From the first orchestral strains of the opening “Prelude,” Tremont’s lush arrangements create an intriguing sense of grandness. This lends itself to adoration, to the consideration of One Above All, quite intentional, I’m sure, on the part of this Austin-based worship band. Andy Dollerson’s keys and moody loops fill out nicely the deeply expressive songs he wrote with singer/guitarist Jason Wallace, creating distinctive and vibey tracks with rich classical overtones. The effect is nothing short of stunning.
Lyrically simple, the electric noodling of “Oh Lord” throbs with quiet worship beneath Wallace’s warm vocals. It is followed by the standout track “Upon My Knees,” unique for its floaty feel, aided and abetted by Wallace’s shimmering vocals and Dollerson’s sparkling keys tinkling with the same free-fall ingenuity. Useful as a devotional aid, this track pulsates with intensity as it moves in and out of rock jam mode, building finally to a solid and passionate chorus of praise. Based on Psalm 135, “For Your Renown” is quietly tender, climbing up to a sweetly soaring bridge that is, again, deeply expressive. When Tremont reaches the peaks of their intense worship songs, it comes upon your soul as sweet relief, the sign of a job well done by a worship band that clearly knows how to lead the way Home.
Jason Wallace’s wife Allison makes a too-brief vocal appearance on the earnest acoustic track “Jesus, You’re the One,” but her influence is felt once more on the gorgeous track penned by the couple, “Mindful of Me.” Her pure vocals shine through this piano-driven song, its lyrics speaking powerfully of the omnipotence and omniprescience of God. The title track, in both its full track and the closing remix, pulsates with organic sound. The richly atmospheric song builds to a crescendo of joyful sound that again, feels like the deep release that you didn’t even know you needed until it came. Then you wonder how you had gone on without it.
At just over 35 minutes, Tremont’s “Mystery and Beauty” has the same effect. You didn’t fully appreciate how much you needed it until it came to an end. Make room for beauty in your life. Listen to Tremont.
