Originating from Trinity Grace Church in Brooklyn, New York in 2012, indie band Young Oceans started as a collective of musicians as an outlet for prayerful non-congregational songs of worship from primary writer Eric Marshall. On this their third full-length offering, titled SUDDENLY (or the nuclear sunburst of the truth revealed), the group brings the listener more of the hushed ambient sounds that fans of previous albums have come to expect.

Kicking off the tracklist is song "This Wild Earth," which sets the tone for the album with the near-whispered lyrics of the verse stating, "As we rise from our knees/Where soil and sky meet/Peace." The chorus then further encourages the listener with lines, "Every soul upon the restless sea/Hold on/Every heart that yearns for what will be/Hold on/Every creature groaning from the curse/Peace/Every corner of this wild earth/Peace." Another song worthy of attention is "Heaven Has Come," as it offers great hope to those suffering saying, "all the poor in spirit/all the weak at heart/all the meek and mild/and every thirsty soul." And that in Jesus, "heaven has come/heaven has come to you now/God with us/come to you now." A driving acoustic guitar paired with those hopeful lyrics push the song forward and give it a joyful feel. Another track of note is "Are We Not One," which begins with simple guitar strums and gentle piano accents. Strings follow a stirring chorus with the lyrics, "Have we not joy, in the midst of every shadow/Have we not hope, in the deepest of the dark/Have we not peace, that passes understanding." Song "Walls Come Down" is next with a psalm-like plea to "hear our prayer" using ambient guitar tones and vocal reverb on background singers to great effect. Title track "Suddenly" is another highlight worth mentioning, with vocals from Marshall taking on similar tones of U2's Bono. We hear a choir of voices repeating a singular word, "Holy," over and over again as Marshall asks earnest questions only to then confess, "suddenly I'm waiting/suddenly I'm scared/did you ever mean to haunt me/cause it's too much now to bear/you know I believe in love/you know I know I believe in love/help me to see it." Lastly, track "The Humility of God" ends things focusing the listener's mind firmly on the humility of the Savior with lyrics that implore you to "pour out yourself before Him" and to "kneel before the lion and the lamb." It's a gentle ending without flash, but with plenty of substance for this album full of beautiful songs.

The soothing sounds of Young Oceans are perfect for the soul in need of reassurance during dark moments of doubt and discouragement. The lyrics are hopefully pointed heavenward and the sounds are tranquil, meditative, and hushed. It's music that produces moods of worshipful calm, each word uttered is purposeful, and although lyrics are sparse, they do not fall prey to the modern worship trap of repetitiveness. There is a great marriage of lyrical simplicity and musical depth. With each listen, this listener became more impressed at the layers of sound and feeling oozing from each song. SUDDENLY comes highly recommended, and Young Oceans should not be overlooked.

- Review date: 10/17/17, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

 Record Label: Street Talk Media
 Album length: 11 tracks: 42 minutes, 8 seconds
 Street Date: October 20, 2017
 Buy It: iTunes
 Buy It: Amazon Music

1. This Wild Earth (4:00)
2. Only the Sound (4:02)
3. Heaven Has Come (5:13)
4. Are We Not One (4:03)
5. Walls Come Down (4:32)
6. Have Mercy (1:30)
7. Out Here (3:38)
8. Every Heart Is Open (2:38)
9. Suddenly (4:49)
10. Forever Yours (3:25)
11. The Humility of God (4:18)