Caves ‘Cash EP’

Written by: Laura Chambers (3/3/2017)

The Canadian duo of Josh McCabe and Matt Shaban, also known as Caves, come bearing warnings, sorrow, and a glimmer of optimism in their latest EP Cash.

Taking on the mantle of an Old Testament prophet, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”, featuring Andrew Hyatt, comes with a message of warning to those who persist in sinning; eventually God will bring your hidden deeds into the light. It’s only a matter of time.  I’m not sure what word best describes the sound of this song; I get this sense of a guy sitting in a chair, one leg crossed over the other, arms crossed, head cocked sideways, kinda going, “uh huh, that’s right” with his eyes. “Ain’t No Grave”, featuring Trevor McNevan of TFK fame, switches to the New Testament, maintaining that when Jesus calls us home to heaven, the grave won’t be able to keep our bodies from answering the sound of the trumpets. Casual at first, there’s an unexpected blast of energy midway through.

“The Man In Black” is a melancholy ballad that tells the story of a man who wears mourning clothes continuously. He explains that he does so as a tribute to those who are victims of circumstance and injustice, as well as a reminder of those who thought they were justified in their beliefs by God, but in fact weren’t. We can’t just pretend that these things aren’t happening. The gently convicting “What On Earth Will You Do (For Heaven’s Sake)” asks us what actions we will take to advance the kingdom of Heaven. Several suggestions are given, ranging from giving sacrificially to sharing the Gospel to loving those who have wronged us.

This EP was not what I was expecting; instead of lighthearted praise and worship, Cash delivers a sobering warning to the complacent that still manages to leave room for hope. (Though I still haven’t figured out where the title comes from.)

3.5/5