His new EP, "Ancient Skies," is lushly atmospheric worship, a step beyond "Bigger Than My Imagination," albeit in a slightly different direction. The earlier album was a mix of up-tempo pop-rock praise and deeper layered worship. "Ancient Skies" flows more in the latter direction, taken to the next level. It brings to mind a kaleidoscope with its textured twists and turns of beauty.
Opener "Be Praised" hammers its lyrical praise hooks deep into your bones with burning guitar changes and throbbing rhythms. The moody "Spotless" moves from one level of beauty to another, its thundering guitars building a slow wall of wonder before erupting into a grand crescendo of worship. The effect is stunning and moving.
The title track follows, melodic and quietly worshipful. Gungor's lyrics are as richly textured as his distinctive melodies, with a primordial feel to them; they ring as true to your spirit as they do in your mind. But it's not all hushed cathedrals; joyous rocker "When I See" is earthy and real, bringing "Bigger" to mind, and that's a positive thing. The project closes too soon with "Aware," humming with a quiet intensity before breaking out at track's end into an exhilarating jam of adoration released.
My only question is why are we not hearing more from this gifted, expressive worshipper? Check out his website for more information. If you love deep worship, you really don't want to miss Michael Gungor.
