Rivertribe "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble"

Title: Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble
Category: World/Tribal
Artist/Group: Rivertribe
Rating:4.5 / 5

I Could Sing of Your Love Forever Northwest Shout to the North Gathering Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble Northeast Pour Out Your Spirit Open the Eyes of My Heart Homeward Morning Prayer The Blessing

Have you ever heard the buzz and rumble of a didgeridoo? Or an Irish whistle in cahoots with an African djembe drum? These are some of the captivating sounds from around the world that can be found in Rivertribe’s new offering, Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble.

Australian Mike Lane was playing in a funk band when his brother gave him two digeridoos – long wooden flutes made of eucalyptus branches hollowed out by termites. Originating from the Northern Aboriginal tribes of Australia, the didgeridoo is believed to be the oldest instrument in the world. Apparently this gift sparked a transformation in Lane’s understanding of music and ultimately helped forge Rivertribe’s soulful vision and sound. Somehow this music, which I can only describe as seamless soundscapes, manages to be age-old and contemporary at the same time. The human voice does make a guest appearance on the title track, but it hovers in and out, allowing the other instruments to transport you to a place that we all know, beyond the clutter and boundaries of words.

Not to worry, Rivertribe doesn’t fall into the “New-Agey” trap of droning you to sleep. In fact, my favorite is “Homeward,” an exuberant musical signpost to our Lord’s promise that His beloved are heaven-bound: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms...I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14: 1-2) In times like these, full of war and strife, it is a song of hope and joyful anticipation.

Listening to Rivertribe’s music reminds me why I like the ocean so much. It makes me tiny and fills me with awe of our creator. A friend once described the work of the Holy Spirit as the “yes and amen” that resounds inside of us in response to encounters with God. Sheep know their master’s voice. So give your eyeballs a rest, open the eyes of your heart, and join the mountains trembling at His feet.

With a big thumbs up, I leave you with the lovely words of Joy Davidman, which are featured on Rivertribe's website:

Imagine if for one moment you forgot the self and its desires and its rights; you gave a scrap of your life away, and in return you get this incredible candle in the heart for a moment. What if the candle never went out, but spread and strengthened and filled your whole consciousness forever? What new and miraculous life might you hope to get, if you ever managed to throw your life away entirely? That is what Jesus told us to try for. The full blaze of God's love, inexpressible delight of soul and body, joy beyond all joys. That is what we were put into the world to find; and the world itself, seen clearly, exists primarily to help us find it; as a hothouse to nurse our growing spirits along until they are strong enough for the unimaginable outdoors we call heaven."

        – Joy Davidman (wife of C.S. Lewis), 1955

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