William Chong

Sons of Korah: RAIN

An enthralling musical journey through some of the Bible’s most enduring psalms. A

3000-year-old Psalms. Contemporary music. It’s a surprising mix for those unfamiliar with the rich and hauntingly evocative sounds of Sons of Korah. Their latest album, RAIN, is another well-crafted addition to a discology that has enriched and inspired listeners around the world.

Currently led by Matthew Jacoby and Rod Gear, the Australia-based outfit has been carving out their music since 1993. RAIN delves into psalms that span a wide range of human emotion, employing a musical clarity that leaves one more appreciative of the sacred texts their tracks are based on.

From the soft acoustic guitars and mandolins in He Sits Enthroned (Ps 99) to strong and taiko-like drums in Overwhelmed (Ps 14b), Sons of Korah confidently draw from many contemporary musical styles. There’s the soft Wurlitzer-chords lamenting and thirsting for God in Streams of Water (Ps 42a) under a mournful A minor drone; when Jacoby sings lyrics like “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul thirsts for the living God”, it paints a grittier, and refreshingly realistic take on the psalm.

And when he sings in The Pilgrim Song that “better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (Ps 81), it’s equally honest and sincere. Through it all, theologically-trained Jacoby is astute in picking out the right chorus sections, verses and harmonies – who would have thought that Psalm 139 could be turned into a CCM-like praise song in Still with You?

Other highlights heart-wrenching rebuke of “The Fool” (Ps 14a), and a few numbers that suggest what a psalm would sound like as sincere piano ballads in the vein of Elton John’s Your Song. There are strong musical hooks throughout the album that encourage you to literally sing through your Bible reading, and it’s got fantastic production values that set it apart from the plethora of Christian up-and-coming demo EPs.

These guys are experienced, and continue to excel in marrying timely music with timeless lyrics. Kiwis looking to catch Sons of Korah’s music can also celebrate: they’re committing to a New Zealand tour in March 2009.

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Sons of Korah website: http://www.sonsofkorah.com
Buy their CD: CRS Online NZ; CRS Online (International customers)
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sonsofkorahmusic
Artist contact: matt at sonsofkorah dot com

Disclosures: None to declare.

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