New Fugitive Patrick Schlabs recently released his EP, Creaturewords. Follow the link. Support him.  

Here’s a review posted by Peter Clark:

As a worship leader you won’t find many as firmly rooted in as sound a theology in both corporate and individual worship as Patrick. You know this if you’ve ever heard him lead worship, and it comes out in his writing. His songs are very well thought out while remaining deeply emotional and creative. Lyrically this album is both simple and profound holding to his philosophy. Where many might be tempted to hang on to a line of a song because of an emotional or aesthetic appeal, Patrick has clearly put in the time and effort to allow his values to shape each word of the songs until they match his standards. There are even a few occasions of allowing others, most notably Ryan Culwell, to help complete songs. There is a very poignant theme to this album stemming from A.W. Tozer’s writing on the subject of mere creatures trying to put words to worth of the Creator of the Universe. The album progresses incrementally, song by song revolving around this central theme and hinging on the title track “Creaturewords”.   So, I stick up both of my thumbs for the lyrical content.  

As for the music, this is Patrick’s forte. He gets it as few do. His shaping of songs seems effortless. Patrick has one of the best minds for production that I’ve seen and this album showcases it. Creaturewords has a folk feel with instances of a slide guitar, banjo, C3 organ, and accordion supporting Patrick’s masterful electric and acoustic guitar playing that I know and love. The guitar tones are noteworthy. The instrumentation is balanced and soulful. The melodies are accessible and memorable. The vocals are perfectly arranged and feature the indelible voice of Natalie Schlabs, his sister, and his wife Meg’s angelic harmonies. Any misgivings arisen by nepotism will be quickly erased upon hearing their addition. The music stands on its own, yet manages to play a supporting role to the song’s content which just can’t be ignored.

All six songs on Creaturewords are engaging, drawing the listener to participate and connect you with the subject. It is a great listen, and at $5.94 for the download, the album more than worth it. Sit down with a hot drink. Turn up the volume. Remember. Worship. Enjoy.