Reviewed by John Cheek

Following on from 2016's EP 'Difference Maker', NewSpring Worship return with their first full-length album. 'Able' is the fruit of the South Carolina-based worship movement. Culturally relevant it is not, but the best in worship usually sounds timeless, anyway. Nor is it me-focused, but usually God-focused. Nor can it be accused of being happy-clappy. 'Able' starts with the title track which sets the mood of meditative, dream-like worship and immediately introduces the theme of personal surrender and the heartfelt permission to let God do that which he is perfectly able to do in our lives. This is late-night, atmospheric, sonic terrain with shimmering notes and Coldplay-esque guitar patterns and riffs. "King Of Kings" features electronic drums reminiscent of U2's Larry Mullen on "Magnificent"; "Worthy" gives us an attractive-sounding female vocal, a la Lou Fellingham, which cloaks some serious lyrics: "Filled with your Spirit/Bought with your blood." Indeed, the variety of vocalists is refreshing, not least the male singer who sounds like Kings Of Leon's Caleb Followill. Ultimately, many churches will find it difficult to capture and reproduce the atmosphere of these songs, as the quality of the musicianship and singing is way above that of the average local church worship group. But then the same could be said for the Bethels and Hillsongs of today's scene.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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