Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: February 18th 2022
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Rend Collective– As For Me (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- As For Me
One of the most inspiring, encouraging, honest, vulnerable and passionate worshippers and bands I’ve heard in recent memory, Northern Irish band Rend Collective have given us a different perspective of worship, and breathed great new life into the British industry with their creative and quite out-of-the-box folk/acoustic albums, including slower tracks like “Second Chance”, “Alabaster”, “You Bled” together with celebratory and upbeat moments of adoration and praise such as “Praise Like Fireworks”, “Build Your Kingdom Here” and “Movements”. In 2015, the band, consisting of Gareth, Chris, Ali, Patrick and Steve, signed to Capitol CMG, in conjunction with the own label group Rend Family Records, and their 2015 album As Family We Go has become one of the most popular albums of their entire discography. Their inspiring hits and singles such as “You Will Never Run”, “The Joy Of The Lord”, “Every Giant Will Fall” and “One And Only” have touched and encouraged the lives of many, and their follow-up project Good News in 2018 was no different. “Rescuer (Good News)” is a celebratory, upbeat, joyous danceable mid-tempo guitar led melody that was an instant smash hit, while other standout tracks included “Counting Every Blessing”, “No Outsiders” and “Weep With Me”. We also gave your thoughts on Rend Collective’s children’s album Spark Pop Rampage, while we also voiced our thoughts on Rend Collective’s most recent album CHOOSE TO WORSHIP, featuring the latest singles “YOUR NAME IS POWER”, “REVIVAL ANTHEM”, “REND THE HEAVENS”, “DAY OF VICTORY” and the title track. CHOOSE TO WORSHIP released in March 2020… and even though the group have a new single out (“Coming Out Fighting”); the group is back with “As For Me”, a modern take on the Bible verse Joshua 24:15.
Musically sounding like an Irish hymn, the track is somewhat musically cliché. However there is immense heart and soul here, with lead singer Chris passionately and fervently uplifting us all and providing hope for the hopeless and a lifeline for the broken-hearted. As Chris imparts to us that we all can band together and unite as one people and declare that we can serve the Lord publicly and serve the Lord forever (and not be ashamed about it!), this melody is a standout and a reminder to not stay silent about our faith. Regardless if we will be ridiculed, is staying silent about your faith worth the cost of momentary fame and material pleasures and possessions? Something to ponder about, don’t you think?
As I have listened to this song probably 4-5 since it released, each time bringing a smile to my face; it’s clear that Rend Collective bring so much lyrical and musical creativity, injecting fun, joy and life into worship. Rend Collective’s presence in a CCM industry that could be stale in worship within a few years; is definitely more than welcome in my opinion, as the band from Northern Ireland continue to impress and encourage me to worship with abandon! A standout song in this still uncertain year of 2022; this hopeful track is a must-listen for anyone wanting to worship God, but craves musical variety in an industry generally filled with sameness! Well done Chris, Gareth, Ali, and Patrick for reminding us that we can celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ every day, and soak in His loving embrace, walking in the promises He has for us! Thank you guys for reminding us that we can unashamedly and unequivocally serve the Lord in all that we do!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Passion, Martin Smith, Philippa Hanna, Crowder, I AM THEY