Mitch McVicker

Item: Chasing the Horizon
Author: Brian A. Smith

Chasing the Horizon

(2000)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

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Label Grassroots MusicThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

acoustic rock ccm folk rock singer-songwriter

Mitch McVicker gets by with a little help from his friends on his sophomore release, Chasing the Horizon. The former traveling companion to Rich Mullins and A Ragamuffin Band enjoys the presence of Mark Robertson as producer and on bass, along with guitar work by Rick Elias and contributions on various instruments by the ubiquitous Phil Madeira. Fellow Kid Brother of St. Frank Michael Aukofer co-writes one song, and Brad Layher sings and plays on the entire album.

That said, this project is not a Ragamuffin redux. McVicker's songwriting continues to mature with each new effort. This album seems a little more serious in tone than his eponymous debut.

While listening to CDs, I tend to look for three things: lyrical quality, musicianship, and what the songs trigger in my own mind. The opening track "Emmanuel" serves to remind us that God is here, there, and everywhere if we remember to look for Him. "Upside Down" shows us how to be content in all circumstances, and directs us to make God our first priority:

I'm living in a world that's upside down,
And blessed are the poor in spirit
I'm living in a world that's inside out,
Blessed are the pure in heart
Inside out and upside down
But I just might see God.

"Suits of Skin" is reminiscent of Romans 7, where Paul describes his struggle between the nature of God and his own, sinful nature:

He stands and knocks
On the door to our heart
But will we let Him in?

And later in the same song:

Well, I won't believe anymore
That what you see is what you get
We push our spirits down
Let our flesh come out on top
But He is still around.

"Watch Over Me" speaks of our struggle to see God in our lives at all times and how we strive to fill the emptiness when we don't feel His presence.

Rich Mullins' presence is in this project as well. "When You Love" is a new arrangement of the Mullins song, something that was discussed before his death. There's also a selection entitled "Rich's Song," a remembrance that will make those who knew Rich both laugh and cry. It serves as a comfort for anyone who has been impacted by Mullins' life and music:

If you chase the horizon long enough,
You just might lose the dark
You found the light
Or maybe it found you
And I'm sorry you had to part
Until I think about where you are.

Brad Layher's hammered dulcimer on this track also gently reminds of Rich, who featured the instrument on many of his songs.

Other highlights on this release include "Burning the Fields," which may have the catchiest chorus Mitch has ever written, and the final track, "Kingdom of the Heart."

In all, Mitch McVicker has earned a place in Christian indie culture, worthy to be spoken of in the same vein as Bebo Norman, Andrew Peterson, Caedmon's Call, and Ryan Long. I can only pray that the independent status of this release does not prevent it from being heard, as it is far superior to the standard fare on most CCM-oriented stations.

Mitch stated that he chose from over 50 songs he had written before choosing the 12 recorded here. I look forward to hearing the others in the near future.

4.5 tocks