Godfrey Birtill & Band - Dread God: The Faith & The Fear

Thursday 1st July 2004
Godfrey Birtill & Band - Dread God: The Faith & The Fear
Godfrey Birtill & Band - Dread God: The Faith & The Fear

STYLE: Pop
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9731-9336
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
RRP: £12.00

Reviewed by Bruce Dennill

The slightly odd album title requires some explanation before pitching ahead with the music proper. Betel of Britain is a Christian centre with residences in Birmingham, Nottingham and Derby, committed to supporting and rehabilitating drug and/or alcohol addicts. Godfrey has the privilege of working with Betel and this stirring project, recorded at Godfrey's New Life Church in Lincoln, transmits a fervour and intensity that you are unlikely to find in your average church music event. The title track minces no words in warning of the dangers of underestimating the scope of the responsibility assumed when entering into a relationship with God while the opener, "Like An Old Battle-axe", is in similar vein. Such outspoken passion may not to be everybody's taste but there's no denying the power of the biblical declarations here. The next songs - "When I Look At The Blood" (which you'll hear on Verticality on Cross Rhythms radio in the months ahead), "Carry Me" and "The Poor And Needy" - are atmospheric, prayerful compositions that would encourage any worshipper and augment their experience. Then it's back to the blueprint for a couple of more rousing numbers before "Glorious Revolution" suggests what The Waterboys might sound like as a worship band, incorporating Celtic rhythms through mandolin, drums and keyboards. Stick around for the wonderful, knees-up outro, which makes it almost impossible not to grab a friend and dance a jig. There are a couple of production niggles (the voice levels in the first song, for instance, and a badly edited sleeve) but against that anyone who investigates this will find one of Britain's most underrated worship leaders engaging in serious spiritual battle on behalf of the hurt and broken. A courageous project.

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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Sample Track Listing:
1. Like An Old Battle-axe [Listen]
2. Dread God [Listen]
3. When I Look At The Blood [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by Irene Rodger in Paisley Renfrewshire Scotland. @ 00:19 on Mar 11 2013

Oh please help me I have searched everywhere for a copy of the CD Dread God. I had it on a tape but am desperate to have it on CD Can you help. Please please please.
thank you so much Irene Rodger.
P.S. Even if it is an old used one I will still be thrilled to have it.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
irene



Posted by LUSUBILO KADZOMBE in LEICESTER @ 20:04 on Jun 19 2008

i like the song i will stand.



Posted by dB @ 13:48 on Mar 6 2006

As somebody involved in the production I know for a fact that Godfrey often wants the songs to be lead sonically by the audience, this is probably particularly obvious on track one of this CD. He also wants it as raw as possible so that the sense of being there is almost tangible. So altho. I agree with the comments in the article I thought it worth mentioning these points. A God album.



Posted by Sally in Woodbridge @ 00:10 on Jan 24 2006

I am passionate about this album- and if you have a heart for powerful worship- and intercession you will be too! Godfrey is a talent more people need to know.



Posted by Wendy in Kent @ 13:54 on Dec 8 2005

A truly amazing album - from the haunting 'The Poor and Needy' to the stomping 'Lift Up Your Heads', Godfrey Birtill doesn't fail to inspire worship.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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