Christian Music News: Review | 22 (2024)

Hi Pal,

Welcome to another review where I tell you how I feel about a specific album or EP release. We will check out Psalms, Vol. 4 by Will Gray in today's edition.

Starting out in 2020, UK-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Will Gray, began releasing a series of projects inspired by the book of Psalms. The three volumes prior to this one have been eclectic and diverse, with its influences drawn from folk, indie pop, electronic and gospel music. Vol. 3 ended with Psalm 10, so naturally, we will begin from where we left off in the old volume.

“Psalm 11” is a tune straight out of the modern indie pop playbook — and I mean that in the best way. With infectious hooks, colourful synths and bright keys, it’s a great song to add to a fun praise playlist as it reflects the joy that comes from our reliance and trust in God.

“Psalm 12” has a musical approach that fits its lyrical themes perfectly. With dramatic percussions and rising synths, Will Gray’s switches from spoken word to singing for the verses and choruses in style. I love this Psalm because it comes from a place of desperation and a need for God to show Himself; a state that I have experienced far too often.

“Psalm 13” starts off as a soothing ballad with beautiful harmonies. Anyone who knows this psalm will know that the themes are quite similar to its predecessor with lyrics like, “…how long oh Lord will my enemy triumph over me?/Look on me and answer oh my God…” It is a song of two halves; the first being weary and the second being hopeful and bright. Musically, the second half of this song is simply gorgeous as it takes a progressive approach with various intricate layers placed over each other, to create something truly special.

In “Psalm 14”, Gray borrows his approach from art pop and experimental indie. Of every song on this project, this one really highlights his prowess as a producer. As a fan of experimental indie and electronic music, there are certain things I tend to look for in the mastering and layering of sounds and in this song, everything I heard blew me away completely.

It’s incredible to me that I’ve talked about this EP without paying much attention to the lyrics because they are the stars of the show. Yet, what I appreciate the most about this EP — and to be fair, the previous volumes as well — is that he doesn’t pull any punches in his musicianship because the project is purely biblical. Will Gray does his best to create sounds that can be appreciated by any listener as some of the best work to emerge from any genre he chooses to explore.

Genre(s): Indie Pop, Art Pop

RATING: 5/5

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