Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: May 19th 2023
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
We The Kingdom– The Factory Sessions – EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Left It In the Water (The Factory Sessions)
- Miracle Power (The Factory Sessions)
- Mine (The Factory Sessions)
- Jesus Does (The Factory Sessions)
As I look around at all of the worship artists (solo and bands) out there; I’m left wondering. Are we in fact at worship saturation point? Well… quite possibly. It’s the point when a worship artist releases a new song, and then we all shrug our shoulders and go about our business- like we don’t really care anymore whether a worship artist releases something new or not. I know I have felt that many times with Planetshakers… but the point is that there is a time, maybe now or maybe into the future, whereby new bands come, and they sing praises to Jesus, and we definitely aren’t as excited anymore. For me, worship saturation may be very applicable to some bands (like the aforementioned Planetshakers as well as Jesus Culture and Bethel Music!), however for this next ‘new’ band recently signed to Capitol Christian Music Group (and who won Dove Awards in 2020 and 2021), I’m definitely not at saturation point yet. Because We The Kingdom musically is something different. Similar to I Am They, Zach Williams, Passion, Rend Collective and The Crabb Family all rolled into one; the band comprises of songwriter Ed Cash and his family (brother Scott, children Franni and Martin as well as close friend Andrew Bergthold) and is probably the most energetic band since Rend Collective. I know, I know, it’s a bold statement, but one listen to their debut EP Live At The Wheelhouse and one or more watches of any of their live videos on YouTube will quickly change your mind. What will also change your mind is the group’s debut album Holy Water which released in August 2020.
Having reviewed this album a few years ago, you can all read about it here. You can also check out my review of We The Kingdom’s deluxe edition of Holy Water, as well as Jon’s thoughts on the group’s latest live album, and his thoughts on their self-titled sophomore album, which released in September 2022. We also conveyed our thoughts about the band’s Christmas EP from 2021 also; and I’m positive that when you read everything positive that we have said about this worship band, then you’ll be in awe and amazed by Ed and co. as well, like I have. And thus, We The Kingdom is back in 2023- this time with a live EP called the Factory Sessions, with 4 of their biggest hits from last year’s studio album- all of them redone in a live, acoustic setting.
With nothing much more needing to be said about We The Kingdom and their latest live EP (why review it anyway, except to let you know that these guys have recorded yet another stellar and brilliant release!); this release is especially moving and inspiring, with the acoustic renditions of many of these songs resonating with me more than their studio recordings. Songs like “Left It In the Water” and “Jesus Does” especially are highlights; however every track has no discernible weaknesses in any aspect. So what are you all waiting for? the Factory Sessions EP deserves 2, 3, 5, 10+ listens. My only issue? It’s too short! So how about I go away while you guys check out We The Kingdom? Alright, have you finished? What do you reckon?
3 songs to listen to: Left It In the water, Mine, Jesus Does
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Rend Collective, I Am They, Tenth Avenue North, Jason Castro, Chris Sligh, Colton Dixon