Various Artists – Out of the Fire

Various Artists

FAAB Ink (2012)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Out of the Fire is a compilation of a dozen independent artists whose sound, notes executive producer Drew Ferelle of FAAB Ink, is best categorized as “Kingdom Music.”  That is, the album traverses pop, hip hop, rock, soul and even spoken word “fused with gospel messages.”

Ferelle, who is the project’s compiler, turns out to be one of the strongest presences on the album.  Her “Voice of the Nonbeliever” is an electronica-driven argument delivered by a nonbeliever on why Christianity isn’t for her (mostly it’s the hypocrisy of those who don’t practice what they preach), though a thread of doubt as to the inflexibility of her stance unravels at the end.  The title track is similarly hyper-charged, with Ferelle flexing her dance music-flavored voice on the principles of Deuteronomy 4:12 (“out of the fire came a voice”) to articulate how God is ever-present.  On “I Hear You Calling,” she sings that she does not need Grammys or millions – just the Lord.

In addition to Ferelle, male vocalist JJ Evans delivers solid performances on “Superman” and “Be Who You Are.”  The latter inspirational piece, about grasping the talents God gives us, is the album’s finest selection in terms of melody and strength of vocals.

Perhaps the most dramatic track on Out of the Fire is Erika Walton’s hip hop selection, “With Christ.”  She portrays an angry young woman who fights because that’s all she ever saw her parents doing.  Through the grace of God, she’s not dead “in the trap” and instead focused forward.  An effective Christian rapper, Walton’s hushed pop voice is just as fascinating.

Other selections of note include Phylicia Pengame Goings’ neo-soul sacred love song “Your Love” and Christy Erving’s musings on individuality on “Identity.”

Out of the Fire brings fresh, youthful sounds to bear on timeless messages.

Picks: “Be Who You Are,” “With Christ.”