NEEDTOBREATHE: Rivers in the Wasteland

Band: NEEDTOBREATHE

Record: Atlantic

Rating: 4/5

Similar Artists: Mumford and Sons, Lumineers, The Avett Brothers

Genre: Country/Rock

Release date: 15 April 2014

"Yeah, isn't it amazing how a man can find himself alone

Call into the darkness for an answer that he's never known

Yeah, isn't it amazing how God can take a broken man"

For fans all over the world it has been a loooong wait since NEEDTOBREATHE's last album The Reckoning which was released back in 2011. It is easy to sense that Rivers in the Wasteland was created by a band in search of their roots - a band looking for a new start.

At the end of 2013, the release of their behind-the-scenes documentary Prove the Poets Wrong brought to light the troubles the band were having...they were falling apart from the inside and something had to change. The documentary brought with it the announcement of a new album, Rivers in the Wasteland.

From the outset, Rivers is a complete transition from what we have come to know. Instead of a powerful, rocky opener, the listeners are met with "Wasteland", a slow ballad declaring the amazing truth that if God is for us, then who can be against us!?!? The listeners are given an intimate insight into the struggles the band has faced. It is an incredible to see how the band makes itself vulnerable and uses its testament as inspiration for the new album and, in so doing, brings glory to God!

NEEDTOBREATHE bring their musical traditions from the Deep South to life in every song. There is a strong country feel to the album, with the band returning to their roots of slow anthemic rock. The whole album is drawn from the journey that God has led the band through. The lyrics proclaim incredible truths like that no matter where you find yourself, God is with you and has the power to bring you out of any trials and tribulations...all you have to do is trust in Him.

It is a lot slower than previous albums and so, some will probably not like Rivers in the Wasteland as much as their previous work. Despite this I believe it is a solid album from start to finish. One cannot help but appreciate their vulnerability and willingness to be open, but more importantly the fact that they are giving all glory to God!

Song of the album goes to: Wasteland