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For nearly 15 years, the modern worship movement has gone places where it's never gone before: clubs, bars, and other
non-church related venues. Freeslave (a.k.a. Haydon Spenceley) hails from the UK, which is the same country
that is home to modern worship band Delirious. At the age of 21, Spenceley has spent the last three years taking his brand of
worship music to the masses all across the United Kingdom and is currently the only overseas worship artist with a physical
disability. However, he doesn't let his disability slow him down from giving his all to the King. From the opening lines of
Spencely's rather short EP, the piano-laced mellow rock melodies should please many fans of bands like Coldplay, MuteMath,
and The Swift.
The title cut is a moderate contemporary number about allowing the love of God to burst forth in a young man's life and
proclaiming it to the world. A drum machine-intro leads off "Road Less Travelled" and is a ballad about walking down the
straight and narrow path that leads to Heaven. Freeslave's vocals in this particular song nearly sound like a cross between
Mat Kearney and Paul Wright. The surf-rock vibe of "Save My Day" closes out the EP on a positive note with smooth melodies
and vocal arrangement.
Although it serves as a good starting point into trying to get himself heard in the States, Freeslave may have a couple
of kinks to work out in his music, but his lyrics fortunately fair slightly better in recovering over any elements that may
lack from an otherwise professional sounding product. Whether he earns the attention of millions or just wanting to give
honor to Almighty God, Mr. Spenceley is truly a man on a mission to reach people of his condition with a message and hope
that the Lord can use even the least fortunate of men to bring about a revival.
- Review date: 10/29/05, written by Paul Portell
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