Reviewed by Tom Lennie Many would consider Kevin Prosch to be THE great pioneer in the field of "alternative" worship, and that being not so long ago. Yet within the last three or four years there have been many contributions to this field of music, with great and varied sounds from the likes of Darrell Evans, Jaime Eichler, Chris Lizotte, Delirious? Brian Houston and even Maranatha Music. The past 12-18 months alone have seen the emergence of artists such as Lincoln Brewster, Sonic Flood, Billy Somerville (Floored), Mark Miller and a host more, all with recent album releases, and all receiving rave reviews in this here mag. All are seeking to break free from traditional worship structures and offer praise in their own musical styles. This is what Seth Peterson does on his US indie release "Angels Dancing", adding yet another dimension to the multi-faceted worship genre. 10 songs are offered, all self-penned except "I Slept", a David Ruis composition (but totally in fitting with Seth's own songs). Few Christian clichés here, Seth seems to have his own rather unique lyrical style. Yet all are passionate worship songs expressing total honesty yet intimacy before a holy yet personal God. Several tracks (eg, "Dark Was My Skin", "I Want To Dance") show a frustration in the writer; disillusionment with SELF, and an ardent desire to break free and run with God in the Spirit. Seth's ethereal and imaginative melodies help express these themes poignantly. "Father We Need You" starts gently then, suddenly thrusts into a gutsy refrain of percussion-based praise. Gorgeous stuff. The stirring "Eloi" captures the essence and emotion of the Passion event in an unusual and powerful way. Thought provoking songs and a truly unique album which definitely grows on you. Great.
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Where did I get this album from and why have I not enjoyed it sooner! The style is reminiscent of secular bands I listened to in my teens and twenties, like Pink Floyd, The Beatles (! Yes indeed!), Santana, Rick Wakeman and more lately echoes of recent worship songwriters.
It's so refreshing to hear something so new in the worship scene even if this has been around for years, I don't know when Seth Peterson recorded it.
My favourites, in mellow mood tonight, are Dark Was My Skin, Snapshot, Eloi and Angels Dancing.
Thank you Seth Peterson and thank you God for telling me to pick up this cd and play it.