Feb 2012 - 2:15 PM CST

  In his debut release, Trevor Birch delivers a riveting vocal performance that leads his listeners on an introspective journey into the questions and mystery of living out a life fully devoted to Christ. Not shying away from questions of doubt or authenticity, Trevor addresses the issues head on in tracks like "Little While Longer" and "Open Doors" while holding the importance of maintaining proper perspective on tracks like "Gravity" and "Give Me You (Take Control)."

  His self-titled EP begins with the song "Can You Hear Me," a tale of vulnerability told over driving guitars and keys. Depicting a back-and-forth conversation between God and a struggling individual, the song offers a sense of hope and direction, effectively utilizing the lyric "Can You Hear Me" as a question asked both to and from God.

  Changing tempos on his second track "Gravity," Trevor emphasizes the importance of maintaining a proper perspective in the midst of troubled times through a stunning vocal delivery that not only highlights his range but also a superior vocal command.

  On the third track (and first radio single) "Open Doors," driving guitars lead the listener on a journey into the unknown intricacies of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Running, trusting and leaping into the unknown has seldom sounded so inviting, regardless of our individual short-comings, fears or failures.

  Raw, unfiltered emotion highlights "Little While Longer," Trevor's fourth (and strongest) track, offering a glimpse into the thought process of a person struggling with repeatedly approaching God. Commanding vocals blended with powerful instrumentals highlight a chorus emphasizing the benefit of spending time in God's presence without a predetermined agenda. In the bridge, Trevor also accentuates our intrinsic human desire for direction, singing, "Speak to me / I need You to speak to me / But how will I recognize Your voice / If I don't ever get to know You?" rounding out a well-balanced struggle of needs versus relationship in our own personal times with God.

  Finishing his EP, Trevor's final song brings the listener full circle, answering with finality any lingering questions from the previous track. With an intimate beginning, "Give Me You (Take Control)" builds both lyrically and musically throughout, climaxing after a powerful bridge into a well-balanced chorus of percussion, guitars and soaring vocals proclaiming, "I am home!"

  Lyrically solid and fundamentally sound throughout, Birch unashamedly delivers a powerful message of hope, promise and dependence on Jesus Christ in his debut EP. If this is any indication of what we can expect in the future, it is safe to say we can look forward to his next release.

   

  Keywords: Music Reviews | Trevor Birch
  
  Authors: Christopher Strok
  
  
  

  Search Music Reviews Archives

  more

  
  



Movies

• • Oz the Great and Powerful
    

    

    Studio: Sony Pictures Studios
    Rating: PG
    Review By: Leilani Squires

     

  more