Facsimile is a relatively unknown group hailing from Long Beach, California. But don’t count on them being unknown forever! I can’t stop listening to the somewhat intense, but relaxing shimmering ambience and spot-on vocals. I’m talking about the recent release Run to the Rock.
I’m not sure I can quantify the sound. It’s almost like a cross between Citizens/King’s Kaleidoscope/Digital Age with a decidedly indie and unique timbre. The album is finished with incredible quality, and the tracks are full of great original work and powerful vocals. This album is suitable for consumption by most churches, but will feel incredibly at home in the more artsy or “hipster” communities. Beyond this, I fell like I’m listening to a complete liturgy in this album. There are movements within that run with a liturgical storytelling pace. To get a feel without listening to it, think towards something like Glenn Packiam’s ‘Mystery of Faith.’ Let’s hit the tracks.
Awe Shalom – It seems like a short call to the altar or call to prayer type ambient piece. It flows incredibly well into track 2.
How Great Thou Art – We all know this song, but not like this. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a rework of this venerable classic without thinking they should have just left it alone, until now. Completely relevant and shimmering instrumentation support a melody line that adheres mostly to the traditional version. The refrain moves slightly from the known but is easy to pick up. Driving beats and a memorable instrumental hook complete the package.
You’re Glorious – This song is congregational in nature and could be adapted by a worshipping community easily. Great theology contained within this celebration of God’s greatness. “all things made both great and small come from You who made them all/ by Your power and by Your might we live and move and have our life.” Easy to sing chorus that will be stuck in your mind all day.
Our God is Near – Great song with incredible interest created from the first beat. A good reminder for our congregations to open speaking of God’s power at our disposable. Congregational. May not be easy for some to pick up and sing right out of the gate.
Praise the Lord – A decidedly indie worship song pointing the church towards praise to the Lord. (Imagine that!) A good song but may not be suitable for use in all congregations.
Endless – Melodic and ambient instrumental. Great for communion type reflections.
Your Love Makes Me Clean – Interesting timing on opening drawing interest in. A song of surrender from a personal standpoint, not a congregational bent. That being said, I could easily see our body attaching to the message and feel of the song. It’s not easily sing-able from the beginning but cool and fun nonetheless. Loved the Nothing but the Blood addition at the end.
Prayer of a Sinner, a Saint – Instrumental movement with a great and unique ambience. After hearing it, I would call it appropriately titled.
Faithful Redeemer – Great neo-folk feel and spectacular Civil Wars-like harmonies. A good congregational song with slower tempo. Will work well in congregations that already attach to I Am They or Rend Collective type artists.
Awestruck – A reserved and personal call. I can hear this song underneath a sermon package bumper or advertisement. It would also work well in services. Wickham’ At Your Name would roll well with this in a combo of some sort.
A Glimpse – Another fun, moving and stirring instrumental piece.
Place of Encounter – A spacy and ambient instrumental with an almost ethereal feel.
Intimacy – A love song. Could be used in a congregational setting. Gives me some loose Wickham vibes. I also hear something that would feel/sound familiar to congregations that latch onto Sojourn Community Worship (Louisville, KY) style things.
Run to the Rock – Serves as the title track. It is decidedly introspective and an incredible call to run towards our Savior. Without trying to say that this could replace scripture, I could see this being included in the Psalms if they were compiled today. It’s strong and full of lament while not ever running “dark.”
Through the Veil – Feels like as much of an instrumental benediction as it does it’s own piece of art.
Do yourself a favor and acquaint yourself with Facsimile today. You won’t be disappointed.
