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After 4 successful albums and a Dove award, By The Tree didn't expect the personnel changes that hit last year. But "World on Fire" shows the oh-so-sweet resolution.
Former lead singer, Chuck Dennie, left the band to lead worship at a church in Texas, and Aaron Blanton came out from behind the drums to sing lead and play guitar, making way for new drummer Garrett Goodwin. But if "World on Fire" is any indication, they didn't miss a beat, amazingly. Blanton himself attributes the ease of these transitions to the grace of God. Opener "All Around You" immediately sets your mind at ease, with that familiar By The Tree guitar-driven exuberance and a message of hope. The following anthem of commitment, "I Will Follow You," affirms that they are indeed right on track. The hook-laden rocker leads perfectly into the anthemic title track, the ballad's soaring chorus serving as the center of this passionate project. "World on Fire" reminds listeners of the power given to us to change our world, to ignite it by the fire we carry within. Driving rocker "Perfect" blows away any lingering doubts you may have about the future of By The Tree; they haven't lost a lick of rock power and that intense heart for ministry is still driving them. They move through a stirring ballad, a worthy cover of Delirious' "Rain Down, and pop-rocker "Still Believe" before hitting standout track, "How Beautiful You Are." Blanton's vocals shine on this hooky, passionate rocker, a song so steeped in sincere worship that it is impossible to remain detached. This song contains the same kind of deeply worshipful power as does the work of Tim Hughes. Energetic pop-rocker "Shine" gets you back up from your knees to a place of sheer jubilation, its rousing message of engagement nicely illustrated by the thick guitars (Blanton and bassist Ben Davis) and pounding rhythms of new drummer Goodwin. I enjoyed the simplicity of the deliberately stripped down closer, "That's Why We Say," arranged to give access to every singer/listener. Herein lies one of By The Tree's strongest attributes: they have always been one of those bands in it for the right reasons. Ultimately, Dove awards notwithstanding, it's all about God, as this powerfully straightforward closer shows. It's easy to see why By The Tree has been given so much grace, and we are the happy beneficiaries of it as we enjoy "World on Fire," releasing September 26th. Check out our interview with frontman Aaron Blanton.
The copyright of the article By The Tree: World on Fire in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish By The Tree: World on Fire in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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