The thick atmospheric sound of Michael Gungor's All I Need Is Here is explained in part in the credits listings: “electric guitars with upright basses, wine glasses, a silverware drawer, mandolin, trumpet, and other randomness.” Gungor employs this ‘randomness’ on 12 worship tracks written to stir listeners toward action. They are both message-driven and extremely artful, their exuberant creativity bringing The David Crowder Band to mind.
Thick with Sound
If only one word could be used in this review, it would have to be ‘thick.’ Thick edgy guitar riffs open “Be Praised” and a solid rhythm section drives it home. Appealing song of surrender moves from Gungor’s soft opening vocals to a hard-driving climax of sound, but the journey is wonderfully nuanced. Pop rocker brims over with exuberant energy, and its atmospheric bridge is pure Crowder. The percolating “Ancient Skies” is included, and its soaring melody line and piercing electric guitar riffs make it a standout on this album as well.
Beginning quietly, “Prodigal” builds to a clamoring celebration of our security in Christ’s love, the moody drum riff and profuse programming adding texture to the emotionally charged climax. The perfectly placed, winsome “Grace For Me” is a delicate charmer, and “Fly” is a veritable sonic stew.
Its rhythms are taut from the first, but a stately piano keeps it all in check under the soft brush work and Gungor’s supple vocals, while nimble picking quietly shines. It’s quite entrancing really, before a mid-track harsh turn into a dramatic, much heavier vibe, one that is not quite as successful, truth be told.
Bonus Track
The interplay of the rhythm section and programming on “You Alone” is thick with passion, and “Spotless” is once again achingly powerful and melodic. The thick guitars and percussion are almost overwhelming on “Heaven’s Song,” but the warm worship of “Glory Is Here” is particularly enthralling.
Its hushed piano fades out to the hidden bonus track, an acoustic prayer of repentance for the church, “a song for my family outside the walls of Sunday morning.” He pulls no punches, thankfully: “Please forgive our ignorance/in looking down on You/Please forgive our selfishness/for hiding in the pews while the world bleeds/while the world needs us to be what we should be.”
Ultimately hopeful and brimming over with faith, it’s a powerful closer, revealing the heart of Michael Gungor, a worshipper and sincere believer in the power of God.
Kevan Breitinger - My journey to this opportunity has been an interesting one. I've always been a rabid music-lover, tending to experience all things through ...
