Louder Than The Music

Elias Dummer - The Work, Vol. I

Artist:

Elias Dummer

Title:

The Work, Vol. I

Type:

Album

Released:

08 Feb 2019

LTTM Rating:

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Review

Worship leader Elias Dummer, the former frontman and founding member of The City Harmonic, released his debut album titled 'The Work Vol. 1' This album is a collection of 11 bold and thoughtful worship songs that wrestle with questions of identity and discipleship in an age obsessed with image and achievement.

The album follows a successful near-decade run with the The City Harmonic who, with songs like “Holy (Wedding Day)”, the seminal “Manifesto”, were awarded Canada’s prestigious Juno Award, 11 Covenant Awards, and multiple appearances on the Billboard charts. In the years since the band parted ways, Dummer helped...
Read More Worship leader Elias Dummer, the former frontman and founding member of The City Harmonic, released his debut album titled 'The Work Vol. 1' This album is a collection of 11 bold and thoughtful worship songs that wrestle with questions of identity and discipleship in an age obsessed with image and achievement.

The album follows a successful near-decade run with the The City Harmonic who, with songs like “Holy (Wedding Day)”, the seminal “Manifesto”, were awarded Canada’s prestigious Juno Award, 11 Covenant Awards, and multiple appearances on the Billboard charts. In the years since the band parted ways, Dummer helped to plant The Village UMC, a fast-growing United Methodist church in Nashville where he now lives with his wife and five children.

At times you could easily think this was a City Harmonic album. You can forgive me for thinking this, as Elias was such a big part of the sound of City Harmonic. For me I loved The City Harmonic, they produced some amazing albums and songs, so I was glad that at times Elias kept a small foothold in that musical camp, yet on the flip side, he has shimmied sideways musically, which gives him space to produce his own style.

What I found after listening to the album is that these songs are stunning, beautifully stunning. These songs are full on worship songs, nothing is hidden - lyrically and musically. These are honest, I wouldn't say raw but personal, songs and personal words, but overall, always pointing towards God.

Elias mixes together a few different sounds on this album. From passionate worship sounds to intimate country sounds. There is a lot going on musically. Some songs are slow and relaxing and others are up front passionate songs, and there are a few songs in between. Then there's his delivery of the songs, which vocally is outstanding.

Fans of The City Harmonic will love this album, that kind of goes without saying. I also think even if you have never heard Elias' original band, you will love this new record. What stands out for me is how he makes different kinds of songs, from track to track, every song has a place and a story to tell and yet has its own musical character. That takes bravery and a great creative mind to make it interesting and acceptable. The only thing I can say is 'The Works' is a top top record.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Heartbeat
The Work
Enough

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Get 'The Work, Vol. I'

Track Listing

Elias Dummer - The Work, Vol. I

Listen

Review

Video

Articles

Elias Dummer Launches Crowdfunding Initiative For Highly Anticipated Sophomore Set

The City Harmonic's Elias Dummer Celebrates Success With 'The Work, Vol. I' Sale

The City Harmonic Frontman Elias Dummer Releases Debut Solo Album 'The Work Vol. 1'

Other Elias Dummer Releases

The Work Vol 2

How Many Songs Does It Take To Save The World?

See Clearly

Kyrie Eleison (It's Mercy We Need)

Carry (feat. JJ Heller)

The Gospel Is Rest