Mystic Chapel
Recently I was asked to review a new CD from The Project
called Mystic Chapel released in
December 2015 as a follow up to their first CD “Martyrs Prayers.”
Mystic Chapel asks
a question to its listeners, “What if we still believed?” The audience targets
the Christian faithful, but also reaches to those without faith and those who
are finished with institutionalized religion. The searching extends to those
who have simply given up on finding a community that expresses their faith.
The first track “Journey’s End” feels like the incarnation
is happening. The world is the chapel and goodness exudes from every small note
and activity. Words that arise during my listening are clarity, sensitivity,
and truthfulness. While “Journey’s End” is first track, “Journey’s Start” is
the final track. At the conclusion of the first track, I was reminded on Pink
Floyd’s style in some of their 1970’s songs that I really liked. In the final
seconds, we are brought into a stone abbey where God can meet the chaos of
human beings.
“Come Let Us Worship” bursts forth in clarity of sounds,
energy, and meaning. The purpose of this CD is to lead one to a deeper
spiritual life through Jesus Christ. The music feels unified to itself and with
its music. The music begins simply, but then gets appropriately complex. Some
musical components brought to mind The Beatles, Billy Joel, and Crosby, Stills,
Nash, and Young.
“Joyous Light” has fine guitar playing in a more subdued
track. The lyrics are certainly sensitive and thoughtful. Portions of the music
remind me of some of the gems of the 1970s, like the Eagles and America, but it
feels contemporary. The Project has accomplished musicians. The conclusion of
the track leads us more deeply into the mystery of God’s light.
“Hypachoi” speaks of the resurrection and the angel that
comes to announce, “He is Risen.” The music is electric and keeps the listening
on edge as the confusion of the Resurrection is felt by the women and by us.
The CD’s tone changes at this point because the world has been turned upside
down and life has to be discovered anew.
“Death is Destroyed” is more tender and joyous and light. Great
mercy is the theme. The guitar rifts are clever and they are instructive
because they lead us to become introspective. Gratitude, lightness, and a
stretching forth to God are what are brought forth in my experience. While I’ve
recently experienced much death and suffering, I needed to be reminded that
death is destroyed.
“We Sing With Angels” continues to emphasize the joy we are
to feel as Christians because God has favored us. Heaven and earth are merged,
and angels assist our worship, calling to mind all the spiritual resources we
have. I’m reminded of the acoustic years of Sting. The singer’s voice conveys
sensitivity and controlled passion because the story of Christ cannot be
contained.
“From on High” is bright and cheery. I love the rift in the
middle of the song, but I wanted more substantial lyrics in this tune. I may be
naïve is saying so because it is simply a song of praise, which does not need
many words. The musicians are quite accomplished and the music tells its own
story, so I wanted more of the guitar playing because it felt like it was
leading me somewhere.
“Holy Father” has great harmonizing of voices in a
contemporary rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, but in words in which we can hear
it again as if for the first time. It reminds us that we are a people who need
God to hear our prayers. The song begins simply but in a harmony of voices
lifts our prayers to the Abiding One who can tend to our needs.
“Journey’s Beginning” is a reprise of the first track, but
it is undoubtedly more complex, while retaining its clarity. It is clear that
the creators of this music poured their soul into this project and the conviction
of their faith is strong. The closing seconds of the CD let us know that the
Divine is at work in all things. The composers want to lead us to God and they
make it clear that God will have the last word.
I appreciate that The Project produced this CD because I
concluded that I really liked the composers and musicians because the tracks
focus on details with great sensitivity and thoughtfulness. It is clear to me
that The Project want to communicate their deep faith to others through their
music gifts. They are sharing what is right with the faith to other seekers.
They celebrate their faith and pass it on to us to enjoy.
If you would like to reach the composers, please see the
contact information below.
The Project
Michael Glen Bell
Duane W.H. Arnold
5815 Lawrence Drive
Indianapolis, Indiana 46226
Website: TheMartyrsProject.com
Contact: Duane Arnold (317) 331-5246
