Music Reviews

APOLLO LTD

nothing is ordinary, everything is beautiful

If you listen to Christian radio, you’ve probably heard an upbeat, encouraging tune called “Patient” more than a few times. This hit track is part of alternative-pop duo Apollo

LTD’s second album, Nothing is Ordinary, Everything is Beautiful, released on February 5.

This 14-track record represents resilience and the determination to move forward in less-than-ideal circumstances, as Jordan Phillips and Adam Stark collaborated via Zoom to put together this project from their homes.

“Life is a matter of perspective, which is what we wanted to convey with the album’s title,” says Stark. “There are silver linings all around if you’re willing to shift your perspective to find them. … Keep your eyes open, be present, and look for the good — because it’s there if you choose to see it.”

Some music seems to have the power to get the blood moving faster in that invigorating way that boosts the mood like a brisk jog on a sunny day, even on the coldest of days.

RIVER VALLEY WORSHIP the ensemble project

The Ensemble Project EP, the fifth project by River Valley Worship (released February 12, 2021), presents new versions of five tracks from their 2020 album Altars. This revamp pulls a classic style reminiscent of traditional services into a contemporary praise and worship session. Unfettered by excess instrumentation, the beauty of the vocals and lyrics come to the forefront and the subject of the worship takes definite priority — and the result is powerful.

“This project is stripped back in instrumentation and production but filled with passion and energy!” The group says. “… We wanted to bring a new sound, a new perspective, a new reflection of our church to this project while keeping the powerful message of these songs. In many ways, the truth of these songs is clearer than ever.”

The Ensemble Project is a simple worship experience that will help you practice the presence of our loving God — and that’s all any of us need.

heather van allen | music reviewer