Justin Jarvis "Atmospheres (Live)" Album Review

Prime Cuts: Atmospheres, Here We Are, Heaven's Light

"We're standing on the edge/Of something true/This moment is a holy one/And every dream/ A seed for miracles/This moment is a door for us." When Justin Jarvis sings those words on the title cut of his debut album for Fuel Music "Atmospheres" you know he isn't exaggerating.  Rather, with each note of this ethereal ballad with a roaring bite, he brings us step by step closer to what is the spiritual equivalent of Niagara Falls.  By the time the song is over, we find that the Holy Spirit has radically replaced our atmosphere of fear with that of ardent courage.  And this song is just the tip of the iceberg, these 10 worship songs here have the potential of transforming the atmospheres of our lives from fear to courage, legalism to liberty, and sorrow to joy as Jarvis leads us in lifting up the name of Jesus in worship.  In this regard, "Atmospheres (Live)" is able to break through the typical mould we have come to expect from a live worship album.

Justin Jarvis oversees the music and creative culture of the Harbour Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  And he also tours and works closely with Jesus Culture, a ministry that has brought revival amongst the younger generation through the transformation of their lives via worship.  In fact, these 10 worship anthems (all of which were single-handedly written by Jarvis) were recorded live while Jarvis was touring with the team.  Therefore, just like many of Jesus Culture's releases, here you will find members of Jesus Culture Jesus Culture band members such as Chris Quilala (guitars), Jeffrey Kunde (Guitars), Ian McIntosh (keys), Josh Fisher (drums) and Brandon Aaronson (bass) taking a lead role in crafting the record's soundscape.

With a strong full-bodied bluesy vocal that calls to mind Chris Martin of Coldplay or a less weathered-worn version of Bruce Springsteen, Jarvis allows his fabulous vocals to flourish on the thumping rock opener "Take Heart."  Wrapping his vocals around the promise of Jesus in John 16:33, this Scripture besotted anthem propels us to trust in Jesus in our world of troubles.  Jarvis allows his creative juices to flow when it comes to "Taste."  Just like a piece of composite art work, he interweaves splashes of the hymn "Amazing Grace" over a heavy synth driven post-Millennium tune that really has a striking universal appeal.  Though not much of a game changer, "Be My Love" with its roaring guitar riffs calls to mind some of Hillsong's rowdier numbers.

When the tempo recedes and when Jarvis gets more at home with himself without the clash of instruments, we get to appreciate a warmer side of him.  With a Celtic nod that calls to mind the works of Stuart Townend, "Heaven's Light" has a hymn-like structure that poetically calls for the light of Jesus to shine in us and through us.  The way Jarvis draws the congregation in as they gleefully clap along to the infectious beat of "Here We Are" Is certainly noteworthy.  And this is definitely a song worship leaders ought to be thinking of in adding to their repertoire.  Speaking of corporate worship, "In the Middle" gives exposition to why worshipping together can be revolutionary. "Atmospheres (Live)," in short, is not your typical worship album. For those who like to think outside the box, "Atmospheres (Live)" is definitely worship with a difference.

 

 

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