Collective really has a great song here! Beautifully composed, with a clear directional message of revelation! Dynamic meter changes and strong form really drive the feel of this song home as the musicality and virtuosity of all involved shine through.
Truth Awaking is very well mixed, with clarity among all lines, and astonishing balance, as no one is overpowered or under-heard or represented. Exquisite job, well done. It is evident that this group has an immense connectivity, and are as their name suggests, Collective.
The meter changes really sold this for me, breaking the chains of normal form and providing a fresh feel. Especially in the verses, where the meter stays the same, but the representation changes, then culminates in the last verse, terrific work. Additionally, the build up to silence is always a winner, and it was very well executed in Truth Awaking. The vocal clarity and effects are also appreciated, as they add another layer of character that is often overlooked.
Hlusta á Truth Awaking:
Um rýninn: Rob Lawson is a Master’s Music Performance major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a percussionist, composer, conductor, and recording artist. He has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Horn Choir, Pit Orchestra, and Keystone Winds. He has composed, arranged, and premiered works for Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, and Brass Quintet at IUP, and conducted the Pep Band, Symphony Band, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Chamber Ensembles, along with various recitals. Rob graduated from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Music in Performance, was the Principal Percussionist and Timpanist of the Wind Ensemble, Percussionist and Drummer with the Beatles Band, and conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, New Music Orchestra, and various Chamber Ensembles. Rob also has experience with the recording process, both in front and behind the mic, from solo pieces to rock bands to full orchestral ensembles. He also teaches private lessons in percussion, conducting, music theory, and has taught high school marching percussion.