Sower Releases 'I WANT TO SEE CLEARLY' LP

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I’ve been a big fan of Eric Tuffendsam’s Sower project since connecting inadvertently last year over Instagram. Our initial conversations were around around the theological distress of the so-called Christian music industry and the need for greater clarity Gospel; in retrospect, I shouldn’t be surprised that all of these conversations were building toward Sower’s most complete work to date.

Before we get into the details of the music, I feel it necessary to explain this truly is a one-man show. Tuffendsam not only played all instruments and did all vocals (apart from a few noted guests, including the likes of No Treaty), but he also did all production, mixing, AND mastering. Most of the seasoned musicians I know will outsource at least one of these elements (typically the mastering), so the fact he’s pulled this off by himself is incredibly impressive and is a testament to his skills as a producer. Of course, would you expect anything less from someone who has recorded The Wonder Years? (Side note: if you’re in a band, you can find info on his studio here).

Sower’s latest release, a standard 10-song album titled I WANT TO SEE CLEARLY, is a project that seems to have sprung up out of the ground unexpectedly (pun intended). Last year saw two debut EPs and a few singles; the trend continued into this year, all while adding in a few psalms and a collaboration double-single. Throughout all of these, the lyricism has been bold (maybe even at the expense of artistry) and the compositions have been unyielding in their dynamic structures. But on the album, Sower has exchanged a looser concept for an overall stronger set of songs. There’s still a theme at play, as evidenced by the title, but the tracks oscillate between personal prayers (“Help My Unbelief”, “Born Again”, “Your Kingdom Come”), critical analysis of culture (“Hollywood”, “Eyes to see, but do not see”, “If You Don’t Love the Church”), and reflections on the Gospel’s transformative power (“Do Not Be Conformed”, “Two Edged Sword”, “Clearly Perceived”). The overarching themes are of discernment and wisdom – recognizing it is God’s Word upon which our hope, salvation, and sanctification rest.

Musically, the simplest comparison I might give is the energetic sound of early 2000s post-hardcore, emo, and pop punk. There’s more to it, including some atmospheric bits, but the bulk of it isn’t too obtuse. That’s the other thing Sower is adept at: conveying big truths through memorable melodies. If you’re looking for an easy way to memorize Scripture, you’ll easily realize the power of song is a great way to do so by the time you hit “Do Not Be Conformed”. I know Sower plans to continue to do more psalms, and these songs have the clear strength of writing the words of the Bible into listeners’ memories. Tuffendsam also bears his heart a bit, talking about struggles with grief, anxiety, and his own tendency to be tossed about by circumstances, all while pleading for strength and wisdom to rest firm in the foundation of the Gospel. This keeps things from feels too preachy or better-than-thou by adding in the context of his own challenges. At the same time, he doesn’t let everyone off the hook: there’s plenty of rebuke as far as Christian capitulating the instruction of the world and ultimately acting as enemies against the Lord’s Bride. These aren’t small topics, and they’re sure to be divisive to some listeners. Even so, Tuffendsam has the boldness to speak up where others are silent at worst – and unclear at best.

This album is an exciting step forward, and that’s not a small thing to say given the strength of the previous EPs. If you’re looking for a refreshing voice on how the Gospel relates to navigating the culture and our own lives, all topped off with incredible production and sing-along-level melodies, this is the album for you.

I WANT TO SEE CLEARLY is out on streaming platform and Bandcamp.

 

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J. Wornall
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J. Wornall
May 26, 2025 4:16 pm

I think this release is top 10, if not top 5 material for 2025. I plan on getting the vinyl from his website. but you can also listen to it and purchase it on bandcamp.

Last edited 17 days ago by J. Wornall

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