The Arctic

Canadian band The Arctic released their debut EP, Reverberate, in August. While the group lay claim to the title of "worship band," their musical output doesn't immediately bring that to mind. The EP opener (after an ambient intro), "Searchlights," is really upbeat and -- while it's unashamed in its messaging -- doesn't play out like the worship music you'll hear today. The guitar lead in the title track is a nice one, but the song shifts more to that "worship" style of music. "Lost Lover" features another British Columbia band -- Coalmont -- and is a slow song that features a softly picked guitar that gives way into some bigger drums in the second verse. The guest vocals provided by Stephanie Esau are fantastic and give the song a great dynamic. The slower number builds and hits full crescendo around the 3:31 mark, before slowing again for Stephanie as she sings, "I want to show you love; let Me show you love. Never-ending, all-forgiving love. So please don't hide My treasured bride; come be satisfied." This one is all-around the best on the EP. "A.P.O.A." picks up the tempo yet again and has some shades of Jars of Clay in sound and structure. The title is a shortened version of "A Psalm of Adoration," and the lyrics are those of praise to the Lord. It's certainly the most fun listen here. The EP closes with "City of Light." The track has a bit of a folk flavored sound and an enjoyable rhythm. The EP is fairly short, but you get a pretty good taste of what the band is about. The lyrics are worshipful in nature, but the music, aside from "Reverberate," stays away from the modern worship formula. The production is solid, but could benefit from some tweaking. Singer Luke Vandevert has a suitable voice, but does get outshined by Stephanie Esau's guest appearance. With that being said, the best of Reverberate definitely comes in "Lost Lover" and "A.P.O.A." Both are good tracks for different reasons, but "Lost Lover" is far and away the best the EP has to offer. If you're looking for some new music with a worshipful message, look no further than The Arctic's introduction. Reverberate could be just the thing you're hoping to find. - JesusFreakHideout.com

Chilliwack band, The Arctic, will be releasing its EP Reverberate this weekend, and are celebrating with a concert worship event the day before the release.

The Arctic, with special guests Coalmont, perform this Friday at The Vineyard in Chilliwack.

The Arctic is a worship project from a collective of musicians that pursue after God through music and soundscape. The main artist in the group is Luke Vandevert, who works collectively with various other musicians including Christiaan Van Wyk (Chilliwack), Nate Daase (Chilliwack), Aaron Rathjen (Langley), plus others.


Reverberate is a six-song EP. The Arctic’s first single, Diversity, was released earlier and is available on iTunes, Spotify, and CD Baby.

Most of the songs are created with the intent of focusing on God and growing in understanding of him, while at the same time allow for expressions of praise, lament, thanksgiving, and sometimes frustration to the listener.

The Arctic’s songs feature reflection on the body of Christ as heard in Diversity, the desperation of seeking alertness in Searchlights, and vulnerability in worship like Reverberate. Some songs are written stories or thoughts that reflect on situations, like Lost Lover which focuses on loneliness.

This collective group travels around meeting with churches of all denominations in putting on worship events. The Arctic has teamed up with many talented musicians and songwriters over the past years to put on these events, including artists like Ryan McAllister, Coalmont, Marika, Alex Toney, Achor, Daniel Kikkert, and many more. - The Progress