Review – “The River”

Pocket Watch Sensibilities

My grandfather worked in various railroad companies for many years before becoming a pastor and I remember the “cool” factor when he would casually pull out a pocket watch from his suit. He probably didn’t think much of it, but as a young boy, I thought his collection of pocket watches were so interesting. This lead to me purchasing several of my own during my high school and college years (in the era before smart phones). 

To me, there was something truly wonderful about a great pocket watch. It captured a vibe of “years gone by” and married it with modern design. They were, at the same time, classic and fresh. Vintage and new.

There was a band in the early 2010’s that… if you’ll hang with me for a second….was like one of those pocket watches. Pacific Gold, out of Seattle, was only around for a few years. However, their output in those years resulted in that classic-but-yet-fresh feel.

They would describe themselves as “Indie-folk-psych-gospel band playing repurposed hymns and spiritual songs.” They sounded like the Beach Boys mixed with… Arcade Fire…and a Sunday service at the Baptist church? Something like that? 

In 2012, they released a five song EP called “The River,” and it encapsulates why their sound worked… and (sadly) the real potential they had for more.

Track Highlights

“Alas And Did My Savior Bleed” leads everything off in a strong fashion. In just a five song EP, there is no room for fluff but Pacific Gold doesn’t play that game anyway. From the opening notes, this older hymn that I knew growing up gets a whole new life. 

If you are waiting for a new bridge or some add-on to these ancient hymns, you’ll be waiting forever. Pacific Gold forgoes the trendy move of adding new lyrics – the original lyrics win the day. However, as you get to the end and hear the “Ooohs” and “Aaahs,” you will feel their production choices that elevate that sense of freshness.

If you are in the mood for a musical treat then you must queue up their version of “Shall We Gather At The River?” This track showcases that unique mix of sounds, hymnal lyrics, and fresh arrangements that Pacific Gold is/was capable of. 

The first half of the song builds slowly with a stomp/clap beat alongside the familiar lyrics. Then, at the midpoint, it bursts into a “melody of peace” in a whole new way. I could add more words here….but you just need to hear it (loudly) for yourself. Shall we gather at the river? Yes. And should we play this song as we do? Absolutely!

Best Of The Best

“Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” must be mentioned here as well. The hymn is an earnest call upon Jesus to lead and guide. “Jesus, Savior, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea.” Who doesn’t need that? And who doesn’t love songs that use words like tempestuous?

Pacific Gold again display elite production choices by keeping things simple. Guitars, drums, and now even some strings beautifully incorporated. Nothing dominates. Instead everything compliments the song. Every choice feels right.

In a way, the song’s arrangement embodies what it is singing about: a ship being expertly guided through dangerous waters. This allows the time-tested lyrics to retain their power. “When at last I near the shore, And the fearful breakers roar, ‘Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on Thy breast, May I hear You say to me, I will pilot thee.”

“How Long (Love Constraining To Obedience)” opens with a simple acoustic sound before the addition of fun percussion and lyrics like “How long, how long beneath the law I lay, How long, how long, I struggled to obey.” It’s the words of someone who has spent too many years trying to “earn” God’s love with obedience and good works.

The song builds into something more resembling that Arcade Fire sound but brings good news like, “To see the law by Christ fulfilled, to hear His pardoning voice, Can change a slave into a child, and duty into choice.”

As I grew up a pastor’s kid, I cannot begin to describe how this old hymn resonated with me. For years, I thought “holiness” was just “avoiding the big sins.” I also “struggled to obey” and needed the beauty of the Gospel to hit me.

It is when I see Christ perfectly live the life I could not and die in my place that I am set free. The “duty” of obedience becomes a choice I can gladly go after.

In a sense, the song is a celebration of the Gospel and the freedom that comes with it. As the song hits the last 20 seconds, there is restraint shown as much of the instrument is pulled back. Just the echoes of “how long, how long,” and gratefulness fills my heart again. Christ sets me free, not my works.

Pacific Gold would go on to release another four-song Ep and a full length album (and I fully recommend you listen to both!). However, it seemed like that was it for their output. For whatever reason, after their album in 2015, it seemed they were done (though I would heartily welcome a return).

Yet, they remain in my playlists for good. Maybe in the age of everyone having a phone in their pocket it seems the pocket watch is no longer in fashion. But stuff that is timeless sticks around. Truth that endures in a melody of peace. That stays.

Thanks for reading.  Your comments and insights are always welcomed.  If you enjoyed this, please share it.  Want more content?  Check the archives, my youtube channel, or listen to me on the Cross-Cutting Culture Podcast.