The organic beginnings of Texas worship-rockers Spur58 are reflected in the music of “Sleepwalkers,” releasing from Indelible Creative Group on October 10.
It all started in Houston where frontman Aaron Ivey was involved in student ministry. Guitarist Chad Martin was in his group of students, and their connection sparked the desire for music that ministered in power. The next step was recruiting bass player Steven Bush, who brought in guitarist Jimmy Ingrim. Sounds simple on paper, but the process actually involved some patience, some waiting, and even a move to Tennessee, where they led a college Bible study, and incidentally, met drummer Guy Roberts. Together, they connected with students though the gateway of music. To this day, they will tell you that music is only 10% of their ministry; it is the building of community through the music that has their fullest focus.
These beginnings and this center show up clearly on "Sleepwalkers," its cohesiveness giving it almost a prog rock opera feel. The album builds throughout, moving from one melodic gem to the next. It's like a driving modern rock wake-up call, stirring your spirit slowly at first, then its thundering guitars pushing you forward to snap out of it, and actually look at your life and your relationship with God. High-energy opener "Always Been There" reminds us of God's constancy, a la the funkiest of bass lines and some Jeff Deyo-like rock rhythms. The driving guitars of "Starting to See" celebrate our intimacy with Him. The title track asks us to check our pulse, make sure we're alive. Its ripping guitars and pounding rhythm section echo Ivey's soaring wake-up vocals. The bright keyboards of "The Wonderful" move the album into the realm of heartfelt worship, Ivey's passionate vocals leading the way into a series of vertically-oriented tracks which build to a fervent crescendo. Standout track "Sustaining Me" is five minutes of howling, whistling worship, its note-bending guitar riffs supported powerfully by Roberts' muscle drums. The full sound of "Kyle's Lament" is high drama synth work under Ivey's expressive vocals, Roberts again shouldering the load. The momentum continues with the explosive celebration of "All to My God," and the melodic closer "Start Over" is simply the trippiest encourager I've heard in a while. This beauteous piano-ballad wanders through a full soundscape of buzzy guitars, sparkling keys and sky-scraping vocals to remind us that it is never too late to start over with the Lord. Come October 10, Spur58's "Sleepwalkers" will tell you what time it is.
