Customer Reviews

Introducing the City Harmonic

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
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The City Harmonic is what you get when you mix a rock band with sweeping symphonies, captivating anthem-like choruses, concert hall orchestras, Brit-rock influence, scripturally rooted lyrics, and that singing-round-the-campfire-feeling. The Canadian band's six-song EP debut, Introducing The City Harmonic, is a Brit-rock meets campfire sing-along mix that features raucous, gang vocals along with agile, soaring anthems crafted to include the listener. The band, consisting of front man Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, isn't as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey. If you collect Christian worship music then you're probably aware of the most popular musical trends of Coldplay-like guitars and OneRepublic-like synth-pop.

When I read that The City Harmonic was a Brit-rock sounding worship band, I didn't rush to listen to the album as I've heard many artists attempt that style. Then I listened to opening track "I Wonder" and the guitar riff actually does sound like "Yellow" by Coldplay and I was immediately hooked. The song is not only musically captivating, but also lyrically, especially the second verse "I see it in the pain of the widowed wife, In death defeated where he found true life, I see the love of God and I feel alive, I Wonder." I knew I was in for a treat when I started digging into the brilliant songwriting and emotional vocals of this "can't miss" band. "Manifesto" is the current single and is the type of song I wish I was singing at my church right now. The song boldly declares a statement of faith: "We believe in the one true God, We believe in Father Spirit Son, We believe that good has won, And all of the people of God sing along, Amen." This worship anthem is just the type of infusion that the church needs with its honesty and bold lyrics. The song ends with "The Lord's Prayer." What's most impressive is how these catchy songs will have you singing along at the top of your lungs after just a couple of listens. "My God" keeps the biblical focus and is based on Psalm 121. The song is like listening to David crying out to God with a worshipful chorus: "O, my God. I lift my heart up, whether it's whole or broken, good God I know You're gonna work it out, So on my heart beats to a beat that I put my hope in the love of my God pouring out."

"Coming My Way" has a slower tempo ballad-feel and reflects the cry of my heart as well to live for God everyday. Too often as Christians, we get caught up thinking about living for heaven and God wants us to live for Him while we are waiting for heaven. "I Am" is the most personal and confessional song on the album and I can't get enough of the vulnerable lyrics and rocking musical style. Elias sings his heart out in a love song celebrating God's grace. "I Am" reminds me of "Bliss" by Delirious? Closing track "What I Want" lyrically opens with a great thesis statement for the whole album: "May my life speak louder than words, and what I'm saying is "Jesus, I'm sure You're what I want."

CLOSING THOUGHTS
This is the best new worship band I've heard since Delirious? which is absolutely incredible. Just like Delirious? I think The City Harmonic has a great opportunity to reach the lost for the Kingdom of God with their transparent lyrics and incredible musical talent. This album completely rocks and is loaded with songs you can proudly share with your friends and family. The themes of this album are trusting God, loving Him and loving others as He loved us. All six songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. This is a nearly perfect worship album and is great for fans of Coldplay, U2, Delirious? and Future of Forestry.

I searched this band to buy the song "Manifesto" because I love the part where they sing the "Our Father", but when I saw the cost of the entire album I decided to just get it. After listening to it, I would have spent 2 or 3 times the amount to buy it if I hadn't already. It's simply beautiful -- in lyrics and melody.

Every song is just amazing. I just listened through them all once and I was hooked, give it a try and I'm guessing you will be too. I love the insertion of string instruments at certain songs and the grandiose sense of music that I agree with another reviewer, is reminiscent of Coldplay.
Can't wait for another release!

I could not wait for this cd to come in the mail and thee seller was prompt in getting it to me in a fast peroid of time rather than later within the timeframe , also it was in great shape and I love it....

One song on this cd makes the cd for us! My 11-yr-old son loves "Manifesto" so I bought him the cd. There are other good songs on this cd, but "Manifesto" can't be beat.

The best song in this mix is "Manifesto". It has only a few songs but I really like the unique sound. I hope this band will write and produce more songs.

This CD came quickly and was in perfect condition. Price was reasonable. By the way, I recommend this new band; I've listened to their songs over and over!

i lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllloooooooooooooooooovvvvveeeee it so much the praise and worship on the cd just melts in my soul thankyou so much and praise god for this cd

I heard the Manifesto song on the radio station Klove while I was driving.
I searched until I found the CD @ Amazon. Their songs are simple and their hearts are focused on the Lord. Perfect worship music!

One of my favorite praise and worship groups to listen to. "Manifesto" brings me to my knees with my hands raised in worship. Good stuff! I hope to hear more from this group, I really like the sound. I introduced this CD to my bible study group. Lots of new fans on the horizon for these guys.