Discovering the spiritual Ooberfuse

I was in search of new Christian bands to feature in this column when I came across Ooberfuse and what a discovery it turned out to be. Ooberfuse is a young band based in London. The name comes from the German word uber, as in something over the top, while fuse means to blend. They blend music styles and various cultural influences in their songs. It is made up of Hal St. John, songwriter, vocalist, plays the synthesizers and the kulintang; Paul Francis Kelly, songwriter, vocalist, who plays the guitars and synthesizers; and Cherrie Anderson, songwriter and vocalist.

Discovery one. Ooberfuse was the big winner in the World Youth Day 2011 Global Song Contest with its composition, Faith In You. Remember how our very own Jamie Rivera interpreted the winning song Tell The World Of His Love composed by Trina Belamide in the same competition some years ago? The World Youth Day celebration that year was held in Manila. Last year’s was held in Spain, where Ooberfuse also won the hearts of many with its other song Unshakeable. This one was the assembly’s unofficial hit tune because it was played so many times.

Discovery two. The mellow Faith In You was written by Hal and Cherrie, who it turns out is a Filipino. Nice to know that though she is officially British, Cherrie is doing well out there as a singer/songwriter who is very active in the Catholic music ministry. She also composed Unshakeable plus other songs that we now have the chance to listen to in the album titled Still Love My Enemies. The CD took a long time getting released here but it is finally available on the Praise Music label.

Very pop and very spiritual is how I would describe Still Love My Enemies. Ooberfuse does not compromise. Their strong faith is the main focus of the album. The group is obviously still in search of its real sound. But though they may go rock, pop, dance, electronica and other song types in the album, the Christian message is ever-present and unwavering. Note how Hal cries out in the title cut that he also wrote which is about Jesus’ last hours on the cross: “Oh Lord, why did this happen to me/ Oh Lord, I still love my enemies.”

Aside from the WYD songs, Faith In You and Unshakeable, the CD also includes Exodus, Little Flower, Love Stupid Love, Summer Skies, Hidden Light, Lovecats, Don’t Cry Out Loud and Heart’s Cry Dance Remix. There is also a very important discovery I found in the latter. The CD cover gives no credit but it is no other but Pope Benedict XVI. He raps lightly to the dance track: “As Bishop of Rome and Successor of the Apostle Peter, I reaffirm, like my predecessors, that… hatred will never reign in the hearts of men again.” 

What a goal to strive for and how great to know that a band like Ooberfuse is helping to make it a reality.

More spiritual songs that you might want to listen to this Holy Week from the Praise label. This one is With A Thankful Heart, a collection of some of the most popular works by Don Moen. The singer, songwriter, violinist, concert artist and prayer leader has been a huge influence on Christian popular music for many years now. A good many of our composers of religious songs readily admit that they often draw inspiration for their works from Moen. 

What I like about him is that he is always able to get the spiritual message across without sacrificing commercial appeal. He is always sincere but subtle. That means he never tries too hard pounding lessons on his listener. I believe that it is this quality that makes his songs truly accessible to a big market worldwide.

 There are several Don Moen albums available in the stores but I think that With A Thankful Heart really compiles most of his best works. Among these are How Great Is Our God, Be Glorified, God Will Make A Way, Thank You Lord, Psalm 23, Painter Of The Skies, Lord You Are Good, Deeper In Love, I Believe There Is More and how apt for the Easter celebration, With A Thankful Heart.

To return to Ooberfuse and its Unshakeable, faith expressed through music, “Whatever tomorrow will bring, we will sing.” Have a blessed Easter.