Bluetree - Greater Things (independent release)

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Sometimes when a reviewer is faced with a huge pile of modern rock albums, most of which are directed at the worshipping Church and use the over-familiar templates of Delirious? or Hillsong United, it takes an album like this one to dispatch the apathy. 'Greater Things' is an absolutely stunning debut and in this Era Of Independents is way beyond the creative standards of many albums pushed at the Christian market by the big multinationals. If you read Cross Rhythms' recent article you will know that Bluetree are from Belfast and have risen to popularity in their home city through the Mannafest events. Now this thrilling album underlines why their reputation is growing. With a fine lead singer in Aaron Boyd, some biting guitar work from Rick Bleakley and some unexpected blips and beats provided by DJ Pete Kernoghan this brings a fresh and exciting touch to the rock worship arena. Yes, there are occasional touches of the Celtic fervour of U2 or the passionate declaration of those Littlehampton wonders, but there's also some fine songwriting here. The killer track is the opener "Life's Noise" which after a montage of all the irritating surplus row of modern life bursts into a song which would take the roof off any stadium. Equally impressive is their inventive arrangement of that old warhorse, "When I Survey". Production by American veteran Paul Mills is consistently inventive, the sonic values are at times breathtaking (it was recorded after all at U2's stomping ground Windmill Lane Studios) and I conclude by recommending this to every believer looking for rock excellence AND a heart after worship.