Artist: GlassByrd
Album: Open Wide This Window
Genre: Pop/rock worship from
the writer of the song "God of Wonders"
 Marc
Byrd is a sojourner of sorts. For years he traveled
on the back roads of the alternative music scene with
his former band Common Children. With their brand
of emotion-driven rock the trio won the applause of
critics but were a commercial failure. As
a starving artist Marc’s music reflected God’s
faithfulness through the struggles he was facing. This
was especially evident on the group’s stellar
1998 release, Delicate Fade.
During this time, Marc met Christine
Glass. The two began a friendship through their
mutual label, Tattoo Records, and began collaborating
musically. Their professional bond eventually
led to a relationship and the pair married in 2000. Since
that time they have written songs for numerous worship
albums.
One of those songs, “God
of Wonders,” was born out of a time of poverty
and destitution in Marc’s life when he was
sleeping on the floor every night. Little did
he know that this composition would go on to be recorded
by Third Day, Caedmon’s Call, and Leigh Nash
of Sixpence None the Richer on the break-out worship
project City on a Hill. With this as
a springboard, Marc and Christine found the success
that had alluded them for so long and created their
band GlassByrd.
On Open Wide This Window the
couple strikes a balance between Marc’s trademark
emo-rock (think Goo-Goo Dolls) and Christine’s
pristine vocals. The title track starts the
album off by celebrating God’s grace which
is compared to “a song bird in the breeze.” Garnished
by a simple arrangement of acoustic guitars and gentle
percussion, “I Love You More” finds Christine
expressing her love to the Lord. “Mercy” praises
the Creator for his benevolence amidst broken dreams. A
fresh rendition of “God of Wonders” appears
featuring strings, shakers, layered guitars, Marc’s
gritty tenor, and Christine’s smooth soprano.
As a benediction, “Peace
to You” beckons sinners to rest in the tranquility
that only Christ can bring. “Through
faith we really believe that Christ gives us a peace
that passes all understanding,” Marc explains. “It’s
for the drug addict or the sex addict. It’s
for the bum on the street or the crooked Wall Street
guy.” It is eternal truths like these
folded into the record that give Open Wide This
Window such a unique quality.
- Jonathan Bartha |
