Christian Church of Jasper band releases 2nd album

Christian Church of Jasper outreach band Narrow Path has released new, original music titled “NP EP Vol. II: Long For Eden.”

The album is the second three-song release of original material from the band and follows the 2012 release of the band’s full-length album “And Still” and 2011’s “NP – EP.”

Defined by the modern rock sound of guitars, drums, and bass, Narrow Path mixes a cutting-edge sound with a message of hope found only in Jesus, according to the band. They attest to being committed to bringing glory to God with a sound unlike the standard in today’s Christian music world. Their style features original songs, soaring guitars, pounding drums and passionate vocals.

The album kicks off with the no-holds-barred rocker “Oh Lord, Hear Me,” exploring Psalm 143 in a modern context. The soaring chorus is one of longing, echoing the other songs on the project but with the addition of a wall of guitars, and driving drums.

Track two is “Lift,” inspired by Isaiah 40 and the foretelling of what John the Baptist would ultimately fulfill in the gospels. A moody mid-tempo rock song, “Lift” features airy guitar over a driving and tight bass and drum rhythm section.

The final track, “Long For Eden” is the band’s opus. Clocking in at more than seven minutes, “Long For Eden” lives up to its title track billing by delivering the biggest chorus the band has ever produced. Featuring a mid-song tempo change with a searing guitar solo, “Long For Eden” brings to mind epic tracks such as Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” or Alter Bridge’s “Blackbird.” Taking a cue from the book of Job, the song was also inspired by a mission trip to the poverty-stricken country of Haiti.

The recent album was recorded at Seven Hills Recording Co. in Evansville and produced by the band and Seven Hill’s co-owner Greg Pearce, who has also worked with bands such as the up-and-coming rock duo The Cold Stares. The album was mastered by Andy VanDette in New York City. VanDette has mastered such acts as Rush, Sevendust, Skillet, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Dream Theater, among others.

The band formed at the Christian Church of Jasper more than a decade ago and quickly set about finding their sound. Being the church’s sole worship band for many years, a tightness was developed. After moving to an outreach capacity for the church and away from regular Sunday mornings, the band has evolved into a modern-rock group not dissimilar from Foo Fighters or Switchfoot with soaring songs, meaningful lyrics and a touch of arena rock sonic bombast.

The band now includes Jasper, Ind., residents Daniel Ross, the church’s music and communications minister, on lead vocals and lead guitar, Mike Weisensteiner on drums, and Andrew Kieffner on bass. Huntingburg, Ind., resident Kurt Neighbors, also the church’s technical director, rounds out the band on guitar.

With the March release, Narrow Path has wrapped up several months of work, both writing and recording the album. “NP EP Vol. II: Long For Eden” is available in digital formats at online retailers such as iTunes, Amazon Digital, and Spotify as well as in CD format at the Christian Church of Jasper.

According to Daniel Ross, Narrow Path and the other bands at the Christian Church of Jasper continue striving to offer dynamic times of music worship with the goal of not only glorifying God but to also stretch the boundaries of what church music can be. He added their goal in realizing a creative God is not limited to one particular sound is to bring songs for people to sing in a musical language they understand.

For more information on the band, please visit www.narrowpath.us, their Facebook page facebook.com/NarrowPathBand, or on Twitter and Instagram @narrowpathband.