Waterdeep is one of those bands in “Christian” music that many people know about but don’t, for whatever reason, actually listen to. They have a long history, dating back to somewhere around 1994. They have gone through many members, they have flirted with major label support and they have been for many, the “if you like jam bands, then try the Christian equivalent,” partly because the band encourages live recordings and trading of said recordings of its performances, which often include extended improvisational periods. Yet through it all, the husband/wife duo of Don and Lori Chaffer have been the constant as has the musical vision.

It’s somehow appropriate and even romantic (in the idealized sense of the word) that Waterdeep’s newest album Heart Attack Time Machine is just Don and Lori Chaffer. After solo albums by each spouse and other collaborations, the Chaffers have resurrected not only the Waterdeep name but the musical identity behind that name. The website says: “Don and Lori played and sang everything on here, just the two of them. And it’s all acoustic but it’s not afraid to bust a move.”

Waterdeep has, over the years, been quite open in discussing their faith as Christians, but they have also written many songs that some would not consider “Christian” because they don’t explicitly state the themes that are there for those with ears to hear. Waterdeep stands as a positive example of a band exploring and applying biblical themes to a wide variety of life’s situations, not forsaking artistic integrity for theme-explicitness.

Heart Attack Time Machine is the first proper Waterdeep album (not a live, solo or “worship” album) since 1999’s Everyone is Beautiful. The feel of the album is very laid-back, and “comfortable” in the best sense of the term. There is just some music that seems like it’s been a good friend for as long as you can remember, even the first time you hear it. This is that music.

While some will definitely miss the drumming of Brandon Graves, Don Chaffer’s production employs tasteful experimentation and playfulness and in the end, fills in many of the “drum” spots with inventive vocals and other noises. There is still percussion, it’s just not done in traditional ways. The effect is quite warm and the full band, in reality, at least for me, is not missed because Don and Lori have succeeded in creating music that sounds full and complete. The music is acoustic but does not have a “folk” feel and is certainly not sleepy. There is enough vareity of tempo to keep your attention, even if “acoustic” music is not your normal cup of tea. After all, this is not a “normal” cup of acoustic music and that is a good thing.

The lyrics, in typical Waterdeep fashion explore the realities of life, the ups, the downs and everything in between, weaving the many threads of the Gospel through the tapestry of life. If there is one line that summarizes the explorations of theme, it is from the track “Easy Does It,” and it reads (or is that sings?): “Living in a cave, It’s easy to behave. To think we call this saved. Don’t you miss the sky?” Much of Waterdeep’s music explores the implications of getting out of our caves and basking in the glory of the huge sky that is the Gospel and this album is no exception.

For all the reality of the lyrics, there is always the hope of the Gospel as the closing lines of the closing song “Cold” remind us:

Large is the swelling of the ocean’s rage
So strong are its tides
It will pull you though you have a place
To anchor inside
Dark are the eyes that will never see
The kingdom of The Great Light
And my Lord, He smiles on everything
And to the meek, He gives delight

• Get the album from the band’s website
• Download the album from eMusic
• Visit Waterdeep’s website
• Read Waterdeep: A Short History for the Uninitiated