Music Review: On the Altar of Love by downhere

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Lyrics that truly encourage and challenge

Cons: "Glory by the Way of Shame," I wouldn't mind more upbeat moments

The Bottom Line: 

Deep thoughts, fun music

downhere is still in good form

For fans old and new

Lyrically, downhere Leaves it all On the Altar of Love

It's hard to believe it's been almost a decade since the Canadian Christian band downhere popped up on my radar.  In that decade, their music has become some of my most played with several songs being standouts.  On the Altar of Love is their fifth regular studio release (sixth studio release if you count their awesome Christmas disc), and it is another good one.

Over the years, the band has found their sweet spot in the soft rock/pop convergence, sometimes heading a little in the rock direction and sometimes leaning pop.  This is definitely a pop oriented release with mostly mid-tempo offerings and plenty of ballads.

One of the things I love about the band is the fact that it has two lead vocalists.  While most people would probably point to Marc Martel as the lead because his falsettos are so prominent on their bigger hits, Jason Germain provides plenty of deeper vocals.  Their contrasting styles (Jason's vocals are more traditional rock star) complement each other very well and produce some great harmonies.  And these guys don't just sing.  Jason also plays guitar and piano while Marc plays guitar.  Rounding out the band, Glen Lavender plays the bass and Jeremy Thiessen plays drums.

But enough background.  What do you say we did into this release.

Appropriately enough, the disc opens with "Only the Beginning," a reminder that every day is a fresh beginning because of the forgiveness of God.  It starts with simple piano but quickly adds in the other layers of the band.  It's also a perfect example of Marc and Jason sharing lead vocal duties.  On the chorus, they blend perfectly.

From there, the guys immediately transition to a song of encouragement.  "Rest" builds itself around Jesus' promise in the gospels that He will give rest to those who are weary.  The verses focus on those who are "weary in well-doing" and those who have fallen so far from God that they feel can never come back.  It's easy to let the words and music wash over you and lift your spirit in praise.

But "Let Me Rediscover You" focuses on our response to God.  Wrapped in a reminder about how little we really know God comes the cry to know Him better.  We have driving drums on this anthem that I have a feeling will be a highlight in their concerts for years to come.

There's a pair of songs on here that perfectly mirror each other.  "For Life" praises God for the simple joys of life, such things as "For frosted pines shining like diamonds in the morning sun/For a pretty girl and for falling love/For spring ice churning the driftwood shore."  It has a driving rhythm that gives it some force, but it doesn't have the soaring melody that I would normally associate with a song like this.  That alone makes it stand out.

The other side of this duo is "For the Heartbreak."  Surprisingly, the melody on this one feels much lighter.  Of course, that's partially because Marc has lead vocal duties here while Jason sings that first song.  But this song also feels happier.  And yet, the lyrics are focused on a much more serious topic as they thank God for the hard times in life because they make the sweet times seem sweeter still.  And yes, there is a reminder that "When there's no sign of You/When I'm lost, hurt, and used/You are there hurting, too."

"Glory by Way of Shame" is the track that's had to grow on me the most.  With verses that bring to mind the parable of the Prodigal Son and the story of Hosea, it reminds us how great forgiveness feels.  I think part of my problem with the song is actually musical.  The verses seemed forced and rushed into the song.  The chorus works well, however.

Those missing their rockier sound will be pleased with "Seek," a song about God's efforts to find and redeem us.  The song is fast with a strong beat and is heavy on the electric guitars.  It's a fun song, but like everything else on here, still has great lyrics.

But there's a flip side to this one, at least stylistically.  "The Altar of Love" features fiddles and banjo for a folk music feel.  The lyrics focus on the sacrifice that love requires in all aspects of life.  Even with the obvious nod to folk music, this one still builds to a very fast, fun beat on the bridge.

Frankly, I wish there were more fast moments here.  I miss the energy of some of their previous releases.  On the other hand, I continue to be amazed at the lyrics.  These are not the simple lyrics of many artists; there is much here to challenge and encourage you.

And so downhere continues to prove they are artists with something to say.  If you've missed this gem of a Christian band, On the Altar of Love is as good a place as any to fix that.

CD Length: 46:43

Tracks:

1. Only the Beginning

2. Rest

3. Let Me Rediscover You

4. For Life

5. Living the Dream

6. Seek

7. Glory by the Way of Shame

8. Holy

9. For the Heartbreak

10. Turn this Around

11. On the Altar of Love

12. Reveal the Kingdom