Worshiper

Music in the past was always about ME trying to relate MY stories to others; to express MY heart and experiences to others with the intention of maybe sparking hope or in the least relatability. My change of mind and heart has caused me to lose interest with pouring out my heart’s content to people and directing it towards God.

But more than that, I long to move towards something deeper. I believe true worship is less about remaining in a place of egocentrism - inner expression, and moving past exposing and expressing myself- progressing even further beyond simply appreciating God and making him the focal point, but advancing beyond that to allow the deity of Jesus to truly be established in my heart, in a manner where He is elevated beyond me, my world, my thinking, my limitations and beyond my accomplishments.

I do not want to be the spectacle before an audience, I want to participate with others before an audience of one.

With the worship genre drifting more and more into its own sound, it's refreshing to hear a worship releases that incorporates elements of pop and rock in an organic way. "You Alone" captures some groovy electronic hooks and also has rock elements that make the song energetic and exciting. The rest of the EP's songs take a bit more subdued approach, while still mixing in plenty of upbeat energy and slow-building musical goodness. Fans of worship music should still find these melodies more than accessible. But those who crave a bit more musical and vocal dynamics should also come away with more to love.

JJFRANCESCO_NRT, STAFF REVIEWER NEW RELEASE TODAY

“Pastor and musician Aaron Rios’ debut EP, Hiding Place, is an eclectic mixture of the electric guitar moments of early Michael Gungor Band, the theatrics of Israel Houghton, and a sprinkling of Deitrick Haddon's soaring vocals.”

JOSH BALOGH OF JESUSFREAKHIDEOUT.COM