Indie Rock Show Review
by Sonia V.

Ephphatha
mark-seventhirtyfour (2005)

Produced by Barry Blair, this CD brings a solid rock flavor with a modern worship appeal.  Ephphatha, pronounced "e - fa - tha" is the Greek form of an Aramaic word meaning "To Be Opened", uttered by Christ while healing a deaf mute (Mark :34).  When I first received this CD, the insert read "If you like the band Inhabited, you'll love Ephphatha".  I love my indie - gone label side friends Inhabited and it was the genuine rock feel to their music that first drew me.  But Ephphatha takes the rock factor even farther in all truth where Inhabited has gone further pop in sacrifice of their recent signing. 

Lead vocalist Staci Gideon has a more approachable, mature and heavier edge to her voice that resembles Jennifer Knapp meets the earlier rock recordings of Margaret Becker.  The musicianship of the band and the production by Barry is a great overall listening experience taking the listener deep into spiritual realms with the lyrical content. 

Of the many strong musical compositions, most notable songs are the intimate offering "Fill Me", the updated rock version of Vineyard's worship chorus "Hungry", "U R the Flame", "Lift Me Up", "So Real",  and the popular Ephphatha radio release "Lay it Down" that is clearly a corporate worship anthem for the modern day Church desiring more edge than the Chris Tomlin songs that seem to be infesting worship teams these days; it offers a genuine rock edge untainted by tame pop music the recent worship movement claims as modern rock.  But this is definitely a CD for the believers who have read up on the scriptures.  You'll identify with many of the songs references and familiar phrases.  Definitely one to celebrate your life in Christ with and take you into a worshipful experience. 

Visit Ephphatha's website:  www.ephphatha.com